Cabernet Kit

I don't make kits but would think 5 to 10% less water if you add water might help. If you don't add water freezing a gallon or so and leaving the ice behind might concentrate it also. I do that sometimes with my wines from juice. Do you add oak and how much?

Joe

I add whatever oak comes in the kit. The cab kits seem to come in the $50 range and the $100 range. Wonder if the $100 jobs are are a lot better?

I wish you were more specific regarding which kits you are talking about because prices vary a lot between retail locations. Spagnols makes a large number of brands, all (or nearly all) of which include a Cab Sauv.

For example, Spagnols Vino del Vida Cab Sauv is an inexpensive 4-week kit that makes a decent wine. They also have a couple of brands that are cheaper. Their Grand Cru line costs a bit more and makes a bit better wine. One of these may be your $50 kit.

Their Cru Select Australian Cab Sauv makes a much better wine, but is too oaky for some (as is typical of Australian reds). It could be you $100 wine.

Generally you get what you pay for in terms of kit quality. Of course, more patience, read aging of the wine, is usually required with the more expensive kits in order for the wine to reach maturity, and you to get full value for the extra cost.

BTW, I do not agree with making kits at less than 23 litres (6 US gallons). Although I have not done this, reports are that it will screw uo the acidity etc. Of course, I have also heard from people who do it regularly and love the result.

If you are looking to make an inexpensive kit more full-bodied, add bananas. But don't ask me how, I hate bananas .

Steve

I made Grand Cru Heritage Estates Vino Del Vida which was around $50. Guess I'll try a more expensive kit and see what happens.

You add bananas by simmering the pulp in hot water for 20 minutes and adding the strained liquid to the must. Did this for my orange wine and it worked well.

Crhoff

Well I don't know which kit you made. You listed three (or more) different Spagnols 4-week kit brands. In order of quality (at least in my opinion)...

Heritage Estates - 5 Litres Vino del Vida - 7.5 litres Vino del Vida World Tour - 9 litres Grand Cru - 10 litres Grand Cru International - 10 litres

The boxes for Heritage, VdeV, and Grand Cru are significantly different.

If you did the Heritage, a jump to Grand Cru would be a nice improvement. If you did the Grand Cru, you will have to move up to a

Steve

I have spoken with the proprietors of Northern Brewer in St. Paul and a local shop called Brew 'N Grow. Both have indicated to me that they occassionally get complaints about the wine from the smaller kits tasting light and watered down. I assume it is worse if you don't use good water. They both mentioned that they have had no complaints, and occassionally excellent reviews from the larger kits (i.e. estate, international, etc). I am vinting one now and will let you know in a year.

Today I just bought Selection International French Cab. Like you, guess we won't know for a year

Crhoff