GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR FRESH WINE GRAPES
(Other than wild grapes and domesticated Muscadine Grapes)
Minimum equipment needed
INGREDIENTS:
15 - 18 lbs. of grapes per gallon of wine (stems removed)
Pectic enzyme
Campden tablets
Super Ferment yeast nutrient
Wine yeast
May Need: Acid blend, & Tannin
NOTE: Sterilize all equipment with Sodium Metabisulfite before use.
RED WINE PRODUCTION:
1. Wash grapes if possible. Place grapes in primary fermenter and add
one campden tablet per gallon (dissolved in 1 cup warm water). Crush grapes.
Add 3 drops liquid pectic enzyme per gallon of wine to be produced. Stir
well. Cover and allow to sit over night, stirring every 5 - 6 hours.
2. The next day stir well, and remove about 4 - 5 cups of pulp. Strain
off the juice. Use a portion of this juice to take an acid test. Adjust
the acid of the must to about .6% as Tartaric Acid. Use the rest of the
juice sample to test the sugar content. Adjust the sugar content to about
1.090 specific gravity .
WHITE WINE PRODUCTION:
1. If making a white wine, the juice should be pressed from the pulp immediately!
Place grapes in primary fermenter and crush. Add the pectic enzyme, and
press immediately. Add one campden tablet per gallon.
2. Proceed immediately to checking the acid and sugar and making the necessary
adjustments. A small amount of tannin (1/2 to 1 tsp. per 5 gallons) may
be added to white wines to increase the astringency and give the wine
longer aging potential. This is especially desirable if seedless grapes
are used. Again, cover fermenter and allow to sit overnight stirring every
5 - 6 hours.
GENERAL PROCEDURE
3. For best results, rehydrate the wine yeast prior to adding to must.
This is done by sprinkling the yeast in a half cup lukewarm water. Cover
and allow to stand 15 - 20 minutes. Add to must and stir well. Also, add
the Super Ferment yeast nutrient to must at this time (1/2 tsp. per gallon).
If making red wine, stir 2 - 3 times per day to push the pulp "cap"
down into the liquid. This will also increase flavor and color extraction
from the pulp. Leave in primary for 3 - 7 days. The longer the wine is
left in contact with the skins the greater the extraction of flavor, color,
acid, and tannin. White wines should not require stirring (unless the
fermentation is sluggish).
4. For red wine, press the wine from the pulp after the 3 - 7 days are
up. All wines should be transferred into the secondary fermenters after
about a week. Siphon into glass jugs and attach the air lock. Fill the
wine to the neck to eliminate exposure to air. Allow to ferment to completion
(1.000 specific gravity) - about 3 - 4 weeks. Rack off sediment into another
secondary and allow to sit about a month. Rack again and allow to sit
1-2 months. If clear and stable, the wine may be bottled at this point.
lf not, continue racking at 1 - 2 month intervals until clear and stable.
Once the wine is completed fermenting, add about 1/2 campden tablet per
gallon at each racking to inhibit oxidation.
5. When ready to bottle, stabilize with potassium sorbate (1/2 tsp. per
gallon). Allow to stand 48 hours. If a sweeter wine is desired, sweeten
to taste with either fructose or a sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part
boiling water). Bottle and cork the wine and allow to stand upright for
3 to 4 days. Then lay wine on its side and allow to age for at least 4
to 6 months - much longer for the heavier reds.
Fresh Wine from Grapes