Recent content by JimCook

Tbachta, In my experience, the use of pomace in a second fermentation does in fact add the character of the skins to the wine but with two points to note. One, if you are adding the very small amount of skins that comes standard with a kit (normally a liter or so in volume), it's simply not...

I have been more and more pleased with this kit as it sat for more time. Now at over two years old, it really shows some dark fruit character as the base. I hope you enjoy the proverbial fruits of your labor. - Jim

Jackie, The other two wines are some bottles that the labels didn't want to come off of so well so I hang onto for decoration along with a couple of others. The two in the picture are a little Vouvray white wine from France that had impressed me for the price on a warm summer day last year...

I'm glad you like it, Al. The picture I included was just the wines that I had made - there were about an equal number of commercial wines opened as well. - Jim

At my post-holiday inventory reduction tasting event this past weekend, several of the bottles of wine I had made were opened. The most impressive (by my opinion as well as end-volume comparisons) was the Mosti Mondiale Meglioli Rojo Intenso. As I've said before, it's amazing what a little time...

Al, Yes - a pup. But one day, I will have the knowledge and experience to draw upon that someone of your caliber has. That I am looking forward to. :) - Jim

Thanks, everyone for the birthday wishes. :) - Jim

As a point of reference, I'm paying around $1.30-$1.80/pound for fresh California grapes this year, which is higher than last year at least in part due to transportation pricing increases. There are disadvantages to having a central location, at times. - Jim

Wango, I've had great results with barrels from Vadai. - Jim

Ttortorice, Your signature says, "Do what's right, not what's easy." Blending wine is right - it's now some of the most commercially desireable wines in the world are made. In the least, take two wines that you have already bottled and mix different proportions into glasses (this works best...

Salmo, F. Colavita & Sons produces the grapes that you can get if you are local in relation to George's store. I've used these grapes in the past and found them to be of great quality for the price. If you happen to live in another state, here's the page on Colavita's website for more local...

Lynn, Here are three posts about blending that should get you started... post 1, post 2, post 3 - Jim

Robert, Since oaking levels are as subjective as the rest of wine, be sure to check the oaking levels by taste testing. Most every kit that I've made has exhibited the simplicity that you mentioned and most so during the first year of age. My personal experience has shown that the aromas...

Mike, Very cool. If you do end up pursuing fresh grapes in the Fall, there are at least two different suppliers that will be somewhat close to you. Welcome aboard and back into winemaking, - Jim

Mike (mebcat), Welcome to the forum! I live out in Buffalo Grove - are you in the city proper or one of the nearby areas? - Jim