WE Diablo Rojo..smells VERY odd

[Rob Kneeland]

Trying my best to let some good stuff age, so I launched a Diablo Rojo kit. Day 5 and it is fermenting gangbusters, but what a different smell! Would anyone care to compare the finished flavour to a commercial wine? Or grape? Not sure that I am looking forward to it. Making it mostly per directions but will leave the sweetener until last minute so I can taste as I add. Not a fan of sweet wines.

Thanks bigly

 

[sour_grapes]

Well, can you give a shot at describing what your "different smell" reminds you of?

 

[Rob Kneeland]

Well, no sulfur, no vinegar. Just not "grapey". Kinda like candy. Like it has nothing to do with real grapes at all. This AM the rising alcohol is changing things a bit. I have read reviews of this wine describing it as "different". Smells REALLY different. But time will tell. Just wondering if fans of this wine would compare it to a commercial wine.

I will say that the fermentation is vigorous.

 

[Chinook]

Well, no sulfur, no vinegar. Just not "grapey". Kinda like candy. Like it has nothing to do with real grapes at all. This AM the rising alcohol is changing things a bit. I have read reviews of this wine describing it as "different". Smells REALLY different. But time will tell. Just wondering if fans of this wine would compare it to a commercial wine.

I will say that the fermentation is vigorous.

Well, thanks, forewarned in forearmed. I just bought this kit as I am intrigued by the profile. It seems similar to another Chilean Kit Rio Grande Rojo. which I really enjoyed. Apparently the Diablo is derived from a Merlot variation. I think perhaps these might be be similar also to Spanish Tempranillo.

I saw other posts on this forum about a different and unique smell. I shall look forward to experiencing that. At least I know not to worry about it. I usually enjoy the aromas from vigorous fermentations.

 

[WillShill]

Made Diablo last year and experienced the odd smell and even odder taste,I’m ageing it as well and have 25 bottles in storage mostly because I can’t bring myself to chuck them , drank two bottles of awful wine.

 

[Chinook]

Made Diablo last year and experienced the odd smell and even odder taste,I’m ageing it as well and have 25 bottles in storage mostly because I can’t bring myself to chuck them , drank two bottles of awful wine.

Interesting - there are mixed reviews. I guess I will find out, One description says like an off-dry Merlot. I guess i will find out will do it in Jan. and I will pass a few bottles around later on to get some feedback from my circle.
I will add some blueberries in the primary (600gm) as per Joeswine's general advice,, maybe even 600 gm more black cherries in the Secondary. I would choose those fruits based on the profile.
If it is odd for some people maybe fruit-ifying the taste will make it more standard.

 

[Chinook]

I'm in day 4-5 from pitching Diabo Rojo Winexpert.
So investigating the "smell" - took the lid off, the smell not penetrating the room, but it's winter, I got the primary covered in towels and my nose may be off.
It is very noisy - it is in full ferment. There is no strong pleasant aroma like in other Red ferments I've had.
Put my nose in it - got a shot of nitrogen?, ouch!... had to back off.
...
So tried again later several times have to put my head in the pail and leave it there for a while.
Yes, I can smell something different, it is different can't quite get it, somewhat pungent.
OK So a slightly different smell not spectacular. Something is there , I'm sort of neutral to it. Could be expected a disappointment as it is not a beautiful aroma. Yeah maybe somehow it is missing the "grapey"
I got medium oak in primary as well as 600 gm of Red Raspberries.
.
I'll keep on smelling, I'll get to the bottom of this.
If I have to smell and drink every last bottle, I'll make a detailed investigation of this mystery.

 

[mumptia]

I've done rwo Diablo's. Mainly because the ladies say it's just like factory "Apothic" and they really liked it. Super sweet and fruit forward with a med+ body.
Don't know about the odd smell, but both have smelled very strong but fruity in the primary when I put them down.

 

[szap]

You sure you're not just getting the alcohol smell.

 

[Chinook]

You sure you're not just getting the alcohol smell.

I think the smell is slightly different. I don't find it too odd nor would I have normally paid much attention to it.
I think perhaps the main difference is that is not aromatic and is fruity and something a little different maybe more than just alcohol but really nothing to get excited about.
The wine is very good tasting and popular by most reports. I selected it because it has a profile similar to Spanish Tempranillo and Rio Grande Rojo , both of which I like.

 

[szap]

I have made it several times and it's always a big hit especially for those who like their reds off dry. It also has a more pronounced berry flavor.

 

[KitKat17]

I have made it several times and it's always a big hit especially for those who like their reds off dry. It also has a more pronounced berry flavor.

Did you do anything extra to it or did you make it as is? I am starting this next week and it’s my first time. Super nervous Any tips or advice?

 

[joeswine]

the candy nose can come from not enough delusion and hi sugar content.
Just a thought also not being stired throughly leave different levels of stratus in the wine..
could be.

 

[Rob Kneeland]

Taste is subjective to be sure. Many months later it is still not for me. It may be the first wine that goes down the drain. I don't think I made any errors in the process and followed directions, mostly.

I even WAY prefer the Argentia Costco kits.

Transitioning to grapes anyway, just that this one was very different.

 

[wineh]

Taste is subjective to be sure. Many months later it is still not for me. It may be the first wine that goes down the drain. I don't think I made any errors in the process and followed directions, mostly.

I even WAY prefer the Argentia Costco kits.

Transitioning to grapes anyway, just that this one was very different.

If you're not short of bottles, just put them away for a year, then test again. It's a sin to throw away wine!

 

[Lukaswine]

Taste is subjective to be sure. Many months later it is still not for me. It may be the first wine that goes down the drain. I don't think I made any errors in the process and followed directions, mostly.

I even WAY prefer the Argentia Costco kits.

Transitioning to grapes anyway, just that this one was very different.

I bottled it last March and did not like it until the 13th month of aging. It definitely more enjoyable! I didn’t do anything different from the instructions.