Thanks to everyone for the input / and possible kit tweaks
Thanks to everyone for the input! I've been pointed to and read lots of interesting threads about different ways to achieve an inexpensive but quality early-drinking red (either via radical tweaking or more direct approaches). I *intend* to keep things a little more simple this time around and have ultimately decided to go with WE Mezza Luna Red which is on its way. However, being one of those folks that have a *really* hard time coloring between the lines, I'm considering couple of simple tweaks. Namely:
1) Adding 8-16 oz zante currants
2) and perhaps some tannin or oak cubes to primary.
I have been making mead for almost ten years, so I've developed a good feel for fermentation, used tannin and oak on many occasions, and most importantly, have learned patience (I still have 20 bottles of a most excellent 8 year old dry Orange Blossom mead). But, the goal of this batch is to have some enjoyably drinkable red wine in 3 months, with perhaps a modest improvement over an evidently solid kit. I'm excited to start a CC Red Mt Cabernet immediately afterwards and plan to bulk age this for a year before bottling.
Any suggestions on my potential tweaks? Amount of currants or oak? Or ditch the tweaks and establish a baseline for a solid low end kit?
Thanks to all. Really enjoying this forum.
Cheers!