Raisins

[Griffster]

Hey winemakers.
Was wondering. I have a couple of Shiraz kits (Heron Bay, 6gal) and will make one as directions say but, the other kit, I was considering adding raisins to the kit when I make it. I've read some old wine recipes that call for raisins. Sounded interesting.
What do you think? And how should I go about it? I thought about adding a cup or so to the primary. And how will it affect the taste?
Any info and feedbackis appreciated.

 

[mississippi mud]

Iread some where it will raise the alcohol? Edited by: mississippi mud

 

[Wade E]

Are these the lower end Heron Bay kits, if they are 15 liter or bigger I definitely would not mess with them. If they are lower end kits it might benefit from this but just so you know, the kits that usually come with raisins are a special varietal so you most likely will not get the same effect but will give it more body.

 

[Griffster]

Wade - yes it is the lower end (4 week) kit. Got 'em on sale for 20% off and I'm new to winemaking, so... they were a good deal and I figured I could play a bit.

 

[Wade E]

Ive never tried 1 of those kits but assuming its like all the other smaller red kits, it will need the extra body to help it.

 

[joeswine]

I would think that in the primary it would add sweetness which woud tranlate into alcholo,if you made a tea out of the raisen and added it to the secondary,then you would be crafting a flavorfull product and if you need to back sweeten to taste ,if you wanted ,the rasins would inpart a deep richness to the wine,back sweeten you would do,and finish.

add a splash of brandy and let set excellent porto

port,a hand full of oak would also be nice

Edited by: joeswine