Chokecherry Reserve

started 9/2/2003
bottled 1/24/2004

Alcohol 13%
Initial SG 1.096
Final SG 0.996 sweetened to 0.999
pH ND TA ND

Tasting Notes

3/14/2004 The color is a rich deep red. The nose has a nice fruity quality with pronounced cherry and hints of berries. The flavor is smooth and full bodied with forward cherry fruit. There is no astringency whatsoever. This is delightful.

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9/2/2003

26.4 pounds of chokecherries, picked three weeks ago, frozen and then thawed were placed in the primary. 4 gallons of boiling water were added to the mostly thawed berries. These were thoroughly mashed. After the must had cooled to lukewarm, pectic enzyme was added.

9/3/2004

After 24 hours, the pulp was strained from the must and squeezed by hand to extract as much juice as possible. The pulp was reserved for making a second wine. This yielded about 5 gallons. One gallon of apple juice was added. The SG measured 1.040. Two tsp tartaric acid, 2 cups fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp fermaid, 1/4 tsp tannin and 10 pounds of sugar were added. This brought the SG up to 1.096. Lalvin EC-1118 yeast was sprinkled on top of the must.

9/7/2003

Fermentation has been proceeding well. The must was transferred to a six gallon carboy - filled it to the top. SG 1.002.

9/21/2003

SG 0.995. Racked into a 5 gallon carboy plus 1 quart bottle. 2 g potassium metabisulfite were added. The color is a deep red and the flavor is smooth, nicely cherry without much astringency. This will be great! Good body.

11/24/2003

Clearing very well. SG 0.996. 7.5 Oz of sugar was added to bring the SG up to 0.999. This is barely detected on the taste, but rounds out the flavor. This is a little elss than 1% residual sugar. This has a nice deep color and heavy boyd. The slight sugar does not taste sweet at all but mellows the harsh finish of the wine. Two g sulfigt and 4 g potassium sorbate were aslo added. This was racked back into a 5 gallon carboy and a couple of 12 oz bottles (for consuming now!!).

1/24/2004

Filtered through #2 pads. SG 0.999. Two grams sulfite added. Bottled into 24 750 mL bottles and one 12 oz bottle.