WineXpert Italian Brunello Selection International

[geek]

Just got this kit delivered today,

It came with 2 packs of hungarian oak chips for primary.
It came with grape skins pack for primary.
It came with Oak cubes only for SECONDARY per instructions.

My first italian wine....

 

[geek]

This kit came with 2 packages of EC-1118 yeast. The instructions just say to pitch the yeast but not specific about the 2.

So I pitched both packages last night. That would be ok, correct?

Man, let me tell you that I like what I see so far, the body, flavor and color of this juice was impressive, it is a 18L kit and it came with a grape skins pack, very nice pack with crushed grapes btw. I think the total water added was about 1gal and a little bit more to go to 6gal.

..

 

[tonyt]

Just bottled that one a couple weeks ago. Started in Jan. With a few grams of ft rouge tannin to help keep that lush dark color. And went three months in the barrel. It was very good at bottling. Will have to hide this one for a couple years.

 

[bkisel]

Way to go! Sounds like an awesome kit. Is this your first WE kit? Where did you order it from?

WE lists the "Oak Intensity" as HEAVY, reading your description I can see why.

 

[geek]

bkisel, I order from labelpeelers.com, I'd like for them to become sponsors of this site. They have the best prices on everything, hands down.
This is my 2nd WE kit, I always do juice buckets but decided to try this Brunello style, LOTS of juice in the kit (18L)...
tony, did you use both yeast packages?

 

[chrisjw]

So I pitched both packages last night. That would be ok, correct?
..

According to my notes, I used both yeast packets when I made it last year. I think most kits come with too little oak so I actually added 2 med-plus French oak spirals as well. It was overkill but I like oak.

 

[Pumpkinman]

Varis,
It sounds like a decent kit, but you really need to let it age, I don't think this is one that should made and drank within a few weeks.

 

[USA_WineMaker]

Enjoy it as those kits are a great buy for the money. Good wine too!

 

[geek]

Varis,
It sounds like a decent kit, but you really need to let it age, I don't think this is one that should made and drank within a few weeks.

Tom,

yes, that is my plan, to age it for almost a year and then see.

 

[geek]

I wonder why the instructions have a big note or statement saying NOT to add the oak cubes in primary....just wondering...
It only came with a 60g pack of hungarian oak chips, and those chips are different than what I'm used to, very tiny/smaller.

 

[roger80465]

geek, it can take 8-12 weeks to get the full flavor out of cubes, where chips and powder give their all in a week or so. Your wine will be out of the primary long before the cubes give their flavor. Better to hold those for secondary and reap the full benefit.

 

[geek]

That's the plan, I think I will add some American med toast oak chips tonight.

 

[cimbaliw]

WE has done a nice job with the selection international series. At least around here the price has stayed the same but now there is more juice in the kits. To hear you have a G pack ups the ante. If you have any questions they have been very good about getting back with me in short order, the three time zone difference doesn't hurt. How much did you pay for the kit if you don't mind me asking?

Bill C.

 

[geek]

Bill,
I paid $104 plus shipping (around $20 something); my order had other items as well.

This is my first italian, and Brunello, and I am impressed with this..!!

 

[cimbaliw]

That's what I'm paying locally and feel I'm getting my money's worth. Silver box (this year's model) or old blue?

 

[Tess]

I just ordered this one. Cant wait. Thanks for the thread!! I ordered the Silver. I hope its the same

 

[SouthernChemist]

Mine is about 1 year old, but I haven't bottled it yet. Do plan on aging it at least a year or longer had shown consistent development over last several months. I personally find the oak level to be just right at this point. The should be the same regardless of the box's appearance. I believe only the SI kits without grape skins were increased in size to 16 liters. The grape skin kits have been 16.4 + 1.6 liters since they came out.

 

[geek]

That's what I'm paying locally and feel I'm getting my money's worth. Silver box (this year's model) or old blue?

Bill, the new silver box. This online store is located 2 miles from LDCarlson and they always have fresh products. I am not affiliated with them at all, found them through Amazon.

Tess, you will like it when you get it, the aroma, flavor, body, smell, the skins pack, everything seems really good so far. I cannot even describe the aroma of this grape, smells so good...!!

 

[USA_WineMaker]

I have the grape skin Brunello which I just started drinking - excellent! You cannot beat WE products for quality and price.