US Elite Pinot Noir Kit

WhineMaker · Mar 3, 2009

Got my kit today (Link), and even though my original plan was to do the Reisling first, I decided to start this one.. Their directions are written out very well, and vary greatly from the first Vinifera Noble Cab kit I am making.. First of all they say that Bentonite is not needed in red wines, so it is not included. Secondly, they advise to leave in primary for 2 weeks until all fermentation has ended and SG is at .0996 or lower.. At that time they say to transfer to carboy and add sulphite, post-tannins, clarifier(sparkalloid) etc.. No mention of degassing. We will see how it turns out.. It also came with a oak powder bag which is added to primary.. The initial SG is 1.094 @ 68F...

Their website is www.uselitemicrowinery.com or www.uselitewine.com/, both of which have limited info. I will keep this forum updated on my progress..

BTW.. Got the kit last week when they had a 25% off sale.. That combined with free shipping and a 10.00 gift card got it to my door for 65.00.. Couldn't resist!!

Racer · Mar 3, 2009

Sunds like you got a great deal on the kit.I got one a little while ago myself for about $30 more!
Did you use the oak that came with the kit? Or did you use something else...like cubes or planks.

WhineMaker · Mar 3, 2009

Racer said:
Sunds like you got a great deal on the kit.I got one a little while ago myself for about $30 more!
Did you use the oak that came with the kit? Or did you use something else...like cubes or planks.

I stuck with what they provided(oak sawdust basically).. I may add an oak spiral after the 7 day mark.. Undecided at this point...

cpfan · Mar 4, 2009

It's your wine, so do as you wish, but I don't believe that Pinot Noir can stand up to a lot of oak. I have not made any good quality Pinot Noirs though.

Steve

WhineMaker · Mar 4, 2009

Racer said:
Sunds like you got a great deal on the kit.I got one a little while ago myself for about $30 more!

On the primary.. The directions just say to cover it.. Did you seal it down with the airlock?? Or just leave it loose.. I actually had a call into them and received a call back as I was typing this and they said to seal the primary for the full 14 days.. The directions were a little unclear there, so its good to have the answer straight from the source!!

WhineMaker · Mar 4, 2009

cpfan said:
It's your wine, so do as you wish, but I don't believe that Pinot Noir can stand up to a lot of oak. I have not made any good quality Pinot Noirs though.

Steve

With the oak "saw dust" in there, I don't think I will need any additional.. I sealed the primary tonight, but just before I did I took another SG reading and I am at 1.090 so I know it is moving in the right direction.. The must smelled absolutely awesome and I could definatley pick up on the oak...