I couldn't resist sampling the merlot mentioned above (WE international selection series) which has been aging now in glass for 5 months. I decided to try a sample due to concerns about inadequate sulfites. It has a distinct odor of sulfites but it is very subdued, detectable but barely. I'll probably buy an so2 measurement kit and adjust the levels accordingly. I have been able to confirm the wine hasn't oxidized which is a relief.
A few observations. ... The wine is nicely clarified and brilliant. The color is excellent. On the downside the wine seems lacking in body and taste. Swirling it in a glass produces no legs but I do get a "heavier" liquid sheet that slowly drains down after a swirl. Alcohol level is right about where it should be at 13%.
This is my first kit. I've made wine before but not from a kit. I decided to learn using walmart grape juice so I could make mistakes and not waste a lot of money if I messed up. Its a good strategy, as i didn't make any big mistakes with this kit. However I can't say I'm happy with the results so far.
Like I said, its my first kit so I have little to compare it with. When making grape juice wine my expectations were low. This $120 kit aged 5 months isn't much better than my $ 6 Walmart grape juice brew that I aged for 6 weeks.
Can I expect the body, taste and mouth feel to improve dramatically with 7 more months of aging? I've read that there is a big change around month 6, but its hard to believe an additional month will make much difference.
A few observations. ... The wine is nicely clarified and brilliant. The color is excellent. On the downside the wine seems lacking in body and taste. Swirling it in a glass produces no legs but I do get a "heavier" liquid sheet that slowly drains down after a swirl. Alcohol level is right about where it should be at 13%.
This is my first kit. I've made wine before but not from a kit. I decided to learn using walmart grape juice so I could make mistakes and not waste a lot of money if I messed up. Its a good strategy, as i didn't make any big mistakes with this kit. However I can't say I'm happy with the results so far.
Like I said, its my first kit so I have little to compare it with. When making grape juice wine my expectations were low. This $120 kit aged 5 months isn't much better than my $ 6 Walmart grape juice brew that I aged for 6 weeks.
Can I expect the body, taste and mouth feel to improve dramatically with 7 more months of aging? I've read that there is a big change around month 6, but its hard to believe an additional month will make much difference.
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