9/27 We harvested 4 gallons of Catawba grapes today. I'll have to head back out to the vines tomorrow to gather up some more if I want enough juice to make a 6 gallon batch of wine. The grapes ended the season with a specific gravity of 1.060 or 8% potential alcohol by volume. So I just may have to add some sugar to fix that.
Loryn and I sanitized our tootzies and stomped juice from the cold, wet and slippery grapes. It is quite a sensation. I highly recommend you jump in the vat of must if you ever have an opportunity to participate in some old school grape crushing.
The next step is to pitch the yeast and let the magic begin. If all goes as planned, primary fermentation should be complete by 10/5. Then it will be time to press the juice from the skins and seeds. Sounds like more sticky-good times are ahead.
If anyone needs ideas for Christmas gifts for me: a refractometer, an acid testing kit, a SO2 test kit, a crusher-destemmer with stand (nothing too fancy) or an Italian floor corker. Be sure to check with each other before you make your purchase ... I would hate to get doubles!!!
Loryn and I sanitized our tootzies and stomped juice from the cold, wet and slippery grapes. It is quite a sensation. I highly recommend you jump in the vat of must if you ever have an opportunity to participate in some old school grape crushing.
The next step is to pitch the yeast and let the magic begin. If all goes as planned, primary fermentation should be complete by 10/5. Then it will be time to press the juice from the skins and seeds. Sounds like more sticky-good times are ahead.
If anyone needs ideas for Christmas gifts for me: a refractometer, an acid testing kit, a SO2 test kit, a crusher-destemmer with stand (nothing too fancy) or an Italian floor corker. Be sure to check with each other before you make your purchase ... I would hate to get doubles!!!