How "According To Book" are people?

[kouphax]

Hi,

I was just thinking today that there are times when I have been making wines that I have been very very gun-ho. I have only technically started and once I get the wedding and honeymoon over at the end of this month I have been given permission to "expand" my hobby. Currently I have been making 1 gallon experimental brews and had no intention of keeping them for too long so I reckon I could get away with a few things.

When I move into making the larger batches and taking a bit more seriously I just wonder how strict I will keep to following the rule book of things to do and not do. I have been known to throw in a small amount of tap water to top up early brews (after foaming) something I am sure some people would scream about. There are other things too but I was just wondering is there anything that people do on a regular basis that you really shouldn't (accorindg to the "experts")?

Or am I just a stupid cowboy thats going to get batch after batch of spoilt wine

James.

 

[Yooper]

I've always used tap water- so that seems fine to me! I can't really think about any "rules" for wine, except don't oxidize it and don't bottle too soon.

But those are rules I wouldn't want to break any way!