WineXpert California Sauvignon Blanc Rosé

[Ajmassa]

Well in theory you are drinking ~96% Sauv Blanc, 4% Merlot.

And it tastes extremely good and I'm glad I took your advice adding whole pack and going dry. I have nothing but good things to say about this. I just wish I'd done 2 of these and made one that I backsweetened to see how they differ.

 

[jgmann67]

We opened a bottle after about a week to have with dinner. It's probably a little shocked still. But, it was still very tasty.

 

[cubluffs]

First post here. Have been stalking for a few months - first kit completed in March. 2 others in process. Finding this hobby to be highly addictive. Broke down and ordered the kit this weekend thanks to all of you jokers . Wife and I like it dry so will add the f-pack up front.

For those of you who added additional sugar to increase SG - what type of sugar and how much? Is it best to make a syrup or can I add it straight?

 

[Ajmassa]

Welcome! I added 1.5 cups worth of regular granulated cane sugar in a simple syrup mix to raise from 1.085 to 1.090. The syrup makes for an easier mixing, though adding it dry would still get the job done.

 

[Redbird1]

I must have added more of the fpac up front than I thought I was doing at the time. When I added the remainder it only bumped the gravity from 0.991 to 0.996. Just a hint of sweetness. I like it, but I think my wife would have preferred a little sweeter after I had been describing it that way to her. Is there any way to make it a bit sweeter without disturbing the overall flavor or should I just leave it be? If possible, I might split the batch and have some of each.

Moving forward I'll start weighing my fpacs when I plan to split them.

 

[ibglowin]

Add some simple syrup till you get ut to where you want it. Just make sure you have added the Sorbate package.

Is there any way to make it a bit sweeter without disturbing the overall flavor or should I just leave it be? If possible, I might split the batch and have some of each.

Moving forward I'll start weighing my fpacs when I plan to split them.

 

[Redbird1]

Sounds easy enough. I bought some syringes a while bit I can put to good use. I'll leave half as-is and sweeten the other half a little more. I added the sorbate a day before the remainder of the fpac, so I'm good to go on that front.

I appreciate the quick response!

 

[cubluffs]

Happy 4th of July weekend folks! Just wanted to post an update on my kit. I added the entire f-pac up front and capitulated. SG was 1.090. Followed steps in kit, fermented to 0.994, cleared, degassed, etc. Tasted the wine at that point and was a little too dry, didn't taste balanced. Ended up adding sorbate and back-sweetened with 1/2 cup simple syrup. Now it tastes just right. If I could do this kit again, would have gone with 1/2 f-pac up front and 1/2 at end, as most other folks did. Also, didn't have time to source a good yeast alternative to ec-1118.

That being said, I'm learning a lot and having fun. Thanks to all vitners on this site who have inspired me to not be afraid to adjust the kits to my liking. End product will be a wine that we enjoy thanks to the minor tweaking.

 

[DG2001]

If anyone is looking for another kit, Homebrew Supply has some that they just listed for $99.99 and use the "TAKE40" coupon. Comes out right at $60 before shipping. I just ordered 2 more.