So, do you like Pinot Noir? 🤔Thank you! I as well. I bombed about 10 different country wines before I moved on to the kits as well. I realized I needed to stick to what I like! Well so far I have 3 FWK going, the Pinot Noir in Forte, Tavola, and Novella. Also a WE Classic Pinot Noir going, with some Master Vinter Pinot Noir Reserve and Weekday Wine kits, a Fontana Pinot Noir kit, and a Vineco Pinot Noir Signature Series kit waiting on an open fermenter. None have made it to the glass yet! Do you have any experience with any of these?
😜
I have done many kits from Vineco and WE. Low end to highest with WE and higher end from Vinceo. I have to say the Vineco Global series are absolutely worth it. I made a Cab Shiraz Montepulciano that rivals any wine I have ever tasted, but it is all relative to personal taste, of course.
I did a Pinot Noir Vineco Signature series. Probably my second favorite so far ( I bumped up the ABV, it's got some substance!). Unfortunately us lowely Canadians don't have access to FWK kits, but I would love to get my hands on one.
My number one favorite tweak to kits is to pair a yeast with the grape varietal. The EC-1118 included in kits guarantees a successful ferment, but the yeast lacks in producing character building esters. Other yeast can impart a lot more berry and fruit forward notes. Increase mouth feel and body. Even enhance tobacco and other other subtle flavors. I always add a little nutrient to ensure they do not stress, but hands down the best, cheap, and easy thing that you can do to make a cheap kit taste good, and a good kit shine.
Also don't be afraid to Chaptalize, adding sugar to up ABV. Especially because you like PN. It is full enough to take a higher ABV. I often take a kit from a starting gravity of 1.087-1.095 to 1.110 aiming for a fuller, bigger red.
I've attached a couple references that aid in picking yeasts. It adds some fun and makes you feel like more of a winemaker than kit starter.
Attachments
Last edited: