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sangiovese

Uncorking Joy: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Wine at Home from Juice

wine-juice-winemaking-juice-red-wine-juice-fresh-wine-juice-fresco-juice

There’s a certain magic in crafting your own wine at home, and it all starts with a humble bucket of juice. Whether you’re a curious DIY novice or a seasoned winemaker, making wine from juice is an accessible and enjoyable venture. Join us on a journey to uncork the secrets of home winemaking and savor the fruits of your labor.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you embark on your winemaking adventure, gather the essential supplies.

  1. A food-grade fermentation vessel
    1. Carboy (glass or PET, can be used for fermentation and storage)
    2. Demijohn (glass, can be used for fermentation and storage)
    3. Variable Capacity Tank (stainless steel, can be used for fermentation and storage)
    4. Food Grade Fermentation Tub (for fermentation only)
  2. An Airlock and Bung that fits your fermentation and/or storage vessel
  3. A siphon tube (racking and bottling)
  4. Fermentation Supplies:
    1. Wine yeast
    2. Nutrients
    3. Sacrificial Tannins
    4. Malolactic Bacteria and Nutrients (if making a red wine or chardonnay)
    5. AllGrape pack (if making a red and want to add more body and color to your wine) – for more information click here.
  5. Chemicals and Agents:
    1. Potassium Metabisulfite (for sanitizing equipment and for the preservation of wine)
    2. B-Brite (for cleaning)
  6. Juice

 

Choosing the Right Juice:

The beauty of making wine from juice lies in the variety of flavors you can explore. Select a high-quality juice. There are juices that are straight from the pressed grape skins, and others that are pre-balanced and have extra nutrients and tannins to help create a easy to ferment but delicious product.

Types of juices:

Fresh Juices:

Our fresh juices are from the grapes that are crushed, destemmed, and pressed right into the pails. For white wine, this is as if you were crushing and pressing yourself. For red wine the grapes are run through a heat or “hot” press to extract the color. Once these pails come up to temperature they can kick off because of the native yeast from the original grapes, or you can kill the native yeast and pitch your own yeast to ensure a more successful fermentation. Either way you are working with the fresh juice, not from concentrate. A delicious wine that can be on your table soon!

Fresco Juices:

Mondiale Fresco is proud to be the only product to offer home winemakers their own vineyard in one unique package. Each pail of juice is pre-balanced and adjusted to ensure you have the best winemaking success possible. Just warm up the juice to fermentation temperature and watch it go. For more information on our Fresco Juices click here.

So What is the difference between Fresh and Fresco Juices?

The Fresh Juices are the straight from the press. The Fresco juices are straight from the press, but pre-balanced and have a few additions made to them to make fermentation easier on the winemaker.

Sterile Juices:

Made from 100% pure grape must. The Mosti Mondiale All Juice Sterile Juice Pails yields wine of unmatched structure and integrity. This juice can be shipped via UPS or Fedex. It has similar steps to a wine kit, however it is made from fresh grape must and not concentrate. Expect to get a more vibrant and complex product from our sterile juices versus a wine kit.

 

Starting the Fermentation:

  1. Choose a juice variety that speaks to you.
  2. Come to Musto Wine Grape and pick up your pail of juice.
  3. Bring it home, pop open that lid, and add 1/4 tsp potassium metabisulfite to it. Add pectic enzyme if you’re going to (5 drops per gallon of juice). Give it a stir.
  4. Allow it to come up to room temperature – we’re talking 60 degrees or so.
  5. Choose your fermentation vessel: will you keep it in pails or ferment it in a carboy or demijohn? Make sure everything is clean and sanitized. *Be sure there is enough room to account for fermentation foaming*
  6. If you are going to add fermentation tannins or additives (like oak dust, Booster Rouge, Booster Blanc) you can add that now. *Note: do not add tannins such as FT Rouge within 8 hours of adding enzyme*
  7. Pitch the yeast once the temperature has reached at least 60F. Yeast strain choices will vary depending on the juice you choose – ask a winemaker at Musto Wine Grape for a strain recommendation for the varietal you’re making. Follow the yeast starter directions to the T! Be very careful of temperatures, never adding yeast if there is more than a 18 degree difference between the yeast starter liquid and the juice.
  8. Carefully monitor the fermentation by checking Brix levels daily. Add yeast nutrients as needed if you choose to do so.
  9. If you are adding malolactic cultures to your wine, you may also choose to do this at 1/3 Brix depletion. If using a malolactic nutrient (Opti-Malo Plus) with the bacterial culture, hydrate the nutrient in a separate container from the bacteria and add to the must directly before the addition of the bacteria. Follow all directions on the bacteria and nutrient packets explicitly.
  10. When the fermentation is complete, rack off the lees and continue aging. Many wines are aged with oak – if you choose to do this, you can do so in oak barrels or with oak alternatives (such as chips or staves).
  11. For more detailed information or is if you have any questions, email sales@juicegrape.com to speak to a MWG winemaker.

 

Patience is a Virtue:

Fermentation is a magical process that transforms humble juice into wine. Allow the mixture to ferment for several weeks, checking the airlock regularly. Once the bubbling slows down, the primary fermentation is complete. Rack the wine into a clean vessel, leaving sediment behind.

 

Keep Good Notes:

Keep track of your starting pre-fermentation numbers, addition dates and amounts, SO2 levels, racking days, and so on. The better the notes you take, the better you can re-create your masterpiece from year to year!

 

Aging Gracefully:

Transfer your wine to a secondary fermentation vessel for additional aging. This allows the flavors to mature and the wine to clarify. The length of ageing depends on personal preference and the type of wine you’re making. Some wines benefit from months of aging, while others are best enjoyed when young. For more details on ageing your wine click here.

 

Bottling and Enjoying:

Once your wine has matured to your liking, it’s time to bottle. Use a siphon tube to transfer the wine into clean, sanitized bottles, leaving sediment behind. Cork the bottles and store them upright for a few days before laying them on their sides for long-term storage. Now, you’re ready to uncork and savor the fruits of your labor. For more information on bottling your wine click here.

 

Making wine at home from juice is a delightful blend of science, art, and patience. Whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or an aspiring vintner, this simple guide is your passport to a world of homemade delights. So, raise a glass to your newfound winemaking skills and the joy of crafting something truly special from the comfort of your own home.

We hope you have found some winemaking inspiration in this article. If you have any questions or would like to discuss making an order, please contact us at 877-812-1137 or via sales@juicegrape.com. Cheers!

Wine Spotlight: Amorosso/Amarone Blend

One of our all time favorite Italian wine juices will be arriving in October, the Amorrosso/Amarone Blend. Sweet and bold, this wine is popular at any table. It will be arriving in early October from Italy. The Amarone fresh juice is available for pre-order and on demand pick up. The Amorosso Fresco is pre-order only. Please call 877-812-1137 to put in your order. We have a huge list of Italian wine juices for sale. Be sure to give us a call to check out what is available.

The Blend:

Amorosso/Amarone wine is a unique and highly regarded red wine produced in the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy. It is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor, high alcohol content, and complex aroma. Primarily made from three grape varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The grapes are carefully selected from well-maintained vineyards, and only the ripest bunches are chosen for this blend.

Appassimento:

The key step in Amarone production is the drying process, also known as “appassimento.” Instead of pressing the grapes immediately, they are spread out on wooden racks or straw mats in well-ventilated rooms, lofts, or drying chambers. During this time, they lose water content, which concentrates their sugars, flavors, and aromas. This process can reduce the weight of the grapes by 30-40%.

After the drying process, the grapes are gently crushed to release their juice. The grape skins are thick and full of flavor due to the drying process.

Winemaking Notes:

Typically, after fermentation, Amorossa/Amarone wine is aged for an extended period in oak barrels. The aging process can range from two to several years, depending on the producer’s preferences. This aging helps mellow the wine’s tannins, integrate its flavors, and develop its complex bouquet. For step by step instructions check out this blog post.

Flavor Profile:

Amorosso/Amarone wine is characterized by its deep ruby-red color, intense and complex aromas of dried fruits, dark cherries, spices, and a full-bodied, velvety texture. It is often enjoyed as a fine wine on its own or paired with hearty dishes like roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses. Due to its unique production method, Amorosso/Amarone tends to be more expensive than many other Italian wines but is highly regarded by wine enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and flavor profile.

Viva Italia!

To make an Italian wine juice order please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

Upgrade Your Winemaking Juice with the AllGrape Pack!

Upgrade Your Winemaking Juice with the AllGrape Pack!

Making from Fresh Juice or Wine Kits produces a fantastic wine, but can sometimes be lacking in tannins, color, flavor, and mouthfeel. This isn’t the winemaker’s fault, this is becasue these types of product do not get ample time on the grape skins to give the wine that extra kick of complexity.

Lucky for you, We Have a Solution! Enter the AllGrape Pack

allgrape-pack-wine-juice-juice-to-make-wine-winemaking-juices allgrape-pack-wine-juice-juice-to-make-wine-winemaking-juices

The AllGrape pack® contains 100% grapes, NO Fillers, NO sweeteners just 100% pasteurized crushed and destemmed grapes as “Mother Nature” intended!

Packed in a sterile, shelf-stable, bag in a box…taste the real Allgrape® difference.

Add it to your Fresh Wine Juice or Wine Kit and see a significant increase in the Flavor Profile, Tanninic Structure, and Mouthfeel in your Juice Wine!

It tastes as if you made wine from grapes!

Sam & Christina did an experiment with Chilean Merlot this Spring. We did one pail with the AllGrape pack and one pail without it. We couldn’t believe the difference! We believe in the product so much so that we discounted it so it’s easier to test out for yourselves. You won’t be disapointed. But hurry because this sale will only last until Novemeber!

FALL SPECIAL!
$33.00 – NOW $25.00

Purchase it online HERE

To make a wine juice order or if you have any questions about the AllGrape pack please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

The Italians are Coming!!

italian juice

There are several compelling reasons to consider

making Italian wine from Musto’s Italian juices.

Variety:

Italy is one of the world’s largest wine producers, and it boasts an incredible variety of wine styles, grape varieties, and regions. Whether you prefer red, white, sparkling, or dessert wines, Italy offers an extensive range to explore.

Terroir:

Italy’s diverse geography, climate, and soils contribute to a rich tapestry of terroirs. Each wine region has its own unique characteristics, producing wines with distinct flavors and profiles.

Food Pairing:

Italian wines are known for their versatility and ability to complement a wide range of cuisines. Whether you’re enjoying pizza, pasta, seafood, or fine Italian cuisine, there’s an Italian wine that pairs beautifully with it.

Quality:

Italy has a long history of winemaking, and many Italian wineries are dedicated to producing high-quality wines. Italy has a significant number of prestigious wine regions and producers, including those in Tuscany, Piedmont, Puglia, and Veneto.

Heritage:

Italy has a deep cultural and historical connection to winemaking. This heritage is reflected in the traditions, techniques, and dedication of Italian winemakers.

Uniqueness:

Italy is home to several unique and iconic wine styles, such as Barolo, Amarone, Chianti, Prosecco, and Brunello di Montalcino, among others. Exploring these wines can be a delightful and enriching experience.

Whether you’re looking for a bold red wine like Barolo, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio, Italy has something to offer for every palate and occasion!

Musto Wine Grape will be receiving Italian wine juices this October! See below for a full list of what is available from Italy this fall.

Musto Wine Grape Italian Juice Offerings:

Fresh Italian Juices:

Amarone

Barolo

Brunello

Chianti

Dolchetto

Lambrusco

Montelpulciano

Moscato

Nebbiolo

Nero D’Avola

Pinot Grigio

Sangiovese

Trebbiano

Valpolicella

Italian Fresco Juices (pre-order only):

Amorosso (Amarone)

Granbarile (Barolo)

Castel del Papa

Il Toscano (Chianti)

Lambrusco

Merlot

Montelpulciano

Nebbiolo

Primitivo

Sangiovese

Pinot Grigio

Trebbiano

To make an order please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

Winemaking with Italian juices

Let’s make wine from Italian juice… at home!

Many winemakers wait all year for their annual Italian juice pickup at Musto. Despite the fact that they may be able to find some of these juices from California, they look forward to knowing that they will be able to make wine that hails from Italy itself.

There’s so many juices to choose from:

  • Amarone- cooked cherries, dark plums, cherry liqueur
  • Barolo- tannic, rose aroma
  • Brunello- cherry, blackberry, tannic
  • Chianti- red fruit, dried herbs, herbaceous
  • Dolcetto- plum, blackberry, cocoa
  • Lambrusco- fruity, blackberry, bright red fruits
  • Montepulciano- red plum, thyme, baking spices
  • Moscato- sweet, fruity, aromatic
  • Nebbiolo- rose, cherry, leather
  • Nero D’Avola- cherry, plum, licorice, tobacco
  • Pinot Grigio- lemon, lime green apple, bright and crisp
  • Sangiovese- tart cherry, strawberry, plum
  • Trebbiano- peach, lemon, apple
  • Valpolicella- cherry, cinnamon, chocolate

For winemakers who don’t have access to a crusher, destemmer, or press, making wine from Italian juices is a great way to get the joy of making your own wine with less steps and less mess.

So how can you start making your own wine from Italian juices? Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way!

  1. Choose an Italian variety that speaks to you.
  2. Come to Musto Wine Grape and pick up your pail of juice.
  3. Bring it home, pop open that lid, and add 1/4 tsp potassium metabisulfite to it. Add pectic enzyme if you’re going to (5 drops per gallon of juice). Give it a stir.
  4. Allow it to come up to room temperature – we’re talking 60 degrees or so.
  5. Choose your fermentation vessel: will you keep it in pails or ferment in a carboy or demijohn? Make sure everything is clean and sanitized. *Be sure there is enough room to account for fermentation foaming*
  6. If you are going to add fermentation tannins or additives (like oak dust, Booster Rouge, Booster Blanc) you can add that now. *Note: do not add tannins such as FT Rouge within 8 hours of adding enzyme*
  7. Pitch the yeast once the temperature has reached at least 60F. Yeast strain choices will vary depending on the juice you choose – ask a winemaker at Musto Wine Grape for a strain recommendation for the varietal you’re making. Follow the yeast starter directions explicitly. Be very careful of temperatures, never adding yeast if there is more than a 18 degree difference between the yeast starter liquid and the juice.
  8. Carefully monitor the fermentation by checking Brix levels daily. Add yeast nutrients as needed if you choose to do so.
  9. If you are adding malolactic cultures to your wine, you may also chose to do this at 1/3 Brix depletion. If using a malolactic nutrient (Opti-Malo Plus) with the bacterial culture, hydrate the nutrient in a separate container from the bacteria and add to the must directly before the addition of the bacteria. Follow all directions on the bacteria and nutrient packets explicitly.
  10. When the fermentation is complete, rack off the lees and continue aging. Many Italian wines are aged with oak – if you choose to do this, you can do so in oak barrels or with oak alternatives (such as chips or staves).

winemaking juices-how to make wine

And there you have it! Delicious Italian wine that you made in your own home. There’s nothing more rewarding than having a glass of wine you made with juice from a reliable source.

Feeling inspired? Come down to Musto Wine Grape and pick up some Italian juice. But don’t wait too long – we are fast approaching the end of harvest time. Pick up everything you need and and be on your way to kicking back as you sip on a glass of homemade Italian wine. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make Frank’s Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo to accompany it!

Wine Grapes from Amador County

Amador Brix Levels are in! Amador’s production of robust, intensely flavored red wines is attributable to its high percentage of old vines -roughly 600 acres out of a total of 2,700 are 60 years or older, including several vineyards dating to the 19th century. These deeply rooted, head-trained vines, primarily zinfandel, found in vineyards such as Plymouth, produce tiny crops of small-berried grapes which produce the heady zinfandels for which Amador County is renowned. Our Amador Sangiovese is at 19.6, Barbera at 19.0, and Zinfandel is at 19.2. Make sure to put in your pre-order via sales@juicegrape.com or 877-812-1137.

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Amador_Winemaking Grapes_Sangiovese

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Amador_Winemaking Grapes_Zinfandel

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A taste of Italy from Lanza Musto Vineyards

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{Lanza-Musto Brunello Clone Sangiovese going through veraison}

Can’t make it to Tuscany this year? Don’t worry, you can make some fabulous Sangiovese right here in the US! Lanza-Musto Vineyards has been producing Brunello Clone Sangiovese for the past 4 vintages. One of the big reasons we planted this varietal is because the valley provides hot days and cool nights. The temperature can swing over 50 degrees depending on the time of year. Sangiovese eats this type of weather up! This high producing varietal soaks up the sun and enjoys the break under the cool night air.

When producing Sangiovese wines keep in mind that even though it is a bold tasting wine, it can easily be overtaken by oak infusions. Both the Musto Wine Grape Co. and Winemaker Magazine suggest using small amounts of oak or aging your wine in neutral barrels. The oak flavoring can overpower the wine and you will lose the delicate acidity and  bright cherry notes that Sangiovese is known for. Also, blending in a little LMV Barbera or Merlot can help give it a little extra structure and complexity. 

Since Sangiovese originated in Italy, the wines pair famously with anything tomatobased. We suggest pasta, pizza, or any meat dishes that have a tomato sauce. Frank Musto from Musto Wine Grape Co., LLC. personally enjoys his Sangiovese with Pepe’s Pizza from New Haven, CT or a great Chicken Marsala.

Sangiovese is one of the hottest up and coming varietals being produced in the United States. Make sure to secure your order of Brunello Clone Sangiovese for Fall 2016. You will not be disappointed!

Cheers and Happy Winemaking!

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{Lanza-Musto Brunello Clone Sangiovese ready to ship to Musto Wine Grape Company}