Pioneer Chokecherry Wine - semisweet

Started 8/8/2002
Bottled 7/6/2003

Alcohol 11.4%
Initial SG 1.089
Final SG 0.995 - sweetened with honey
pH ND TA ND

Tasting Notes

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8/8/2002

9.1 pounds chokecherries were crushed with a food mill and the pulp was placed in a 5 gallon bucket. 0.4 g bisulfite was added. 6 pounds of sugar, 3 tsp acid blend, and 2.5 gallons water added to the pulp.

8/9/2002

SG measures 1.084. 1/2 pound more sugar was added raising the gravity to 1.089. A packet of Montrachet yeast was sprinkled on top.

8/16/2002

Strained and placed in a 3 gallon carboy. SG 1.030.

3/1/2003

SG <0.995 Racked into 2 imp gallon bottles. To one was just added 0.4 g sulfite. To the other, 0.4 g sulfite, 1 g sorbate, and 2 oz honey. The remainder of the wine was drawn off for drinking. One 750 mL bottle sweetened with 0.4 oz honey. The other 12 oz bottle was capped dry. The color is nice but the taste is thin and a little bitter. I think the sweetening will be best.

7/6/2003

both batches were filtered #3 and bottled into 12 12oz bottles each. Mellowing nicely – very light but delicious. The off dry one is probably better, but both are nice.