My local winemaking shop only carries Brew King Vintners Reserve kits, so I usually order better kits on-line. However, I was in the shop yesterday, and noticed a pretty large selection of V-R kits on the shelf, including one Merlot. I've never made Merlot, and have a couple of empty 6-gal carboys, so I made an impulse purchase -- now, however, I'd like to try to improve the probable end product...
My typical schedule with kits is:
5-10 days in primary; Rack to secondary, set aside under cover for at least 15 days; Rack and add sulphite, sorbate and fining agent, and set aside for at least
20 days; Rack and set aside for at least 50 days. Bottle when I'm ready.
Generally, I've been pleased with the results.
For the V-R Merlot, I've considered (and decided against) doing it as a
5-gal kit. What other measures (e.g., adding a few pounds of raisins to the primary) could I take to better the end product?
Thanks,
Bart