These kits make very good wine, and if you follow the enclosed instructions and keep your equipment clean then it should turn out great. If you want to make sure the wine if of the highest quality I would not suggest adding anything that is not included in the kits as it can affect the acidity...
The Meritage is a typical Bordeaux style blend using Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc grapes. This kit is from Australia however so the tanins are not as prevalent as a french bordeaux red and it has a beautiful rich quality to it. It is one of my favorite reds and I have just...
Adding 7 cups of dextrose (corn sugar) will increase the alcohol content by about 3%. I recommend dextrose because it is a mono sacchyride and is easier for the yeasts to break down. (regular sugar will work however.) You can check the potential alcohol by testing the SG with a hydrometer before...
Do you know how old the kit is? White wine kits that have been sitting on the shelf for a long time can darken in colour to the point that they almost look brown. If it does not have off tastes or aromas it should be fine. If its still too dark when finished you can take some of the colour out...
The white ring is normal for these kits but does not effect the wine it is just unpleasant to look at. When you bottle it will stick to the side of the glass in the carboy and produce a film. It can be remedied by an additional racking after 6weeks
How long do you leave the wine in your primary fermenter?
The wine sitting on the lees too long can pick up that bentonite or even a yeasty taste.
I would recommend first racking after 7 - 10 days to avoid this problem.