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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 ...
NASA's Stellar Intervention: Saving the Cabernet Sauvignon Harvest(Post)In a celestial twist of fate, NASA has swooped in to save the day for home winemakers, particularly those with a penchant for Cabernet Sauvignon. The space agency, known for its interstellar explorat ...
Merlot: A Misunderstood Marvel, Unfairly Maligned by Sideways(Post)You remember that flick, Sideways, don't you? The one where our protagonist, Miles, has a bit of a meltdown over Merlot? "If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any (insert expletive ...
A Domestic Decision: Finer Wine Kits' Quest for Quality(Post)In the complex realm of winemaking, the quality of ingredients is paramount. This principle is deeply ingrained in Finer Wine Kits' philosophy, leading to their choice to exclusively use California s ...
Which Oak Works Best for Your Wine? Everything You Need to Know(Post)The art of winemaking is a delicate dance between science and creativity, and the use of oak is no exception. As a home winemaker, you have the power to shape your wine's character, and understa ...
What Medium to Full Bodied Wine Kits With Skins Do Better(Post)At a certain point in your winemaking journey, the question stops being whether you can make good wine and starts being what kind of wine you want to make. Not better in a technical sense, but differ ...
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 ...
Is Australian Shiraz just Syrah? No and Yes.(Post)It is a common notion that Shiraz and Syrah are just different names for the same grape, but it might not be that simple. There is debate about whether the distinction is warranted, and there are nay ...
The Diablo Rojo: Your Bridge to Dry Reds(Post)If you like sweet wine but want to venture into the world of traditional reds, try the Diablo Rojo! It is a semi-sweet red wine kit that makes your journey to the dry side easy.The Diablo Rojo b ...
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 ...
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 ...
The Great Wine Masquerade: Can You Unmask the Reds and Whites?(Post)Have you ever wondered if you could tell the difference between a red and a white wine if they were served at the same temperature, and you were blindfolded? It's a question that has sparked many deb ...
Why Should I Have My Own Crusher/De-Stemmer for My Grapes?(Post)Spontaneous fermentation, a process that relies on the natural yeasts present on grapes, can yield uniquely complex flavors in winemaking. However, this method also exposes your wine to potential ris ...
How to Select Your Wine Kit(Post)When you are choosing a wine kit, it is easy to focus on what appears to signal quality. Higher ABV, fuller body, more structure. These details seem important, but they are often misunderstood. The m ...
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 ...
Think Commercial Brewers and Vintners Don’t Use Flavorings? Think Again.(Post)If you believe professional brewers and winemakers rely only on raw ingredients and tradition, you have bought into a marketing story, not reality. The truth is far less romantic and far more interes ...
Wine and Beer Bottles: Why So Many Different Styles?(Post)Home beer and winemakers typically reuse bottles. It is economical but, if you have the means, you might want to consider upping your variety. Bottle shapes, colors, and sizes are more than just aest ...
Winds, Currents, and Climate: The Maritime Formula Behind Great Wine(Post)Nearly all of the world’s great wine regions seem to share a surprising geographical trait: they sit near west-facing coastlines. From California’s Napa Valley and Chile’s Casablanc ...
Why You Should Be Using Potassium Sorbate in Your Wine(Post)Ever have a cork blow out of a bottle or wine that was carbonated? If you have, you were not happy about it and either scenario can and should be avoided. The solution is an inexpensive and simple fi ...
How You Should, and Should Not Clean Your Wine Press.(Post)Deep in the heart of every wine lover, there is a hidden desire to make your own vintage entirely from scratch. For many, making wine means more than just getting drunk. It’s a labor of love that req ...
The Trick to Making Good Sangiovese(Post)Sangiovese is named for the top god in Roman mythology. It means blood of Jupiter. If you’ve made Sangiovese and not been happy with the outcome, you may be wondering why? You’ve successfully made ot ...
Does ABV Vary for Different Grapes?(Post)The Pugilistic Dance of Alcohol Levels in Wine:A Tannic Tango with Nature, the Vintner, and the Winemaker. Ever wondered why some types of wine go right to your head while others barely tickle y ...
Chilling Out: The Art of Cold Fermentation in White Wine Making(Post)Winter is the perfect time to make your summer whites. The temperature at which you ferment your white wine is not just a minor detail. In this article, we will investigate what happens when you ...
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 ...
Unraveling the Tannin Tapestry: A Colorful Guide to Grape Seeds, Stems, and Skins for Home Winemaking(Post)Tannins can be scary. When overpowering, they can leave you feeling like Wiley Coyote after a dose of Acme alum. But when they are right, tannins can be intrinsic to red wine. They add a lot of flavo ...
Should Sugar Levels Determine My Winemaking Process?(Post)Every harvest is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're gonna get. Even grapes from the same vineyard can surprise you year after year. Weather cycles, temperatures, and a myriad of othe ...