I made this wine and it had been in the bottle about 2 1/2 months. I bought a 16$ bottle of Verdicchio at a local store and took it to a party. We did a blind taste test with a group very familiar with Italian wines and my wine won hands down. In fact the owner of Bar Italia in St. Louis was very impressed.
A couple of notes on the wine making. I did add water to 6 gals but when I racked the wine after primary fermentation I racked into a 5 gal carboy and did not add water. I have another kit of this variety and this time I will add some yeast nutrient and ferment at a lower temp. Last time my primary fermentation was finished in 4 days.
I will affirm what everyone else is sayingmake 5 gallons instead of the recommended 6 gallons. I've made 7 of these Vino Italiano kits and they universally come out better by making 5 gallons.
Remember that you will have the same amount of sugar, but less volume in the beginning. This means the finished product will have a higher alcohol content. I like making these kits as well as higher quality kits because I then have a diversity of wines not only in varietal, but in alcohol content as well. Gives you just a bit more diversity, which people appreciate. Best of luck to all you home brewers out there!
Buy Vino Italiano 4 Week Wine Kit, Verdicchio, 15.5-Pound Box Now
I've been thinking about doing this for some time now, so here goes.
I have bought many of the vino italiano kits and this is a general review of all with some tips that may help others.
First if you haven't signed up for Amazon Prime do it I save over 100 dollars shipping above the 79$ fee per year.
Now lets start with white wines since Verdicchio is a white. Follow the instructions and make sure all equipment is clean and sterile. I use Star-San sanitizer it works well and fast but I do rinse with clean boiled water after sanitizing to eliminate any after taste from the sanitizer. If you want to add sugar or honey to the primary fermentation phase mix it with water and boil it first. I know some don't but sooner or later it will give them a wine vinegar instead of wine. Always take a beginning secondary and ending hydrometer reading. I use Super-Kleer KC Finings to clear before bottling it is faster then the stuff that comes with the kit. Amazon also sells american oak chips. I put about a half cup in my primary fermentation phase. Now when you are ready to bottle taste your wine, if it is too tart for you add a sweetener Wine Conditioner by RJ Spagnols will do and Amazon sells it prime eligible. If you want a higher alcohol content you can fortify white wine with vodka or gin or any other white alcohol, white lightening would do if you know a moon shiner.
Red wines all the above tips apply. I really liked the Barolo by Vino Italiano that I made with 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of oak chips added to primary fermentation. I think the next time I will play with it and make an Italian Port by adding a sweetener and some brandy to fortify it after it is finished. It should work out because it has a great taste to start with.
Oh, BTW I alway make the full 6 gallons and boost my ABV by adding either sugar or honey in the primary stage. I know this is a long review and I hope Amazon lets it go through because it might help someone.
Read Best Reviews of Vino Italiano 4 Week Wine Kit, Verdicchio, 15.5-Pound Box Here
These wine kits are a great wine for alot less money than the wine store. We have done several of these and been happy with all.
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this is a very nice dry white wine . It is not too dry but a very enjoyable wine to drink
Although this is made in France it has an authentic Tunisian flavor and is one of two brands I routinely purchase.
