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Viognier Grapes and the Unique Wines They Create(Post)
Viognier, pronounced Vee-oh-nyay, is a lesser-known white grape that deserves more of your attention. If you have never made it, you might want to do something about that. Viognier is a full-bodied w ...
Merlot vs. Syrah: Where the Sidewalk Ends or For Whom the Bell Tolls?(Post)If you've ever found yourself scratching your head on a wine kit page, wondering if you should try making a Merlot or a Syrah, you're in the right place. You may have thought to yourself, they are bo ...
How to Make Mulled Wine(Post)As the chill of winter sets in and the festive lights begin to twinkle, it's time to revisit a beloved holiday tradition: mulled wine. This warm, spiced beverage has been a staple of winter celebrati ...
To Barrel or Not to Barrel? Alternatives for Oaking Your Wine(Post)Oak has been an important part of winemaking for centuries, and its influence can be felt in many of the world's most beloved wines. Oak aging, or barrel aging, gives wines complex flavors and aromas ...
How Much Do Wine Fermentation Temperatures Matter? A Lot! (Post)Hold onto your corkscrews, folks! The secret to a stellar vino might just be hiding in your thermostat. That's right, the temperature you choose to ferment your wine at can be a game-changer. So, let ...
Yeast Spotlight: Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast(Post)The Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast, formerly known as Montrachet, is a proud creation of the esteemed Lesaffre Yeast Corporation. This yeast strain traces its roots back to the heart of France ...
Like Drier and Crisper Beers? Glucoamylase Enzyme Might Be your New BFF(Post)Have you ever wondered how to unlock the fullest potential of the sugars in your malted barley? Glucoamylase enzyme may be the secret ingredient your home brewing process has been missing if you like ...
Balancing High Alcohol Levels in Winemaking(Post)You just bought your fresh Cabernet grapes home, took an OSG reading and your hydrometer is having palpitations. Your brix are 27! It’s going to be a “hot” red wine. That much alcohol will be unruly ...
The Realities of Aging Wine: Is Older Always Better?(Post)Comparisons to fine wine abound when it comes to aging gracefully, but is the analogy justified? Do all wines age well? Does aging potential come from the wine, the storage or both? In this article, ...
Petite Sirah: The Quiet Man with Quite the Punch(Post)Every family has the politician and the stoic. Wine is no different. More well-known varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir tend to hog the conversation. But like the old saying goes, some ...
The Art of Fortified Wines: A Quick Guide(Post)Fortified wines have long captivated the palates of wine enthusiasts, weaving a tapestry of rich and robust flavors that set them apart from other varieties. This article aims to paint a vivid pictur ...
Ascorbic Acid: The Unsung Hero of Wine Preservation(Post)Are you ready to elevate your winemaking game? Let's talk about a little secret weapon that you’ve probably never investigated and can make a big difference in preserving your wine: ascorbic acid. Yo ...
Extended Maceration: A Deep Dive into the Art of Longer Skin Exposure(Post)If you are making wine from fresh grapes or kits that come with skins, you might have the common concern that most winemakers have about too much exposure to the skins and seeds. You fear your w ...
Cabernet Sauvignon: The King of Reds Is a Half Breed?(Post)Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wine grapes in the world. Its flavor and complexity have made it a favorite among winemakers and consumers alike. The origins of Cabernet Sauvignon are n ...
Struggling with Malty and High Gravity Beers? It Might Be Your Water.(Post)You take great care to assemble the right ingredients for your beers, but have you ever considered your water profile? Today, we're diving into the world of ACCUmash SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.0 ...
The Glass Carboy: A Beer and Winemaker's Best Friend That Has Trust Issues(Post)If you've found your way here, you're probably looking for some inside scoop on the enigmatic glass carboy, that bulbous, necked vessel that's as integral to the home beer and winemaking process as f ...
Sweetening the Deal: Mastering the Art of Sugar Measurement and Liquification for Home Winemaking(Post)In a perfect world, additional sugar is not necessary and, if you are working from high quality grapes, you won't need to add it. But if you are working with lower quality grapes or other fruits, upp ...