I've made that kit a couple of times. I would use a Merlot for topping and would certainly add French Oak. This kit does not make a true Pinot Noir but it does make a decent drinkable cheap bottle of wine. I think you will like it.Thanks.
As well, the kit came with no oak !
I'm not expecting too much from this kit, as it was inexpensive (Paklab), however I'm using it for some practice tweaking.
I was thinking of med. French chips/beans in for bulk aging?
Or would this be too much for Pinot?
Should I start another thread on this?
So....I went with just a cup of medium toast Frenck oak, boiled, and added what was left of the water as well. Smelled amazing! I thought it a good idea to use a muslin bag that I had left from a grapeskin kit, to hold the chips....ah.. no.....it won't fit in the neck of the carboy. Thought it was a good idea. Topped up with half bottle of merlot, and it's off to bulk age. Fingers crossed.
One other question: Should I add K-meta at this point? The kit had a packet of "stabilizer." that I don't remember seeing in the other Paklab kits. Would that be k-meta or sorbate? I typically add 1/4 tsp K-meta for bulk aging, but I'm not sure if it's already there?
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