My wife is not mad.... yet

[ianPGApro]

So it seems my wife has bought into my new hobby . After reading and researching for the last few months I will begin my first batch this weekend (5 gallon's of cab sav).

I know I must be patient with each wine and the process.... but I'm already thinking of what I would like to do next/after I get this one situated. I have been reading a lot about other varietals and also blends. After seeing what a lot of you said in some of the blend posts. I was thinking it would be smart to have another wine if needed, I could blend later or keep them both on their own. I'm fully stocked on ingredients and equipment.

So I guess what I would like is:
Recommendation for a second wine from grapes varietal?
Who do you usually order from (I'm in FL)?
Any other ideas that might be good.

I will see how this one goes after fermentation and primary, then decide on how many grapes or gallons I will go with.

Thanks!

 

[salcoco]

Merlot blends well with cab sauv. just Google "wine kits for sale near me" should find all kinds of wine supply stores that sell kits. as for grapes might have a problem but try the google search .with grapes instead of kits.

 

[heatherd]

So it seems my wife has bought into my new hobby . After reading and researching for the last few months I will begin my first batch this weekend (5 gallon's of cab sav).

I know I must be patient with each wine and the process.... but I'm already thinking of what I would like to do next/after I get this one situated. I have been reading a lot about other varietals and also blends. After seeing what a lot of you said in some of the blend posts. I was thinking it would be smart to have another wine if needed, I could blend later or keep them both on their own. I'm fully stocked on ingredients and equipment.

So I guess what I would like is:
Recommendation for a second wine from grapes varietal?
Who do you usually order from (I'm in FL)?
Any other ideas that might be good.

I will see how this one goes after fermentation and primary, then decide on how many grapes or gallons I will go with.

Thanks!

Welcome to the hobby!! Here are some blend ideas from Wine Folly, many of which have Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

[BigH]

So I guess what I would like is:
Recommendation for a second wine from grapes varietal?

A pinot noir, shiraz, malbec or zinfandel would give you a nice contrast to the cab. Might come in handy if you have company over and they don't like big, bold cabs.

At some point, you should consider doing a cab franc. Fantastic grape that doesn't get as much shelve space as his son.

H

 

[ianPGApro]

A pinot noir, shiraz, malbec or zinfandel would give you a nice contrast to the cab. Might come in handy if you have company over and they don't like big, bold cabs.

At some point, you should consider doing a cab franc. Fantastic grape that doesn't get as much shelve space as his son.

H

Thanks, I will be reading a little more before I make a choice. Have you made your own Pinot batch? Are they as finicky as everyone says? or is that more in the vineyard it's self for growing.

 

[Noontime]

What you make and blend is so personal I have no idea how to help. What others posted is great information. If you are using grapes, Pardo Wine in Tampa can help. http://pardowinegrapes.com/. If kits, Southern Homebrew has great selection and prices http://www.southernhomebrew.com/.

 

[ianPGApro]

What you make and blend is so personal I have no idea how to help. What others posted is great information. If you are using grapes, Pardo Wine in Tampa can help. http://pardowinegrapes.com/. If kits, Southern Homebrew has great selection and prices http://www.southernhomebrew.com/.

Thank you for this! I have not heard of pardo but I look forward to calling them!

 

[CK55]

A pinot noir, shiraz, malbec or zinfandel would give you a nice contrast to the cab. Might come in handy if you have company over and they don't like big, bold cabs.

At some point, you should consider doing a cab franc. Fantastic grape that doesn't get as much shelve space as his son.

H

Again Cab Franc is a better grape, its just such a under appreciated grape outside of france where its still widely used. And preferred as it ripens more reliably. I have planted a bunch of cab franc and intend to double my plantings next year.