The Winemaker’s Think Tank: Vol 1- Why is My Wine Fizzy?
The Winemaker’s Think Tank?
Every Thursday we will post about a few frequently asked questions that our winemaker has answered. If you have a winemaking question you would like to have answered, please email us at support@juicegrape.com and we will try to get into next week’s post. Cheers! 🙂
Why is my wine fizzy?
Wine may be fizzy for one of two reasons: trapped gas within the wine leftover from fermentation, or a re-fermenting wine. Yeast exudes two substances upon fermentation: alcohol and carbon dioxide. Often times, carbon dioxide is exuded in such small bubbles that the weight of the liquid wine is too heavy to allow the gas to escape. This gas can easily be discharged through a process called degassing. Degassing involves the extreme agitation of the wine via stirring or pumping over. If you own a pump, you can set up the hoses in a circuit, and pump over vigorously to allow the gas to escape. You can also buy a degassing stirring wand that attaches to a cordless power drill. Simply attach it to the drill, place in the wine, and stir. The agitation will allow any trapped bubbles to rise to the surface and dissipate.
The wine may also be fizzy due to a re-fermentation. Even after racking, there may still be suspended yeast cells within the wine. The addition of potassium metabisulfite is necessary to ensure the killing off of remaining yeast cells, especially if the wine has any residual sugar or if the winemaker has plans to back sweeten the wine. Potassium sorbate is also strongly recommended if the winemaker intends upon back sweetening a white wine. The potassium sorbate will encapsulate the yeast cells, rendering them sterile and unable to ferment any sugar that is then added to the wine. (Note: Potassium sorbate cannot be used on any wine that has gone through Malolactic fermentation.) If the winemaker would prefer physical rather than chemical sterilization, a sterile grade (.45micron) filter may be used to physically remove any yeast or bacterial cells and prevent any further fermenting from occurring in the bottle.
*Please Note:
- Brettanomyces is carbon dioxide as well.
- The issue of filtration raises a host of issues. Sterile in winemaking is not achieved unless using an absolute filter (cartridge filter at the 0.45 or lower) and not a nominal filter (plate or pad filter such as the Grifo or SuperJets). The cartridges for the Enolomatic filter set-up are not rated as sterile either.
We hope this information helps with your winemaking. If you have any follow up questions or winemaking questions in general, please email us at support@juicegrape.com.
Mini Malo Class to be Held December 17th at 10:00AM
IS YOUR WINE GOING THROUGH MALO? BRING IT IN AND WE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO TEST FOR IT!
OUR “MINI MALO” CLASS WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 17TH AT 10:00AM
Musto Wine Grape RAFFLE
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING YOUR WINES ON JANUARY 21ST, 2017 AT ZANDRI’S STILLWOOD INN!
UPDATE: RAFFLE ITEMS:
- Wine Grape Raffles:
- 20 Cases of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
- 20 Cases of Paso Robles Syrah
- 20 Cases Lanza Musto Vineyards Cabernet 169
- 20 Cases Lanza Musto Vineyards Petite Sirah
- 20 Cases Lodi Zinderella
- 20 Cases Contra Costa Montelpulciano
- Equipment Raffles:
- 200 Liter Stainless Steel Tank
- 30 Gallon American Oak Barrel
- Gift Certificate Raffles:
- $100 Gift Certificate to Musto Wine Grape Company
THE RESULTS & JUDGING NOTES WILL BE RELEASED at the dinner
ALONG WITH A MEDAL CEREMONY, Dinner, DANCING, FUN GAMES, & RAFFLES!!
All raffle & wine game money will be donated to the wounded warriors project
Zandri’s stillwood inn:
1074 S. Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
January 21st, 2017
6:30PM – Midnight
Are you considering buying a gift? Let us help…
Are you considering buying a gift? Let us help…
Musto Wine Grape Company, LLC. has gifts for those starting out in winemaking, those who are experienced winemakers, or those who simply love wine or have a special winemaker in their lives.
So, what sort of person are you buying for?
Is this person interested in making wine for the first time or relatively new to winemaking?
Those interested in making wine may want to start out with some of the following:
Winemaking Equipment kits come with many of the basic and reusable items that are essential for making a basic batch of wine. Kits can be purchased pre-packaged or you can work with a Musto sales rep to enhance the kit items.
Winemaking Ingredient Kits exist for every budget and contain the ingredients needed to ferment and finish wine for bottling and enjoyment. There are kits available for all tastes.
While there are many different pieces of equipment that can be purchased for winemaking, few are as essential to crafting consistently good wine as are these items…
Hydrometer
Acid Tiration Kits (we recommend our own Pro Acid Kit!)
pH meters
Professional Books on Winemaking
A Professional Winemaker Led Class At Musto Wine Grape Company, LLC at our Hartford, CT location.
Perhaps the person you are buying for falls into the “Experienced Winemaker” category?
Hydrometer used to measure the specific gravity of wine and beer
An experienced winemaker may have been making wine for a period of time and should now have the basic equipment and supplies. This sort of winemaker is generally looking for items to expand his or her cellar or for items that offer greater efficiency. To the observer, an experience winemaker might also be one who consistently produces wines that beg you to have another glass.
If your winemaker is an “Experienced Winemaker” he or she may already have those items mentioned for the those who might just be getting started in winemaking. For those who do, you may want to consider some of the following items, big and small.
New Wine Barrels
Stainless Steel Variable Capacity Tanks
Chemical Analysis Meters
Wine Bottles
OR…Maybe the person you are buying for simply loves wine and/or a special winemaker?
Gift Certificates…The Perfect Gift!
There may be no better gift option than the gift certificate. It allows the recipient to apply the value of the certificate to any item that they wish to purchase and at a time they are ready to do so. Our gift certificates come with a gift certificate holder and may be used for either online or in-store purchases. Click here to purchase a gift certificate in a convenient denomination.
Also, we are constantly running New and Special Deals on All of Our Products –> Check out our Shopping Page for more Information and Coupons!
Come Celebrate Your Winning Wines on January 21st
The results are in and the date is set! Come Celebrate Your Winning Wines on January 21st, 2016.
The 2016 Musto Wine Grape Company, LLC. Wine Competition Dinner will entail a catered dinner, medal ceremony, wine themed games, dancing, and raffle prizes. All raffle money proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project.
This is an event you don’t want to miss! There may even be a possibility of hitting Frank Musto in the face with a pie! (Shhhhh don’t tell Frank ;))
Tickets: Purchase HERE
Results: Musto Wine Grape Wine Competition Results!
LOCATION:
Zandri’s Stillwood Inn:
1074 S. Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
January 21st, 2017
6:30PM – Midnight
We Hope To See You There! Cheers!
Pair Your Holiday Meals with Your Vinifera Noble Wine Kit
For those of you who are already running out of wine, we have the perfect solution! Start making wine on November 28th and it can be ready to drink by your special Holiday! Pick up a Mosti Mondiale Vinifera Noble Wine Kit and start creating the perfect wine for your Holiday Gathering. The Vinifera Noble Kits are a year round alternative to fresh musts and juice. They are characteristically warm, well balanced, and robust yet still subtle and delightfully nuanced. Choose any variety for your Holiday project and create a wine that your guests will want to steal from your cellar!
Downloadable Version Here –> pairing-food-with-vinifera-noble-kit
Who Won Best in Show?
Thank you to everyone who entered Musto Wine Grape Company’s Wine Competition. We cannot wait for the Competition Dinner to give you all of the results! Dates for the dinner are coming soon….
You will be receiving an email this week with your medal results. All medals and feedback will be given out at the dinner.
And now for Best in Show…
Best in Show – Commercial: Winemaker Amanda Brackett from Southern Connecticut Wine Company for their “Dark & Dirty Red Blend”
Best in Show Amateur: Eric Albetski & Ed Smith for their 75% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon Blend.
Congratulations to all the Winemakers who submitted their entries. We can’t wait to see you at the dinner and celebrate your wines!
What to do while you wait for your wine to age?
If you are like us then you get impatient waiting for your wine to finish the aging process. Here are few things to keep you busy while you wait for your vintage to be ready.
1. Drink Last Year’s Wine – Yummy.
2. Make a Wine Kit – You can have wine on the table in 3-4 weeks! Personally we are loving the Castel del Papa and the Green Apple Riesling.
3. Search Out a New Wine Club or Two – These new wines can inspire a new blend or variety to be made next year.
4. Design Your Own Wine Label – Your wine label should represent you. Musto Wine Grape offers custom label design as well as stock labels to help you add your own flair to your wine label.
5. Drink Local – Check out your local wineries and compare wine notes with other local winemakers. Connecticut has a great Wine Trail you can check out the next time you stop by to pick up a few things.
6. Visit California Wine Country – Why not take a trip and see where your wine grapes came from? Contact Christina at cmusto@juicegrape.com for more information on where to taste, stay, and play in California Wine Country.
7. Clean and Organize Your Wine Cellar– Think of it as “spring” cleaning. I’m sure your house mates would be happy to see it organized.
8. Stock Up on Winemaking Products for Next Year – There are a lot of sales going on during the Holiday Season. Take advantage of them and get ahead for next year!
9. Plan for your next Winemaking Project – Southern Hemisphere Grapes – Grapes from Chile and South Africa will arrive as early as the beginning of May. The California grapes will arrive in August.
10. Throw a Blending Party – Invite your friends over and create some new and interesting blends.
Italian Juices will start to arrive the Week of 10/10
Fresco Juices and Other Italian Juices will start to arrive the Week of 10/10
Please give us a call at 877.812.1137 or email us at sales@juicegrape.com to schedule your pick up.
Mosti Mondiale’s flagship refrigerated fresh grape juice product, Mondiale Fresco, has served the home winemaking community since 1989. Sourced from both Italy and California, Mondiale Fresco marks the beginning of a new winemaking season based on traditional practices that have crafted wines of significant character. With over 30 fresh varieties to choose from, Mondiale Fresco is proud to be the only product to offer home winemakers their own vineyard in one unique package.
Mosti Fresco Juices are PRE ORDER ONLY. If you have not pre-ordered yet please give us a call at 877.812.1137 or email us at sales@juicegrape.com.
Mosti Fresco Fresh Juice Instructions
Mosti Fresco Varieties:
- ALICANTE (CALIFORNIA)
- AMARONE (ITALY)
- BARBERA (CALIFORNIA)
- BAROLO (ITALY)
- BOURG ROYAL (CALIFORNIA)
- CABERNET FRANC (CALI)
- CABERNET SAUVIGNON (CALIFORNIA)
- CASTEL DEL PAPA (ITALY)
- CHIANTI (ITALY)
- LAMBRUSCO (ITALY)
- MERLOT (ITALY)
- MONTELPULCIANO (ITALY)
- NEBBIOLO (ITALY)
- NERO D’AVOLA (ITALY)
- PETITE SIRAH (CALIFORNIA)
- PINOT NOIR (CALIFORNIA)
- RUBY CABERNET (CALIFORNIA)
- SANGIOVESE (ITALY)
- SHIRAZ (CALIFORNIA)
- VALPOLICELLA (ITALY)
- ZINFANDEL (CALIFORNIA)
- GRENACHE ROSE (CALIFORNIA)
- ZINFANDEL ROSE (CALIFORNIA)
- CHENIN BLANC (CALIFORNIA)
- GEWÜRZTRAMINER (CALIFORNIA)
- MOSCATO (CALIFORNIA)
- PINOT CHARDONNAY (CALIFORNIA)
- PINOT GRIGIO (ITALY)
- RIESLING (CALIFORNIA)
- SAUVIGNON BLANC (CALIFORNIA)
- SOAVE (ITALY)
- TOACAI (ITALY)
- TREBBIANO (ITALY)
- VINHO VERDE (CALIFORNIA)
- MALVASIA AROMATICA (ITALY)
- MOSCATO ITALIANO (ITALY)
Our Italian juices are prepared in multiple ways for multiple winemaking opportunities. We have our Italian Fresh Juices, Mosti Fresco Juices, and Original All Juice Sterile Juices. All of our juices are handled with utmost quality and care.
Other Italian Juice Opportunities:
Italian Juices Are Coming!!
Fresh Italian Juices: Our Mosto Imperatore Italian juices have arrived! Create the best wines Italy has to offer. We have all the specialty varietals and blends – Amarone, Barolo, Brunello, Chianti, Dolchetto, Lambrusco, Montelpulciano, Moscato, Nebbiolo, Nero D’Avola, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, and Valpolicella.
Sterile Italian Juices: Mosti Mondiale’s 23L Original AllJuice is a true 100% pasteurized fresh grape must product. Experienced winemakers looking to complement their skills and patience will become instantly rewarded with the introduction of fresh grape must. Italian Varieties: Castel del Papa, Lambrusco, Montelpulciano, Nero D’Avola, Trebbiano, Moscato, and Il Toscano (Chianti)
Please give us a call at 877.812.1137 or email us at sales@juicegrape.com to schedule your pick up.
Juices and Grapes In Stock as of 9/22/16
| Variety | Label | 36/42 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Pinot Noir | Paso Robles | 36lb |
| Muscat | Muscat King | 42lb |
| Old Vine Carignane | Smiling Baby | 36lb |
| Syrah | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Barbera | Lucerene | 36lb |
| Muscat | Valley Beauty | 36lb |
| Cabernet Franc | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Merlot | Lugano | 36lb |
| Zinfandel | Lucerene | 36lb |
| Old Vine Zinfandel | Paso Robles | 36lb |
| Syrah | Paso Robles | 36lb |
| Cabernet Franc | Paso Robles | 36lb |
| Zinfandel | Zinderella | 36lb |
| Old Vine Zinfandel | Lugano | 36lb |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Costamagna | 36lb |
| Merlot | Lugano | 36lb |
| Merlot | Washington State | 36lb |
| Old Vine Carignane | Caterina | 36lb |
| Petite Sirah | Caterina | 36lb |
| Merlot | Caterina | 36lb |
| Petite Verdot | Caterina | 36lb |
| Chardonnay | Lanza | 36lb |
| Ruby Cabernet | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| French Colombard | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Malvasia Bianca | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Black Muscat | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Carignane | Uva di California | 36lb |
| Merlot | Paso Robles | 36lb |
| Alicante | O’Caprio | 42lb |
| Alicante | Smiling Baby | 36lb |
| Barbera | Valley Beauty | 36lb |
| Zinfandel | Valley Beauty | 36lb |
| Mixed Black | Uva di California | 36lb |
| Old Vine Grenache | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Ruby Cabernet | Valley Beauty | 36lb |
| Malbec | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Muscat | Cry Baby | 42lb |
| Muscat Cannelli | Lanza | 36lb |
| Chardonnay | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Syrah | Cry Baby | 36lb |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Caterina | 36lb |
| Carnelian | Pia | 36lb |
| Zinfandel | Pia | 36lb |
| Mixed Black | Smiling Baby | 36lb |
| Mixed Black | Uva di California | 36lb |
| Old Vine Zinfandel | Caterina | 36lb |
| Muscat | Treasure | 36lb |
| Grenache | Teaser | 36lb |
| Zinfandel | Teaser | 36lb |
| Sangiovese | California Special | 36lb |
| Barbera | California Special | 36lb |
| Brunello | Pia | 36lb |
| Merlot | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Old Vine Zinfandel | Caterina | 36lb |
| Sangiovese | Pia | 36lb |
| Petite Sirah | Pia | 36lb |
| Gamay | Pia | 36lb |
| Barbera | Pia | 36lb |
| Alicante | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Petite Verdot | Paso Robles | 36lb |
| Barbera | Valley Beauty | 36lb |
| Viognier | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Pinot Grigio | Lodi Gold | 36lb |
| Thompson Seedless | Valley Beauty | 36lbs |
| Merlot | Lanza-Musto | 36lb |
| Sangiovese | Lanza-Musto | 36lb |
| Barbera | Lanza-Musto | 36lb |
| Nebbiolo | Pia | 36lb |
Juices:
| Variety |
| Merlot |
| Thompson Seedless |
| Muscat |
| Sauvignon Blanc |
| Muscat |
| Carignane |
| French Colombard |
| Syrah |
| Thompson Seedless |
| White Zinfandel |
| Malvasia Bianca |
| Malbec |
| Chablis |
| Burgundy |
| Gewürztraminer |
| Syrah |
| Viognier |
| Petite Sirah |
| Merlot |
| Chardonnay |
| Malvasia Bianca |
| Riesling |
| Barbera |
| Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Muscat |
| Zinfandel |
| Thompson Seedless |
| Grenache |
| Pinot Noir |
| Ruby Cabernet |
| Merlot |
| Mixed Black |
| Sauvignon Blanc |
| Sangiovese |
| Pinot Grigio |
| Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Zinfandel |
| Merlot |
| Barbera |
| Zinfandel |
| Muscat |
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