★Ingredients
10-15 pounds of red grapes (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir)
1 teaspoon of potassium metabisulfite (optional, for sterilization)
1 packet of wine yeast (specific for red wine)
1-2 cups of sugar (optional, depending on grape sweetness)
Equipment:
Primary fermentation bucket with an airlock
Fermentation vessel (a food-grade plastic or glass container)
Secondary fermentation carboy (glass or plastic jug)
Wine bottles and corks
Baked feta and artichokes with gremolata olives
★Instructions
- Preparation:
- Sterilize all your equipment with a solution of water and potassium metabisulfite or a similar sanitizer.
- Crushing:
- Wash and de-stem the grapes. Crush the grapes by hand or with a crusher to release their juice. Place the crushed grapes into the primary fermentation bucket.
- Fermentation:
- If using, dissolve the sugar in a small amount of water and add it to the crushed grapes. This step is optional and depends on the sweetness of the grapes.
- Sprinkle the wine yeast over the grape mixture. Stir gently.
- Cover the fermentation bucket with a clean cloth and let it sit in a warm place (65-75°F or 18-24°C) for about 5-7 days, stirring daily.
- Pressing:
- After the initial fermentation, press the grape mixture to extract the juice. Transfer the juice to the secondary fermentation carboy, leaving the sediment behind.
- Secondary Fermentation:
- Fit the carboy with an airlock and let it ferment for 3-4 weeks, or until fermentation activity stops (bubbles will cease).
- Aging:
- Rack the wine (transfer it) to a clean carboy, leaving sediment behind. Let it age for several months in a cool, dark place.
- Bottling:
- After aging, rack the wine one more time if necessary. Bottle the wine using sterilized bottles and corks.
- Maturation:
- Allow the bottled wine to mature for at least 6 months before drinking.
Remember, making wine at home requires patience and attention to detail. If you’re new to winemaking, you might consider starting with a winemaking kit that provides more detailed instructions and pre-measured ingredients.