WineXpert Eclipse Barolo

[markb1983]

hello everyone first of all forgive me because I'm typing this on my iPhone. My question is this, I recently purchased a Corolla Eclipse and I thinking about adding a few tweaks for instance I was going to substitute the yeast from an EC 1118 28 RC212.

I also would like to add fruit in the secondary fermentation. I was thinking of 1/2 to a pound of cherries and plums. While adding a tablespoon of tannin powder.


Thoughts?

 

[Boatboy24]

I just racked my Eclipse Barolo out of the barrel last night after a 12 week stay. The only thing I changed was the yeast and I went with BM4X4. The wine is only 6 months old, but it is excellent so far. I don't know that I'd add fruit to it, but the tannin might not be a bad idea if you aren't using a barrel.

 

[Elmer]

I just racked my Eclipse Barolo out of the barrel last night after a 12 week stay. The only thing I changed was the yeast and I went with BM4X4. The wine is only 6 months old, but it is excellent so far. I don't know that I'd add fruit to it, but the tannin might not be a bad idea if you aren't using a barrel.

I kept mine in a barrel for only 4 weeks, but it was the 1st batch in.

I would not add any other flavor to this wine, except oak.
It is a good wine that should stand on its own flavor.

but that is just me

 

[heatherd]

I added toasted oak powder in primary, medium toast oak in secondary because I didn't plan to age in a barrel. It was very tasty on bottling day. I am trying to pretend it doesn't exist until at least nine months from now.
Heather


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[wildvines]

Check out Joeswine threads on thinking outside the box. Great place to read the approaches your thinking of doing. I been doing the same tweaks with different wines and so far its been good. But it's all on what your comfortable doing.

 

[markb1983]

thank you for all the advice! I was looking for that thread! I dont have access to that yeast. Would RC 212 be the next option? Would you use a barrel? I was planing on getting one

 

[tonyt]

I like RC212 and sometimes sub it instead of EC1118. Thats a super high quality kit. I wouldnt mess with it too much with outlots of experience. No way I would add fruit but the tannin might be nice and maybe some French oak. I have no doubt it would be great as is.

 

[Boatboy24]

The barrel is definitely an enhancement, but it is an investment that should be thought about before jumping in. The best way to store a barrel is by keeping it full of wine. You'll need to have two or three kits lined up and ready, as the first one through will only go for 3-6 weeks, depending on your taste (I'm assuming a 23 liter barrel). After you get 3 or 4 batches through, you can safely keep wine in there for 3-4 months. So if you have (or will have) a few kits ready to go and think you'll have 3-4 kits a year to run through, I highly recommend. Even two kits might be sufficient. After a year or so, you could likely leave a batch in for 6 months. Keep in mind you need to top up too.

I think RC212 would be a reasonable substitute. I've used it on a few wines and it is good.

 

[markb1983]

Thanks! I indeed do have 60 gallons of wine ready to go. Some of the wine is a less oaky one. Pinot, chateau de pays and an amarone. I have my rosso and cab along with a tempernilo. My plan of action would be to let the heavy oaky ones roll first then the lghter ones. NOW, would you get french oak barrel or hungarian?

RC212 it is!

 

[markb1983]

Boatboy, since I have several lined up to run through a barrel, must I sanitize the barrel after each use?

 

[tonyt]

FWIW I rinse with hot water several times then once with sanitizing solution. Then immediately fill with another wine.

 

[markb1983]

When do you use sulfur sticks?

 

[tonyt]

I don't use sulfur. I have never let one go empty more than an hour.

 

[Boatboy24]

I do the same as Tony. Once, I filled the barrel all the way with sanitizing solution and let it sit overnight. Normally though, just a few cups go in and I put the bung in for 15 minutes or so to let the fumes work. Then shake, dump and fill.

Re: Hungarian or French. That's a personal preference. I like both, but generally prefer French. Hungarian barrels seem to be easier to find in smaller sizes and in my experience are cheaper.

 

[MrKevin]

I personally would never use sulfur sticks on a WET barrel.

 

[Boatboy24]

Can someone confirm if this kit comes with labels? I just bottled mine and can't find labels for the life of me. The only other Eclipse I've done is the Sauv Blanc and that came with labels. I thought all the Eclipse kits did.

 

[Leanmach]

Mine came with labels


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[Stickymatch]

FWIW, both my Eclipse Merlot and Pinot Gris kits came with labels.