WineXpert Chardonnay

[geek]

Ok, so I'm making this thread to ask for recommendations on a good Chardonnay kit. Tried a commercial bottle of Columbia Crest (Columbia Valley 2012) and REALLY liked it.

That one won 90pts I think.

Never made a Chardonnay before, so don't know about oak/no oak, etc and how long bulk age before it shines in flavor.

Also, would you take the plunge buying a high end kit like RJS En Primeur or WE Eclipse (either around $146 shipped) ? Or buy a 16L kit?

 

[cpfan]

Looking at the fact sheet, the wine that you liked was aged in oak.

https://www.columbiacrest.com/our-wines/2012-grand-estates-chardonnay

Steve

 

[Putterrr]

Never made a Chardonnay before, so don't know about oak/no oak, etc and how long bulk age before it shines in flavor.

Also, would you take the plunge buying a high end kit like RJS En Primeur or WE Eclipse (either around $146 shipped) ? Or buy a 16L kit?

I have made the EP Primeur Chard twice now (second time battonage) and it is quite spectactular. Very big on mouth feel and flavour. The kit comes with 3 oak packages (i think). (both bottled at 6 months) I use to say that it didn't make a difference with whites if you made premium kits or not. I dont say that any more. Try an 18L kit and judge for yourself. Then the next time someone posts about this topic, you will be able to offer an opinion as to whether its worth it or not. Warning: following my advice may lead to spending more money on future kits as its hard to go back to lower priced kits.

cheers

 

[geek]

I have made the EP Primeur Chard twice now (second time battonage) and it is quite spectactular. Very big on mouth feel and flavour. The kit comes with 3 oak packages (i think). (both bottled at 6 months) I use to say that it didn't make a difference with whites if you made premium kits or not. I dont say that any more. Try an 18L kit and judge for yourself. Then the next time someone posts about this topic, you will be able to offer an opinion as to whether its worth it or not. Warning: following my advice may lead to spending more money on future kits as its hard to go back to lower priced kits.

cheers

Once you bottled at 6 months, did you start drinking or aged more?
Also, what yeast came with it?

 

[Putterrr]

EC1118

We start drinking them at 6 months. We consume more reds than whites so it doesn't take long for them to age longer in the bottle. Bottled it Oct 16th so they are already 9 months old. Had one last night with a smoked ham. Both were very good.

cheers

 

[heatherd]

I make both kits and wine from grapes/juice, and currently have a WE Selection 16L kit in primary.

Here is my question:

Presumably, the Columbia Crest wine went through MLF to get the buttery taste that we all enjoy in a commercial Chardonnay.

Do kits with oak approximate those commercial wines? Or does a home wine maker need to do a juice bucket, use MLF, as well as oak to get there?

Heather

 

[Boatboy24]

I make both kits and wine from grapes/juice, and currently have a WE Selection 16L kit in primary.

Here is my question:

Presumably, the Columbia Crest wine went through MLF to get the buttery taste that we all enjoy in a commercial Chardonnay.

Do kits with oak approximate those commercial wines? Or does a home wine maker need to do a juice bucket, use MLF, as well as oak to get there?

Heather

I think you can get close with a kit if you use battonage.

 

[geek]

I think you can get close with a kit if you use battonage.

Another thing I have heard of but need to understand.....I know is about stirring the lees but need to dig into this more...can it be done with a kit?

 

[heatherd]

Try this link to instructions from Wade on battonage for a kit:
http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f6/battonage-instructions-3199/
Heather

 

[corinth]

chardonnay: wine expert

HI, I asked the same question and this was the reply.
chardonnay-mid-range-kit-suggestions-

Just in case:Then I got turned around into the voignier and there were a bunch of suggestions there too.

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f84/recommendations-voignier-48294/

let me know what you choose.
Corinth

 

[heatherd]

And here is another battonage link with additional information written by Tim Vandergrift, including that it is not for red wines:
http://winemakermag.com/924-sur-lie-wine-kits
I think I will give this a try on my in-progress Chardonnay....
Heather