2008 Gewurztraminer
December 2008 – I was going to buy a “fun wine” kit, probably a Green Apple/Riesling, but this one caught my eye … I have hopes that it will have decent Gewurztraminer characteristics.
Ingredients
| Kit | Vino del Vida Wine Gewurztraminer Kit |
| Bentonite | yes |
| Yeast | Lalvin EC-1118 |
| Sulfite | yes |
| Sorbate | yes |
| Kieselsol | yes |
| Chitosan | yes |
Method
| Once again making a valiant attempt to follow the directions! Used mostly purchased filtered water, but didn’t have quite enough, had to add a gallon of tap water.
Dissolved bentonite in 1 gallon water in fermenter, using powered stirring rod to mix. Added juice/concentrate and topped up to 6 gallons, again mixing well. Rehydrated the yeast with sugar and added it. Directions say to sprinkle it on top and not stir it in … but I get a fast result hydrating with a bit of sugar. |
12/14/2008 SG 1.080 |
| Racked the wine, transferring it to a carboy and gallon jug. Added sulphite, potassium sorbate, sweetening packet, kieselsol, and chitosan — following directions for order of addition and stirring time. | 12/25/2008 SG 1.005 |
| After ignoring the wine for 11 months, bottled it. | 11/11/2009 SG 1.005 |
Notes
| Yield | 27 bottles |
| Alcohol | 10.2% |
| Residual Sugar | 1.3% |
| 11/11/2009 | Tastes ok, but doesn’t have any distinctive gewürztraminer character. I’ve noticed that the Vino del Vida kits make decent table wines, but aren’t the ones to buy if a specific varietal character is desired. This doesn’t mean they aren’t worth making, but the maker has to have the correct desire and expectations to match the kit. |
| 12/17/2010 | Finished the last bottle. This made a good table wine with just a hint of gewürztraminer character. While I would have liked more, it wasn’t to be. Next time I want Gewürztraminer I’ll buy a better grade of kit. Best to aim for just a neutral table wine with Vino del Vida. |