I have a decent amount of home brew experience and recently started with wine. Made one average kit to get the basics down and now ready to start with quality kits. I would rather spend a little more to get an excellent product. I choose Winexpert Lodi Ranch 11 Cabernet Sauvignon with Grape Skins for my first complete wine which I will age. I have done a bunch of research but was wondering if anyone has experience with this kit or similar on timelines for each step.
My current plan (checking SG as needed also)
Step 1) primary fermentation 10-14 days under the impression it is better to go longer to let the yeast cleanup. Any issue with the grape skins being in this long?
Step 2) secondary 14 days then rack to carboy
Step 3) stabilize clarify degas 14 days then rack to carboy
Step 4) bulk age 5 months and bottle
Does this sound like a good plan? I don't want to mess up a good kit. Also I purchased an oak spiral should that stay in during the aging? The package says 6 weeks is longer ok?
I understand a lot is subjective but looking for a good place to start and end up with a quality wine. Thanks to everyone for their help.
My current plan (checking SG as needed also)
Step 1) primary fermentation 10-14 days under the impression it is better to go longer to let the yeast cleanup. Any issue with the grape skins being in this long?
Step 2) secondary 14 days then rack to carboy
Step 3) stabilize clarify degas 14 days then rack to carboy
Step 4) bulk age 5 months and bottle
Does this sound like a good plan? I don't want to mess up a good kit. Also I purchased an oak spiral should that stay in during the aging? The package says 6 weeks is longer ok?
I understand a lot is subjective but looking for a good place to start and end up with a quality wine. Thanks to everyone for their help.
