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**DirtyDawg10** · 03-22-2012, 07:58 PM

So after being enticed by some of Wade's wines and studying up on the forums here I will be starting my first wine kit tonight

I went out and picked up an Advintage FC Collection 23L Blanc de St Vincent wine kit. It is a blend of Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. It is dry which is what I am looking for. The kit I was originally going to do was out of stock so I went with this one because it was recommended by the shop I bought it at.

I was debating leaving out the oak chips but am not 100% sure what I will be gaining or losing from doing this. The reason I am debating it is because I got a nice discount because the oak chips were missing

Are these grapes typically "oaked" when making wine? I thought it was mostly chardonnays that were on the oakey side for white wines and the kit does say it's optional.

robie · 03-22-2012, 08:25 PM

If the wine originally came with oak, I would suspect the blend is centered around oak. You can still buy oak chips from most LHBS.

Welcome to the forum.

Affe · 03-22-2012, 08:30 PM

Oak chips aren't expensive, good luck with your kit!

If you're anything like me, you'll be overly anxious for the first month or two, and after that you'll have to start remembering how long it has been aging!

Be sure to start saving up those wine bottles in the mean time!

**DirtyDawg10** · 03-23-2012, 12:49 AM

So I picked up 3oz of french oak on my way home tonight. Do I add the whole bag?

**DirtyDawg10** · 03-23-2012, 12:51 AM

Light toast

**DirtyDawg10** · 03-23-2012, 01:23 AM

How much k-meta do you add to a gallon of water for sanitizing?

**Randoneur** · 03-23-2012, 01:38 AM

3 Tablespoons for 1gallon of sanitizing solution. Careful, vapors are harsh. I put the items in a bucket with a half gallon of solution, wet everything, and cover with a new trash bag and let it set for 15 minutes.

**DirtyDawg10** · 03-23-2012, 01:43 AM

OK thanks...that way I can also sanitize the fermentation bucket at the same time

**DirtyDawg10** · 03-23-2012, 03:16 AM

Done and in the fermenter. SG was at 1.090. I guess I'm officially making wine. The only issue I came across with this kit is that the 23L bag of juice is very awkward with the top off because of the weight.

Wade E · 03-23-2012, 11:22 AM

Looks like your on your way my friend. I personally dont like oak in these lighter style white wines but that is personal preference! As for how much to use if I were going to use it Id go with 1 ounce and remove when fermentation is done. You couls also wait until fermentation is done and add them after you taste it and decide then if you want to oak it.