Please help improve this thin red

[KatyDinkle]

When we moved, I lost track of the info on a 6 gallon carboy of red wine. I rarely make red and only use kits for them. Within my notes, I did find an unidentified kit instruction (I don't know why I didn't record the type) with some notes. I think this is the red I'm dealing with.

Just sampled it and the taste if decent but very thin - feels like water but leaves a nice red wine taste behind.

What can I do to improve it at this point? Here is it's history - I think!

Started kit early October 2013
Racked to carboy early November 2013, SG 1.000
Month later degassed and cleared (kit included kieselsol, chitosan and stabilizer)

Been in carboy - untouched until today - since November 2013

Should I add glycerin?

Thanks for your help.

 

[knockabout]

I would say pour yourself a half glass add one or two drops glycerin mix very well and drink it..compare to without glycerin and see if it will do what you are hoping for.

 

[BernardSmith]

What if you were to stabilize the wine and then add some fruit concentrate to increase the flavor ? For example, elderberry or cherry juice or some such from something like Vintner's Harvest. The idea is not to add more sugar but more body.

 

[Julie]

First off, I'm not a fan of glycerin, that is just my personal preference. So my idea is to give it some more mouthfeel without having to use the glycerin. I agree with what Bernard says about adding some fruit concentrate. If nothing else you just might create a blend that you will love. Another thing I would do is take a ph test, your ph should be around 3.4 to 3.6, if it is higher than that add some tartaric acid to bring it down to range. Another think is adding some tannins.

 

[cpfan]

When we moved, I lost track of the info on a 6 gallon carboy of red wine. I rarely make red and only use kits for them. Within my notes, I did find an unidentified kit instruction (I don't know why I didn't record the type) with some notes. I think this is the red I'm dealing with.

Do you at least know the brand?

Steve

 

[KatyDinkle]

Do you at least know the brand?

Steve

There is an 800 number on the instructions which I did call (to determine the kit maker) but they were closed today (Sunday) and the message did not identify the company (strange but true). I'll check tomorrow.

 

[KatyDinkle]

What if you were to stabilize the wine and then add some fruit concentrate to increase the flavor ? For example, elderberry or cherry juice or some such from something like Vintner's Harvest. The idea is not to add more sugar but more body.

Thanks. I think I'll start with this idea and move onto glycerin only if needed.

I'm still aging some cherry wine I made last summer (with fresh fruit). So far, I'm not thrilled with it but maybe I'll try mixing a glass of this with the red before buying fruit concentrate.

Thanks again!

 

[olusteebus]

If I were to add fruit I would consider making blacberry wine fro concentrat (1 gallon) and blend later you also could consider gum Arabic over glyceriin