Adding sugar to increase SG

[joeswine]

the easiest way to go, 1 quart = 1%, simple syrup

 

[StimVino]

Primarily I make my wine from fresh juice buckets in September/October. I have noticed that although the wines are good, they lack some oomph. The SG varies from bucket to bucket. Rarely is it higher than 1.090 and it has been as low as 1.030 and everything in between. If I added sugar to the juice to raise the SG before pitching yeast, would I get a wine that has some alcohol in the nose and on the tongue?

Thanks

If by ‘oomph’ you mean higher alcohol, then by all means add sugar. If you want more body, then add tannin. Tannin is needed with juice for body, unless you are also adding skins.

 

[vinny]

If by ‘oomph’ you mean higher alcohol, then by all means add sugar. If you want more body, then add tannin. Tannin is needed with juice for body, unless you are also adding skins.

I took oomph to mean predominantly buzz factor. ABV ads to taste and fullness, but when I said I was given grief about my Dragon's Blood, I was politely relating that I got comments like, is there any booze in it?

 

[wineview]

I took oomph to mean predominantly buzz factor. ABV ads to taste and fullness, but when I said I was given grief about my Dragon's Blood, I was politely relating that I got comments like, is there any booze in it?

My daughter in law made the same comment which got me thinking. Then I started this thread.

 

[BigDaveK]

Just my opinion, I think that dry type Country / Fruit wines lose their balance over 12% ABV. I do sometimes make a sweet wine, but I think you have to adjust the Fruit amount accordingly, otherwise the extra alcohol spoils the wine..
The few times I feel the need for a bigger boost, I drink Whisky or Vodka.!

I agree. A couple of my earliest wines could have been better - but at the beginning I was following recipes, 3-4 lbs fruit. My current thinking is the more fruit the better.

 

[wineview]

Everclear was mentioned earlier on this thread. How much would be prudent to add to one bottle of wine without getting crazy.

 

[Ohio Bob]

Everclear was mentioned earlier on this thread. How much would be prudent to add to one bottle of wine without getting crazy.

If you want to increase 1 bottle of wine 1% increase in ABV, then add 9ml of Everclear 190, or 12ml of Everclear 150.

 

[wineview]

If you want to increase 1 bottle of wine 1% increase in ABV, then add 9ml of Everclear 190, or 12ml of Everclear 150.

Would vodka impart a flavor change in the wine? I am assuming Everclear would not.

 

[Ohio Bob]

Would vodka impart a flavor change in the wine? I am assuming Everclear would not.

As long as it’s not a flavored vodka. To increase 1 bottle of wine 1% ABV, using 80 proof vodka, takes 29ml of vodka.