RJ Spagnols RJS Cru Sauvignon Blanc Kit - Tweaks?

[joeycannoli]

Anyone make this New Zealand Sav Blanc kit? Did you follow the instructions from the manufacturer strictly? Coming from wine making from grapes it seems a little odd. They recommend fermenting in a sealed primary fermenter and just sprinkling the yeast on top - no yeast inoculation or anything.

I’d imagine they know the best for their kits but was curious if anything tried anything different

 

[Ohio Bob]

I suspect the instructions are meant for complete newbies, who might not know how to make a yeast starter. Or why you would want to. I would ferment in a bucket, stirring twice/three times a day until the SG gets to 1.020, then seal under an airlock.

 

[joeycannoli]

I suspect the instructions are meant for complete newbies, who might not know how to make a yeast starter. Or why you would want to. I would ferment in a bucket, stirring twice/three times a day until the SG gets to 1.020, then seal under an airlock.

Agree. That is what I was planning to do. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[Sailor323]

I almost never use the EC1118 yeast that comes with most kits. for Sauv Bl I'd use D47 or QA23. I always rehydrate the yeast. 15-20 grams of oak in primary. You can certainly ferment in a sealed container, I used to always do that. However, it's not really necessary and if you use a yeast like D47 or QA23 it's good to add some nutrient when fermentation is about 1/3 complete.

 

[jumby]

I made it many times. I swap out the yeast and add the zest of 1 grapefruit.

 

[joeycannoli]

I made it many times. I swap out the yeast and add the zest of 1 grapefruit.

Interesting. How did yours come out with the grapefruit zest?

 

[joeycannoli]

I almost never use the EC1118 yeast that comes with most kits. for Sauv Bl I'd use D47 or QA23. I always rehydrate the yeast. 15-20 grams of oak in primary. You can certainly ferment in a sealed container, I used to always do that. However, it's not really necessary and if you use a yeast like D47 or QA23 it's good to add some nutrient when fermentation is about 1/3 complete.

Next one I’ll use the D47 as it’s my go-to for white wines. I used the supplied yeast as I wanted to follow the instructions as this is my first kit. It’s fermenting open right now covered with a cheese cloth in a VC tank. Believe I’ll throw the lid on in a few days when the SG goes down

 

[jumby]

I made it many times. I swap out the yeast and add the zest of 1 grapefruit.

Delicious! That's my go to now for this kit or any Sauvignon Blanc I make.

 

[joeycannoli]

Delicious! That's my go to now for this kit or any Sauvignon Blanc I make.

I might have to try that next time! Thanks for the tip