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[Markd]

Hello everyone!

I am new to the forum. I am going to be starting my first Wine kit soon. I want to know which kit to start with. I would like to make a Merlot. I was thinking of doing the W.E. kit but everyone on here seems to like the kits with the grape skins? Are they harder to make and should I start with something a bit easier? I want a hight quality finshed product...

Thanks!!

 

[robie]

Welcome to the forum.

Kits with skins or raisins are not really harder to make, just a couple more steps. All the kits I have made, with the exception of a couple of mist kits, have had either skins or raisins. I would advise you to put the skins in a muslin bag, at least with your first few kits. It makes racking much easier for a new winemaker.

The W.E. Stag's Leap Merlot does not have skins, but I have heard nothing but good about it. I would call it a premium kit (IMO).

Regardless, if you are looking to make the best wine you can, I'd start out with the better premium or ultra-premium kits.

George at finevinewines.com has some online videos that will show you how to make kits with skins.

Good luck and keep us posted as to what you make and how they turn out.

If you have questions, ask away.

 

[Markd]

Thanks Robie!!! I was lookign at the Stags Leap... I heard some good things about it in the forum....

 

[robie]

It will make a great first kit for you.

Have fun!!!

 

[Runningwolf]

Mark, Welcome to the forum. I agree if you want a good merlot you will have to start out with a big kit. When i first started out I made a smaller kit for a friend and he was very disappointed in the way it turned out. If you're use to good bold reds then buy a big kit.
Now with that said you are looking at 12-18 months to fully reap the rewards of it. So my suggestion to you would be to either make two kits or make an early drinker first, If you're making winexpert kits the Island Mist blackberry merlot is a very good choice and you could be drinking it in 6-8 weeks while you're waiting for the other one to age.

 

[ffemt128]

Welcome to the forum. I have to agree, Kits are the way to get started, you can get a realtivey inexpensive kit and be enjoying the benefits in as little as 6-8 weeks. I know everyone will say that you need to let it age 6 months a year before tou drink it but lets face it. The first kit will likely rarely make it past 3 months. In that time period get a second kit and get started then let this one age. You will learn a lot of the basics from a kit. After that the possibilities are endless.

 

[Tom]

Mark,
Welcome. Fresh juice is in NJ and that can be another option for you. I know a place on Orange's that you can get it.
Yes get a big ($$) kit its worth the extra $1+ per bottle

 

[robie]

The Island Mist blackberry merlot is a sweet, very quick drinker. However, it is not much more than a glorified wine cooler. They are perfect for parties.

I made two similar kits just before summer, a banana/pineapple viognier and a sangria with Seville oranges. We drink them poured over a full glass of ice, not something you would do with a nice merlot. They didn't last long, as I served them at various parties. All my friends always assumed I would bring my mist kits to every gathering... until I finally ran out.

I'll likely wait until just before next summer to make some more.

Making one of these mist kits first would give you some experience and they are drinkable right away. As already mentioned, you can sip on these while your nice kit is aging.

Just look at all the options you have!!!

 

[countrygirl]

i agree with making something u can enjoy while your "big kit" is aging. wish i had found this forum before buying that first kit. now it's aging and i'm making others to try to "catch up". thanks goodness for skeeter pee, lol

 

[Wade E]

IMO there aret many Big wine kits that are god without the skins additions but must say the Stags Leap is one of the best. They do require much more time aging though so if youre looking for something to drink make something first like a white wine as they come around much earlier.

 

[mmadmikes1]

The WE merlot kit turns out with what bis called kit taste, it is a little sweet. Tasted some my sister made and I didnt care for it

 

[Markd]

WOW.. thanks everybody... you are a great help!!! I think I am going to start with the Stag's Leap... that should be good for next Xmas.. right? I will make some other kits in between... what is a good white? My wife likes Pinot Grig... ? Whites usually tast good in a shorter amount of time???

I also ordered he WE Blackberry port because I love port and it made my mouth water hearing you guys talk about it.. Is that a hard kit?

Thanks for all the help!!!!