The rewards and frustrations of home winemaking

Tag archive: barrel

Syrah Stink Update

Last weekend the barrel of 2010 syrah had NO free SO2 detectable with the Vinmetrica SC-100. I added another 1 1/2 tsp of Kmeta, and tested the free SO2 again yesterday. I noted that the odor of acetone had already subsided, and happily the free SO2 is up to 20 ppm. I added another teaspoon […]

Barrel to Barrel Syrah

I finally got around to transferring the problem 2010 syrah from one barrel to another. The acetone aroma was definitely present, though not so bad in the taste. If I let a sample sit out in a cup for a while it seemed to dissipate, so hopefully a good splash rack and some sulfite will […]

Syrah Day

Today I’m finally getting around to taking care of the 2010 Syrah we just brought down, plus I need to stir and check the progression of the MLF on the 2011 Syrah.ย  My Hands-on Winemaking class did the initial test for lactic acid in all four batches of the 2011 Syrah last Sunday, and all […]

Syrah Goes for a Ride

Paul and I are not happy with the way the 2010 Syrah is tasting.ย  It has been hanging out in the Flextank for about a year now, with oak cubes, but it just tastes kind of closed up.ย  Supposedly the Flextank “breathes” like a barrel, but right now I’m not buying that.ย  We both agreed […]

As the Lees Settle

Another full day of wine racking and shuffling!ย  Dave sent me an email that the merlot barrel needed to be topped, so first I racked off the smaller bottles of merlot and took 2 cleared bottles to the office winery to top off the barrel.ย  I thought I had enough to top off and leave […]