Other Amazon Fontana kits

[wineview]

I was looking at a Pinot Grigio Fontana kit on Amazon. In one of the reviews, the user stated that the starting SG was 1.056. Is that why these kits are so cheap?

 

[Ohio Bob]

Probably not. The SG is just a function of how much water you use to reconstitute. Those kits might not include extras like the more expensive kits. Such a oak chips, skins, etc.

 

[Khristyjeff]

I was looking at a Pinot Grigio Fontana kit on Amazon. In one of the reviews, the user stated that the starting SG was 1.056. Is that why these kits are so cheap?

I believe the Fontana kits are designed to have an ABV of 11-11.5% unless you add sugar or reduce water to raise the ABV.

 

[wineview]

The extras are not important. I have all those supplies in my wine room. Also I would make a five gallon batch instead of six. I think I’ll give it a try. I can always tweak.

 

[Rocky]

The extras are not important. I have all those supplies in my wine room. Also I would make a five gallon batch instead of six. I think I’ll give it a try. I can always tweak.

If my calculations are correct, even a 5 gallon batch would yield a less than 10% wine. I believe you will have to chaptalize in order to get something on the 12.5-13.5% range, which is typical for Pinot Grigio. I suggest determining the final ABV you desire and working backward to a starting SG.

Also, I would imagine Joe at @joeswine has probably made this kit and you may want to contact him for advice.