WineXpert WE vintners reserve barolo

[jrt]

First off, I am new to wine making.
Secondly, Ive seen that these kits come out a little thin when it is time to bottle, does subtracting a 1/2 to 1 gallon water help this issue? Other reviews concerning similar kits, with a similar problem, have said it is an effective way of producing a better product.
Third, any other advice?

I will also be using oak cubes instead of the powder that is supplied.

 

[grapeman]

First of all welcome to the forum.
Raisins or a grapepack can help with the body issue, but this is a good drinking wine as is. It may be a bit thin, but then if you want a premium wine you could start with a better kit. I wouldn't keep out water as that will interfere with the balance of the juice youbegin with and may affect the kit. You will also be short a lot of wine at racking and need a smaller carboy or add a lot of boughten wine.
Also the powder will give more oaking quicker than the cubes.
Since you are new, I would follow all the directions so you have a reference point to use for future. If you have a problem, you do not know if it was your methods or a problem with the kit. If you have a problem and call the dealer, you might not get a lot of help if you did not follow directions and changed a bunch of things.

 

[ibglowin]

Like Appleman says, welcome to the forums!

Never top off with water, only some type of (inexpensive) neutral or similar wine. Adding in some post fermentation finishing tannin like Tancor Grand Cru will help a lot with the mouthfeel and lengthen the finish. The cheaper the kit the less amount of TDS (total dissolved solids). This is what will start to react with each other post fermentation making longer and longer chain molecules as time goes by and this is what makes for increased mouthfeel.
Biggest piece of advice, you want a better wine, start with a better kit. You can't put lipstick on a pig as they say. The Mosti Mondial Renaissance kits are probably the best bang for the buck IMHO. Lots of Italian varietals as well. The CC Showcase series and the RJS Winery series are even better for a bit more cash. The bigger the kit, the longer it will take to mature but the longer it will last on the shelf as well.

 

[jrt]

thank you for your replies. I made a mistake by taking some advice and purchasing this kit. I am still excited though.
when and what is the best way to apply the raisins if I go with adding this option?

 

[grapeman]

Add them in right at the beginning and it will add solids, sugars, etc to the fermentation.

 

[tonyt]

Jrt, welcome. The guys that already replied to you are terrific, listen to them. What I might add is that the less expensive kits are said to be drinkable quicker. So make your WE kit by the instructions then start a MM Renaissance, CC Showcase or RJS Winery kit while you drink the WE Vintners. You're in for loads of fun.

 

[joeswine]

AMARONE TIME

TONY T ,ITS XMAS TIME TO TRY THE AMARONE,THANK YOU JP

 

[tonyt]

AMARONE TIME

TONY T ,ITS XMAS TIME TO TRY THE AMARONE,THANK YOU JP

Yep, and I've got a bottle of your wine here to open during the Holidays.

 

[joeswine]

TONY T.

DIDN'T OPEN UP THE AMARONE YET i THINK MAY WILL BE 2 SEASONS ON THE BIG BOTTLE AND SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE SMALL ONE,I figured it was a good move not to open either until then...still not easy not to want to try.

 

[joeswine]

USING PATIENTS ,ON THE OPENING TONY