Hillbilly Bill
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2009
- Messages
- 343
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According to Wikipedia, winemaking is "A hobby is an activity or interest that is undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, often in one's spare time."
Although I have been brewing for years, and have a working knowledge of fermentation of yeast to produce alcohol, I will admit that I am a relative neophyte at winemaking. I will also admit that I am fairly compulsive about researching any topic that interest me... especially if I plan on getting active involved in said topic.
Therefore, like so many others, I researched the finer points of winemaking for many hours before I decided to dip my big toe into the water by attempting to make something as basic as apple juice wine.
I now know (or think I know) more about yeast than I ever thought was to be known about yeast. Actually, I thought I already knew a good bit about yeast... wrong.
I still have much to learn about fermenting wine must, such as:
1. Getting the TA (total acid) to an acceptable level prior to fermentation.
2. How and when to add the yeast... i.e. dry or slurry.
3. When to add which chemicals (sulfides, fining agents, sorbates, f-pacs, flavorings, sweetener, etc.) ... pre-fermentation, during fermentation, or post fermentation.
4. What are the best temperatures for fermenting, fining, storing, etc.
5. How long to age each type of wine.
6. Which type I wine I prefer... the choices are mind-boggling... especially if your mind is already boggled.
7. And on, and on, and on.
And then there is the ongoing research... the scientific studies of the yeast and fruit fermentations, and especially the opinions and findings of other winemakers. This is a never-ending quest it appears. If you have any question about this, just research the evolution of different species of grapes and yeasts.
So... this is a hobby?
YES IT IS... and I love it!
HB
Although I have been brewing for years, and have a working knowledge of fermentation of yeast to produce alcohol, I will admit that I am a relative neophyte at winemaking. I will also admit that I am fairly compulsive about researching any topic that interest me... especially if I plan on getting active involved in said topic.
Therefore, like so many others, I researched the finer points of winemaking for many hours before I decided to dip my big toe into the water by attempting to make something as basic as apple juice wine.
I now know (or think I know) more about yeast than I ever thought was to be known about yeast. Actually, I thought I already knew a good bit about yeast... wrong.
I still have much to learn about fermenting wine must, such as:
1. Getting the TA (total acid) to an acceptable level prior to fermentation.
2. How and when to add the yeast... i.e. dry or slurry.
3. When to add which chemicals (sulfides, fining agents, sorbates, f-pacs, flavorings, sweetener, etc.) ... pre-fermentation, during fermentation, or post fermentation.
4. What are the best temperatures for fermenting, fining, storing, etc.
5. How long to age each type of wine.
6. Which type I wine I prefer... the choices are mind-boggling... especially if your mind is already boggled.
7. And on, and on, and on.
And then there is the ongoing research... the scientific studies of the yeast and fruit fermentations, and especially the opinions and findings of other winemakers. This is a never-ending quest it appears. If you have any question about this, just research the evolution of different species of grapes and yeasts.
So... this is a hobby?
YES IT IS... and I love it!
HB
