While racking the Muscat and Petite Sirah from the fermentation bins into carboys, I decided to rack the Niagara. Since I have less than a gallon of Niagara, I racked it into a ½ gallon and 1 quart jugs. While racking I tasted the wine. It is golden in color and has a very floral aroma. The first comment on the taste is that it is dry, very dry. It has the typical Niagara fruit taste.
After the primary fermentation, I put this wine in the refrigerator since it was such a small quantity. It is now quite clear and looks wonderful in a glass. My plans are to keep it in the refrigerator until Christmas. I’ll sweeten it a bit and serve it on Christmas day. It should be a big hit. This is the first wine I’ve made with grapes that I grew. As a result, it is special and having it on Christmas day seems fitting.
Of course I’ve learned some lessons. In the vineyard, I have to start my spraying program earlier. I’ll also have to harvest later if possible. Harvest timing is not just grape and weather related, travel also impacts harvest timing. For pressing, I have to purchase a small press since the feet process didn’t extract as much juice as I hoped. Next year, I look forward to a larger production of grapes and more juice.
Cheers,
Terry
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