Bleedaggie
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2018
- Messages
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Hi! Just bought my third kit (RJS Washington Merlot). My first kit was a cheap WineExpert merlot . The second was a RJS Primeur Malbec.
Both of my first kits struggled to clear. The first one never did clear. The second one just took an extra couple of weeks. However, the second wine still has a harsh taste right at the start, and just a tiny hint of carbonation. It is drinkable and finishes okay, but I wouldn't serve it to anyone else. I followed the instructions precisely, except on the second batch I degassed it twice as long as recommended just to make 100% sure I got all the CO2 out.
I just happened to mention it to an uncle who homebrews. He's totally convinced the problem is that I used reverse osmosis water. The guy at the homebrew store disagreed but couldn't really tell me why - he sells the wine kits but isn't "really a wine guy."
What say you?
I've got spring water I'm planning to use this time, but I'd love to not have another barely-drinkable batch. Is it possible the RO water is my only problem, or is there something else you'd recommend too?
Both of my first kits struggled to clear. The first one never did clear. The second one just took an extra couple of weeks. However, the second wine still has a harsh taste right at the start, and just a tiny hint of carbonation. It is drinkable and finishes okay, but I wouldn't serve it to anyone else. I followed the instructions precisely, except on the second batch I degassed it twice as long as recommended just to make 100% sure I got all the CO2 out.
I just happened to mention it to an uncle who homebrews. He's totally convinced the problem is that I used reverse osmosis water. The guy at the homebrew store disagreed but couldn't really tell me why - he sells the wine kits but isn't "really a wine guy."
What say you?
I've got spring water I'm planning to use this time, but I'd love to not have another barely-drinkable batch. Is it possible the RO water is my only problem, or is there something else you'd recommend too?