Red Wine Grapes - Do I need yeast?

[xriddle]

If it's your first batch, I would definitely start with EC-1118. It's the easiest to work with and most forgiving as you get used to the process. Not sure if that's what you meant - you seemed to conflate K1V-1116 and EC-1118. I've never used (or seen) K1V-1116 so I don't know anything about it. Your best bet is EC-1118 as it's the surest, most reliable and over-whelming of commercial yeast strains.

Sorry i meant "I've been able to find K1V-1116 and EC-1118 locally" I was leaning towards the 1116 as the 1118 seems like its better suited for Champagne. Both seem to be forgiving.