Comments on: Can you cellar home made red wine?

By: Chef Carroll

Chef Carroll — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:17:42 +0000

Yes, as long as there’s no harsh lighting and mold is under control. The wine, of course, must be stored on it’s side; preferably on wooden racks.

By: CYNTHIA

CYNTHIA — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:17:42 +0000

with practice yes you can and it will keep. The fun tho’ is to make it to drink.
Let the wine makers do the keeping bit.

By: jasminebed

jasminebed — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:17:42 +0000

It is indeed possible to make very good wine. Most homemade wines are not meant to be cellared for a long time…one to two years at most. If at all possible, keep some for at least 6 months…even 3 months of aging really improves them.

I’ve usually made wines from kits…buy a premium brand, they contain more juice. Make sure everything you use is squeaky clean and sterilized. If you buy pails of juice you get lovely wines usually, but they are seasonal and expensive.

Invest in a hydrometer as well…it will give better results of when your wine is ready than the time on the package instructions.

By: oikos

oikos — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:17:42 +0000

Why not? A good amateur can turn out wine that matches the quality turned out by many professionals.

By: makeshift escape

makeshift escape — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:17:42 +0000

It is certainly possible to make good wine at home. The quality of wine is hugely dependent on the quality of the grapes you’re starting with, and the aging process. Aging wine in oak barrels also adds tannins to the wine, which will allow it to be cellared for a longer period of time. Unoaked wines can generally be cellared for 1-3 years. Be aware that big California Cabernets that can be cellared for 10-20 years generally spend up to 22 months in oak barrels first! It takes a long time to make wines that will age well.