Picture logging my spring batches

[Ajmassa]

Since I really enjoy and benefit from seeing different posts of pictures logging different aspects of winemaking from people, I wanted to nerd out and do the same. (Joeswine kit tweaking pics being my basis) I've been making wine with my family and myself for many years, but only a year ago did I start taking it much more seriously.
I planned on doing a 6 gal pale of Chilean Cab/merlot blend and pre-ordered. Then decided id attempt my 1st MLF Went to a new spot to buy some things and walked out with 3 lugs of Cab grapes. 2 weeks before my juice pickup.
I had to shoot from the hip figuring this out. And with lots of help from this forum I feel comfortable.
I'm going to make these separately and possibly blending them down the line. Running MLF during AF on the grape batch, and then using the skins directly into the juice after pressing, trying to time everything perfectly. I've learned the skins will already have the yeast and malo active so no need to add any more aside from some nutrient.
After freezing the grapes for a few days I started the process about 8 days before the juice pickup. I've been pretty obsessed with my wine lately and I had fun putting this together so I'm sure I'll be updating as I go. And obviously I'll have some more questions! Thanks for all the help getting me to this point already.

 

[Ajmassa]

unfortunately the pics lose so much quality in uploading. Hydrometer reads 1.096.

Could not figure out how to post these with small thumbnail pics. Will try to figure it out before I post more

 

[bkisel]

Was the picture taking and captioning more of an effort than the wine making?

Nice job on both.

 

[Ajmassa]

Not at all! Ever since I had to photo shop a disgruntled family member into a big family picture that they were not called over for it's since become a little hobby of mine.

 

[Johnd]

Well, now you're officially hooked and just as insane as most of the rest of us.................enjoy the winemaking, the smells will start to rock your world in a few days as the alcohol starts to come on. I miss that smell!!

 

[Ajmassa]

The smell is my absolute favorite part. And still reminds me of my grand pops basement.
I've been hooked. MLF and grapes are just upping the ante. What are your thoughts on the opti malo add? I guessed. Was it way off?

 

[Johnd]

The smell is my absolute favorite part. And still reminds me of my grand pops basement.
I've been hooked. MLF and grapes are just upping the ante. What are your thoughts on the opti malo add? I guessed. Was it way off?

Just went and measured a teaspoon of OptiMalo for you, it weighed 3.6 grams.

 

[Ajmassa]

Wow thanks! I figured you may have just remembered off hand. Not necessary but thank you.

 

[AkTom]

Nice. I like pictures. Maybe next year I can get crazy with some grapes.

 

[corinth]

God bless your daughter. i think she deserves a new iphone
corinth

 

[Johny99]

Great job, both the wine and the pictures. I do love the destemmer, crusher! I miss mine.

 

[Ajmassa]

Cant wait to see how these develope. Depending on how much I lose to lees, I may end up blending to two 5 gals for aging.

 

[Johnd]

Cant wait to see how these develope. Depending on how much I lose to lees, I may end up blending to two 5 gals for aging.

Looking good!! I have a little helper like that, last time I let him run the press he told me that he thinks the press juice is "yummy", had to put an end to that!!

Looks like the timing is working out pretty good for your plan, the yeast and MLB are back in business with new sugar and malic to work on, keep us posted.