WE eclipse Pinot noir tweak help

[wildvines]

My kit came with toasted oak dust. 60 grams. Should I just use it as instructed or should I use better quality oak cubes and maybe add raisins? Any and all input will be helpful. I am a newbie sorry for any dumb questions. I just want to make sure that it comes out good.

 

[cmason1957]

I would follow the directions that came with the kit. The oak added in primary is more for body than oakiness. Oh and I am not a fan of raisin adding. I know several folks here are.

What kit are you making?

 

[wildvines]

Making the eclipse Pinot noir by WE and the WE cab/merlot

 

[eblasmn9]

I agree with Cmason1957 to just follow the directions on this kit. I just started the Eclipse Pinot Noir at the end of November and it is a really quality kit. Pinot Noirs are a lighter body wine and generally don't need much oak. The only thing I will do different is to run this kit through a neutral barrel to get the finish only a barrel can give. You've got a couple of nice kits.

 

[wildvines]

I agree with Cmason1957 to just follow the directions on this kit. I just started the Eclipse Pinot Noir at the end of November and it is a really quality kit. Pinot Noirs are a lighter body wine and generally don't need much oak. The only thing I will do different is to run this kit through a neutral barrel to get the finish only a barrel can give. You've got a couple of nice kits.

Thanks. Any recommendations on barrels?

 

[wildvines]

I was thinking of some toasted oak cubes during aging just for the flavor and somewhat of a finish. But i don't know better. If you think that may work let me know

 

[cmason1957]

I probably wouldn't add much oak to the pinot, it is supposed to be light and fruity. Now the cab /merlot, that is a much different thing. It can probably stand up to some oak. I don't have a barrel so I can't give you much advice on that, but oak cubes are easy to take out if you get it to where you want it.

 

[wildvines]

Very true. I love pinot for that reason but I do like a good cab/merlot. For the cab/merlot I may try the oak dust to start at fermentation to give it done body and oak cubes during aging fir flavor. Like I said am just learning. I been collecting for a while but this seems do much fun Lol

 

[DoctorCAD]

Be careful not over oak. Its hard to un oak a wine.