Checking out the demijohns of various wines yesterday, I realised that some were ready to either rack off-that means transferring them to another, clean demijohn, or bottle up…so I spent a couple of hours doing just that, as well as sampling each one…well, it has to be done!
The wine here is Strawberry and Redcurrant. After bottling it needs to be laid down for about 3 months minimum. This improves the taste and helps maturity. Most of the flower and fruit wines I have made over the years have needed this, with the occasional wine being drinkable straight from the demijohn!
The big freezer in the pantry is still in the process of being cleared out. Kilos of Blackcurrants and Redcurrants remain, as well as the Rhubarb added this year. Wines and jams will be on the ‘To Do List,’ for the coming week!
Keeping everything clean is very important in wine making and bottling. I use a baby equipment sterilising fluid and find this cheap and effective. A bowlful is enough, making sure that lots of swirling takes place!
I use a hand corker as you can see. It is effective and works well in corking the bottles efficiently and completely.
All in all the process uses absolutely no imported energy, as all the bottles are re-cycled from friends.
~Wow!!! you are an inspiration Colette…would love to have been their to taste your wine lol! I have heard of Strawberry Wine down in Devon , my home turf , but have never sampled it…love and light Susan~
**************************************************************
Ah, Susan…you will just HAVE to come over and visit at Bealtaine Cottage! That way we can have a proper wine tasting party and exchange notes on the variety of tastings, ha!ha!… Good to hear from you! Colette x
I hope to be in Devon for a wedding September this year, will visit Zara too…and look forward to meeting you too..Please come and visit us here too when you come over you are very welcome..hugs and love and light Susan~
************************************************************************************
Fabulous news! I look forward to meeting you at last! Visits all round this year too Susan!
Colette x