I just made 30 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon California Connoisseur. I did all what the instructions said for the 28 days. The target was ok at 0.995 at the end. I omitted packets #4 and #5 (potassium Sorbate & Fining Agent ) My question is, my wine seems to be a little light to the taste, but letting it rest after opening did give it more body. Also laying the bottles on its side shows some sediment inside the bottle yet it was clear when I bottled it. What did I do wrong ?
Name: Daniel B.
State: FL
Hello Daniel,
A wine having a light flavor is typically a symptom of trying to drive the alcohol level up with more sugar. This will bring the wine out of balance giving it a watery impression. When you let a wine sit open for a few minutes before drinking, as you did, it allows time for the aromas or bouquet to develop and release. This is done quite often with some wine, particularly red wines. The addition of these aromas will give the impression that the wine has more flavor.
As to having sediment in the wine bottles, this is a direct result of not adding the fining agent as you had indicated. It is very common for a newly made wine to look visually clear before it is actually done clearing. That is why a “fining agent” provided with these kits — to drop out what you can’t see.
Happy Winemaking,
Ed Kraus
———————————————————————————————————
Ed Kraus is a 3rd generation home brewer/winemaker and has been an owner of E. C. Kraus since 1999. He has been helping individuals make better wine and beer for over 25 years.
