Update on first wine batch.

[jay29]

Vintner's Reserve: Riesling

Started: 8/13/09 Starting Gravity: 1.077

Primary fermentation was vigorous.

Racked to secondary: 8/23/09 Gravity: 0.990

There is an airspace about 3-4 inches from the bottom of the bung. I still hope it ferments to get rid of the O2. I rolled the carboy around just a little to release some CO2 to offset the O2.

It tasted like biting into a fresh green apple, a little rough, and dry. I know it will smooth out and maybe a little sweeten with some age.

I am happy so far! :rockin:

 

[barracudamagoo]

Awwww Yeaaah!

 

[DoctorCAD]

I just bottled the exact same kit.

I backsweetened it with a cup of conditioner, 12 ounces by weight.

It tastes fantastic, still has that "green apple" bite, but finishes a little bit sweeter. I would have left it alone, but my wife wanted it sweetened. Not a bad thing, it makes a big difference.

 

[jay29]

I don't think it is going to ferment lower than 0.990. Should I just go ahead and stabilize and clear instead of waiting 10 days?

 

[DoctorCAD]

If you can wait, you might get an extra bottle out of it. The lees will compress down a little bit more, allowing your siphon to get that last drop!

.990 is quite dry, it won't go any lower.