Kit Life

[Dave West]

I have come into possession of two wine kits, originally purchased at Costco, that are now over 6 years old. One is a pail of Argentinian Malbec; the other a box with both Merlot and Cab Sauvignon. Should I even consider trying to make these kits or should I consider them dead.

 

[salcoco]

they may be oxidized, but I would try to rejuvenate the wines. first dump all of the chemical and yeast. go ahead with one of the reds and add the water to get to 23l. do a taste test if not un pleasant proceed as follows. for each liter of wine measure .5 grams of powdered milk and dissolve in 5 ml of water. for 23 litters that would be about 12 grams of milk in 115ml of water. stir the wine vigorously so that there is a deep whirlpool, pour the milk solution so that it is below the surface of the wine. it should develop brown curds. let it settle for 2-3 days rack and proceed with fermentation. if taste is too neutral add a fruit concentrate to up the flavor before fermenting. once fermentation is complete rack and make sure wine become clear after about two months,then filter down with 1 micron filter. if you have good luck with the beginning on one proceed with others.

 

[Ajmassa]

The box could just fine if the juice is sealed in bags. The pail- depending on the type and seal, may actually already be wine! Lol. Or is it a pail with bagged juice and chems within it?

 

[sour_grapes]

they may be oxidized, but I would try to rejuvenate the wines. first dump all of the chemical and yeast. go ahead with one of the reds and add the water to get to 23l. do a taste test if not un pleasant proceed as follows. for each liter of wine measure .5 grams of powdered milk and dissolve in 5 ml of water. for 23 litters that would be about 12 grams of milk in 115ml of water. stir the wine vigorously so that there is a deep whirlpool, pour the milk solution so that it is below the surface of the wine. it should develop brown curds. let it settle for 2-3 days rack and proceed with fermentation. if taste is too neutral add a fruit concentrate to up the flavor before fermenting. once fermentation is complete rack and make sure wine become clear after about two months,then filter down with 1 micron filter. if you have good luck with the beginning on one proceed with others.

Sal, I would love to learn from you. What wast that milk suggestion aimed at? Is that to test for pH, or something else?