Recent content by pumpkinman2012

Sorbate and Sulfites will not stop an active fermentation, you'll need to ferment to dry then I would rack it to another carboy, demijohn, or what ever you are using - At this point, you add the sulfite and sorbate to the wine and back sweeten, I use a simple syrup 2:1 sugar and water. You...

If you are using standard 750 ml bottles, you'll want to use the #9, either the 1.5 or the 1.75 will work fine. If you plan on making wine again and bottling, I'd spend the money on an Italian floor corker, the Golda corker is a pain in the arse if you're corking more than a case, in my opinion...

What temp is the must? If it is too cool, it will slow down. Have you tried to add any yeast nutrient such as fermaid K?

I use to use these shippers, never had any issues, click here You can also get the double shippers to send 2 bottles. This isn't the only source, google wine bottle shippers and you'll find a bunch of sources. Where are you located? There are restrictions in the US when sending...

Did you add any potassium metabisulfite (Meta)?

You are basically making a cyser (mead with apples), I've used honey to sweeten many batches of fruit wine; the honey will give it more body and mouthfeel than cane sugar can, but it will also take longer to age and become a great wine. The best advice that I can give you is : Don't get...

Usually, anything from Rocky Patel will be great, Drew estate cigars are very nice as well. My go to cigar is Drew Estate Tabak Especial Limited Cafe con Leche, this is one of the smoothest cigars that I have in the ole humidor, very lite taste of espresso. But I have to agree with mjdonnelly68 -

No disrespect intended, but why risk having a crappy fermentation when wine yeast is very cheap, you run the risk of several potential issues with old yeast, use a fresh packet.

Your best bet is to follow the "use by" date stamped on the package of yeast, some of the yeast cells will be viable longer, but leaving it to chance when a packet of yeast can cost as little a $1.00 - $2.00 is a no brainer. A proper fermentation is such an important part of wine making, I'll...

You need to put it into a smaller container or it will spoil in as fast as a few days.

Wow! Sounds like you had a great experience! I'd really enjoy reading more about your visit to Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils in Pernand-Vergelesse,

Looking forward to it!

Three months should be fine, just make sure that you taste and top off every 3 weeks or so, if the wine was a Bordeaux blend, the Cab Sav can take more oak, but again, it really depends on what you like. I'd age that GSM as long as you can, it'll get better as time goes by. Even after you...

Steveb3, Getting a better wine kit was a good idea, Winexpert offers high end kits such as the blend (GSM ) that you are making. As far as the barrel, is the barrel a 6 gallon barrel? If this is the first time any wine has been in the barrel, you should be able to leave the wine in the...

Have you looked for signs of spider mites or aphids? To check for spider mites, take a plain piece of printer paper or a paper plant and hold it under a leaf, gently tap on the top of the leaf and see if you have anything on the paper or plate that resembles pepper, aphids are easier yet to...