Hello All!
Getting ready to make my CC Showcase Zinfandel, which I am very excited for! I've put together my plan of attack and wanted to see if anyone had some feedback for this particular kit/style. I've read through a bunch of threads, and the only thing I'm not too certain about are whether any more oak/tannin additions are necessary. Let me know your thoughts!
1. Start the kit with the juice and skins pack
-will not use Bentonite (or other clarifiers), as I plan to bulk age for a year.
-will not use nylon bag for skins pack.
-plan to fill primary to 23L mark (checking SG to aim for 1.100). Don't think I need to concentrate but adding less water?
2. Oak chips: 3 packs are included with the kit. American oak medium, Medium Heavy oak blend, American oak light. I imagine that this would be sufficient?
3. Pitching BM4x4 for the yeast.
4. EM is planned for about 3 weeks (although I see some of you go up to 8 weeks!).
-should I do more than 3 weeks?
5. Rack to carboy and bulk age for 1 year.
-No plans for additional oak/tannin (not sure if anyone has any recommendations?)
6. Bottle
It's my first time making this kit, so I was thinking of making it to spec to give me a baseline. But I also don't want to miss an opportunity to help improve this wine as I plan to age for a while.
Looking forward to any suggestions!
Getting ready to make my CC Showcase Zinfandel, which I am very excited for! I've put together my plan of attack and wanted to see if anyone had some feedback for this particular kit/style. I've read through a bunch of threads, and the only thing I'm not too certain about are whether any more oak/tannin additions are necessary. Let me know your thoughts!
1. Start the kit with the juice and skins pack
-will not use Bentonite (or other clarifiers), as I plan to bulk age for a year.
-will not use nylon bag for skins pack.
-plan to fill primary to 23L mark (checking SG to aim for 1.100). Don't think I need to concentrate but adding less water?
2. Oak chips: 3 packs are included with the kit. American oak medium, Medium Heavy oak blend, American oak light. I imagine that this would be sufficient?
3. Pitching BM4x4 for the yeast.
4. EM is planned for about 3 weeks (although I see some of you go up to 8 weeks!).
-should I do more than 3 weeks?
5. Rack to carboy and bulk age for 1 year.
-No plans for additional oak/tannin (not sure if anyone has any recommendations?)
6. Bottle
It's my first time making this kit, so I was thinking of making it to spec to give me a baseline. But I also don't want to miss an opportunity to help improve this wine as I plan to age for a while.
Looking forward to any suggestions!
