Late Fermentation Additions

[jayv]

Hi
I'm thinking about having a go at some late fermentation additions as per Lockwood's "Recipe and Method Formulation" thread. I have both a wine#1 and a wine#2 on the go at the moment. Any suggestions for things I could add to them? Will frozen raspberries, strawberries etc. work or should I stick to fresh? Also, can anyone give me a rough guide on when the SG is likely to reach 1.010? Half way through, 3/4 of the way through?
Thanks!
J.

[fatbloke]

The only thing that will give a reliable guide how the ferment is going, is your hydrometer.

As for the fruit additions, frozen is fine, though some like to use a net to keep the fruit together, as it can go very mushy and a PITA to remove later.

Late additions usually give a greater fruit depth to the flavour. Though its worth remembering that some fruit, like raspberries, can be very over powering, so I'd say mix it with at least 2 types.

Others might be better placed to suggest how much to use.....

regards

jtfb

[jayv]

Thanks jftb.
I think I'll try a few frozen raspberries in the wine #2. What about grapefruit peel in the wine #1? Would that give a hint of grapefruit flavour to the wine? Just wondering cause I love a sauvignon blanc with a hint grapefruit .

[lockwood1956]

What about grapefruit peel in the wine #1?

Add a little of the zest (no white pith or you will end up with bitterness)

you only need to add a few shreds of pith, for about 3 days. Will give it a zesty zing on the nose.

As to late fruit additions, I have experimented with lots of things, ~I find raspberries work well, but I add them to wine No1 after ferment is over, adding them whole and for about 3 to 4 days, the alcohol will extract flavour and colour. Makes a nice blush wine.

About 100g per gallon, or all you will taste is raspberry

regards
Bob

[jayv]

Thanks Bob! Looking forward to trying both. Would you add the grapefruit zest at 1.010 or after fermentation?

[lockwood1956]

Normally I add the zest after ferment

[jayv]

Great, thanks! I don't have a net for my frozen raspberries. Would a clean pair of nylon tights do the job?

[lockwood1956]

If I'm adding them post ferment, I just dump them in, they will stay whole, and so it isn't a problem racking.

but tights would work yes

regards
bob

[Cellar_Rat]

I always think dirty nylon tights are better - ooops wrong forum.

[jayv]

[HappyKillmore]

i always think dirty nylon tights are better - ooops wrong forum.

lmao