Rhubarb Wine

Started 6/28/2003
Bottled 3/7/2004

Alcohol 11.5%
Initial SG 1.085
Final SG 0.992
pH ND TA ~0.85

Tasting Notes

Color is a clear straw with hints of brown. The nose is nice with forward rhubarb and hints of vinifera grape. The flavor is balanced with a medium body and smooth rhubarb flavor.

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6/28/2003

8 lb raisins chopped in food processor
11.5 pounds fresh rhubarb sliced thinly
33.1 pounds frozen rhubarb sliced and partially thawed

Layered into a primary with 20 pounds of sugar and sprinkled with 1L solution of 4g pot. Metabisulifite. Let to steep.

6/29/2003

A lot of liquid has steeped out after about 24 hours. Still cold from the frozen rhubarb. 3 gallons of hot water were added to bring it to room temperature and pectic enzyme added to help break down the fruit. Will strain it out in 2 more days and begin fermentation.

7/1/2003

The solids were strained off. 2 gallons of water was added to the pulp and it was strained again and the pulp squeezed by hand. This yielded 10 gallons of must with a SG of ~1.110. The must was divided into two primary containers. A gallon of water was added to each primary bringing the SG to 1.085. Yeast was added. Oops, I bought two different kind of yeast. To one container was added Lalvin K1-V1116. To the other Lalvin EC-1118.

7/10/2003

SG on both is around 0.996. The wine was strained again and placed in the large demijohn (~10 gallons) and a 1 gallon bottle.

9/7/2003

Racked into a 6 and 5 gallon carboy, the large demijohn was cleaned and the wine placed back in it. 4g sulfite added.

9/16/2003

Tasting notes – color light amber, subdued nose – vinifera. Taste --- less rhubarb, more grape like. Smooth fruit. Acidity develops and carries through to the finish. Still young.

10/19/2003

Filtered through #2 filter. Filled a 6.5 gal, 3 gal, 2 l, and 1 L bottles. The 3-gal and smaller containers were not as clear as the 6.5.

1/24/2004

Racked into large demijohn with 4 g sulfite. Did not fill. Racked back into 6.5 gal. And 3 gal carboys.

3/7/2004

SG .992 TA ~0.85, filter #3 pads, 2 g sulfite added. Bottled into 49 bottles. Color pale gold – subtle rhubarb nose – nice full body lingering finish – really pleasant  on the palette.