WineXpert Apres Chocolate Raspberry

[bakervinyard]

I started a Chocolate Raspberry Port last weekend. Looking at the directions they are different then the last kit I made 10 years ago. Now it’s says to add all the chaptalization pack all at ounce. Last time I added it in3 stages. Anyone have any comments? I’m thinking going with 3 stages.
Thanks, Bakervinyard

 

[DavesWine]

When I made mine I didn't add the F-Pack until about 6 months of aging. I added all of it but regretted that after I tasted it as it was a little sweeter than I would have liked it. Add it in stages and taste in between until it gets to where you like it.

 

[Khristyjeff]

I followed the directions except I also added a fresh raspberry f-pac. Turned out very nice. My kit had me put in all at once.

 

[Mekpdue]

I went back and reviewed my notes on my Apres Choc/Rasp desert wine. Fermented in March. I dumped all the Chaptilazation pack in at once. After AF and secondary, I aged till late Oct. Bottled (sampled-Delicious), and brought it out at Thanksgiving. A big hit and I just followed the directions. I’m down to a bottle maybe two.

 

[bakervinyard]

Thanks for the reply’s. I’ll follow the directions and then fortify it with brandy.
Mekpdue, what was your final ABV ?
Bakervinyard

 

[Mekpdue]

Mekpdue, what was your final ABV ?

I started off with a SG of 1.120 (I also added 1lb of sugar to primary to get to 1.120) it finished at .994 giving it around 16.5%.

Great aroma! I wrote that in my notes too! I think the raspberry comes thru very nice on smell and taste. I’ll be making this again soon. Enjoy!

 

[winemaker81]

I added the chaptalization pack all at once, as per the directions. I had misgivings, but it worked fine. My regular notes and an "In Detail" blog are here:

https://wine.bkfazekas.com/2022-chocolate-raspberry-port/
https://wine.bkfazekas.com/2022-chocolate-raspberry-port-in-detail/
My ABV came in at 17.7%. If I had it to do again, I'd fortify to 19% or 20% with EverClear 151 proof, and skip the sorbate. Sweetness is what I expect from a port / dessert wine.

I bottle wines like this in splits, as I drink a LOT less of it than I would a dry red (or white), and having 30 bottles it lasts longer than 15.

 

[bakervinyard]

Brian, thanks for the reply and I really like your detailEd notes.
Bakervinyard

 

[Jovimaple]

I have done 4 of these kits and always chaptalized in one step with great success.

My last batch was actually kits #3 and 4 fermented together. It came in at 18%. It's delicious!