Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this thread. Reading the Q&A above led me to have new questions of my own.
I added the clarifiers and degassed per instructions 1 week ago. This is WE Blackberry Cab kit. Instructions say to check the clarity after two weeks, by drawing a small sample and examine under good light. Just not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for. If it's cloudy will it be obvious to a newbie?
This is one of those lower alc cooler type wines right?.. like the heron bay breeze kits?
It's always difficult to assess the clarity of a red.. and you have just degassed and clarified yours.. You can safely leave it another few weeks before bottling..
this will benefit you one way and slow the drinking down another way.. (three positives right? my maths is great!)
you'll be leaving it a little longer to have the solids drop out, deposits in the bottle are not a positive.
once it is in the bottle , you have a 'bottle shock'.. the wine needs 4 to 6 weeks to recover before you drink it. so delaying bottling, delays drinking.. however the upside is better clarity, no deposit and a smoother wine in the long run..
Allie