National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Cider, Perry, Wine & Mead => Topic started by: brianbrewed on June 03, 2015, 03:43:28 PM

Title: Best Wine Kits
Post by: brianbrewed on June 03, 2015, 03:43:28 PM
Hi Guys,
can anyone give me some recommendations for wine kit, preferably with a quick enough turn-around.
Title: Re: Best Wine Kits
Post by: itsclinto on June 04, 2015, 09:13:23 AM
I've done 5 wine kits so far and the best wine i found for a quick turn around would be the pinot grigio ones.  I did the Australian Blend Pinot Grigio and its not too bad when young (about 2-3 months).  I was told that its best to make the kit to 19 litres instead of the 23 recommended.  It may be a bit harsh at first but if you can leave it a while the harshness falls out.

Reds are very noticeable taste wise when very young.  I recently opened a Cabernet Sauvignon and it tasted very much like an off the shelf bottle considering it was bottled in November last year.  The rest are put aside for a while longer.

I'm sure somebody else will share their views
Title: Re: Best Wine Kits
Post by: HomeBrewWest on June 04, 2015, 10:01:48 AM
Its the Cantinas that are best made to 19 litres. The Australian Blends are good for 23 litres.
Title: Re: Best Wine Kits
Post by: Dunkel on June 04, 2015, 07:31:37 PM
I have a DOC's Shiraz/Merlot ready to be bottled in a few days. Interestingly, the instructions say NOT to brew short; but I made it to 21 l anyway, and it seems like it's going to be really good. Early days, I know.

But +1 itsclinto. I made the Australian Blend Merlot Rose recently. It took 10 days fermenting (advertised as 7 days on the box), 2 days clearing, and drinkable as soon as it was bottled. So kit to glass within 2 weeks  ;D