The rewards and frustrations of home winemaking

Tag archive: wine kit

Bottling Sauvignon Blanc and Italian Brunello

To keep the cellar fully stocked, we *really* some sauvignon blanc.  This kit was touted as a quick-drinker, and I’ve been really happy with the lower-end white kits.  I bulk aged this wine an extra month (out of laziness and lack of time to bottle). I did have to filter this one, the low-end whites […]

Pacific Quartet is Soooo Gooood

We’re really plowing through the Pac quartet, it’s such a great summer wine, so refreshing.  I saw it marked down online, so it was a no-brainer to get another kit.  I wonder how long the second batch will last …..

Cab Merlot Tasting

VERY foamy. “Soapiness” mostly gone, nose predominately of red fruits, including bing cherry and plum. Very smooth flavors of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, slightly tart but not overwhelming. Pretty long finish as well. Coming together very nicely, even if it is taking its time!

Australian Chardonnay Tasting

Finally ready, just in time for summer! Citrus and oak in the nose. Crisp, slightly tart flavors of green apple and pear with light butter notes. Very nicely balanced, great!

Riesling Tasting

Light floral nose. Very clear, pale golden yellow in color. Crisp, slightly sweet flavors of apple and white peach. Tastes GREAT! Yum!

Bottling Pacific Quartet and Chianti

The Pacific Quartet is very nice for day of bottling. 10.3% final alcohol, no oak, but did have a “susse-reserve” pack added after secondary fermentation. Did not filter, but wine is still very clear and very light greenish-golden in color. A lot of acidic notes in the nose, with citrus and apple. Zingy flavors of […]

Bottling Chilean Carmenere/Cab Sauv

This kit came with 60 grams French oak AND 60 grams toasted oak.  I “let” this one bulk age for an extra month (i.e., really didn’t have time to deal with it).  14.5% final alcohol.  Got 30 full bottles + 2 full glasses! Not filtered. A little soapiness on the nose. Very dark garnet in […]

Australian Chard Retasting

Even though it’s only been a few weeks, I wanted to pop another one to try.  Still not quite ready. However, after a few days in the fridge it did mellow out and was quite drinkable. It’s close!

Australian Chardonnay 4 Month Tasting

Coming together very nicely, almost there. A little off odor in the nose, strong scent of oak with nectar. Nice flavors of peaches, apples, and some pear with oak integrating nicely. Actually, tastes a lot like a caramel apple. Doesn’t taste quite like chewing on a stick like it did when younger. Should be ready […]

Bottling Limited Edition Riesling

After the foam mess, I skipped the optional second racking of this wine, since I already lost so much volume in that debaucle.  As a result filtering was definitely necessary.  But, it all seems OK after everything that went wrong. Very nice at bottling, should need about 2-3 months to be more drinkable. Nose of […]