Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Valpolicella – Masi 'Bonacosta', a captivating red wine that boasts a rich bouquet of ripe cherries, subtle spices, and earthy undertones. This elegant wine is beautifully balanced with velvety tannins and a refreshing finish, making it the perfect companion for your favorite Italian dishes or a delightful sip on its own. Experience the essence of the Veneto region with every glass.

Valpolicella – Masi “Bonacosta”

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Big Red Blend. Every California wine lover's dream! This blend of mostly Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah is impressively fruity and full, with rich, well – integrated tannins.

Make sure each wine component (Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah) is at the same temperature (ideally 55–65°F / 13–18°C). Bottle temperature differences will affect volumetric mixing accuracy.

Bring components to temperature

Using clean measuring cups or a graduated container, measure 3 cups Zinfandel, 2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 cup Cabernet Franc, and 1 cup Syrah. These proportions approximate a fruit-forward California big red blend emphasizing Zinfandel.

Measure volumes

Place the 1L glass demijohn or a clean mixing vessel on a stable surface. Using the sterile funnel, add the measured Zinfandel first, then Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Cabernet Franc, and finally Syrah. Pour slowly to minimize aeration; gentle mixing is preferred.

Combine primary components

Gently swirl or stir the combined wines for 30–60 seconds to ensure an even blend. Avoid vigorous agitation to limit oxygen pickup, which can prematurely age the wine.

Stir to homogenize

Taste the blend in a clean glass. Evaluate fruit intensity, acidity balance, tannin presence, body, and any perceived off-notes. Consider aroma — Cabernet Franc will add herbal and perfumed notes; Syrah contributes spice; Zinfandel provides ripe fruit; Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure.

Taste and evaluate

If the blend feels too lean or lacks mid-palate weight, add up to 1/4 cup optional reserve wine (Petite Sirah or Merlot) in small increments (1 tablespoon at a time), tasting after each addition. If the blend feels overly high in alcohol or too concentrated, small measured additions of filtered water (start with 1–2 teaspoons) can slightly soften intensity — use sparingly. If the blend needs more spice or color, add small increments of Syrah or Petite Sirah.

Make balance adjustments

If you plan to bottle and want to stabilize against microbial activity, follow manufacturer instructions for a small dose of food-grade potassium metabisulfite. Dissolve and add according to package guidance for the volume you are handling. Alternatively, leave the blend to rest in a cool, inert container for several days and re-taste to confirm stability.

Stabilize (optional)

If acidity seems flat, measure pH or titratable acidity and correct per a winemaking acidification protocol (not covered here). For home blending of small amounts, acid adjustments should be made conservatively and only with proper testing tools.

Adjust acidity (optional)

Seal the demijohn with a sanitized stopper (airlock not required for finished, stable wine) and let the blend rest in a cool, dark place for 24–72 hours. This short marriage allows integration of flavors and tannin smoothing.

Let the blend marry

After resting, re-taste. If satisfied, proceed to bottle. If minor tweaks are needed, make them now in tiny increments and allow another 24 hours to evaluate.

Final tasting and small corrections

Using the sterile funnel, transfer wine into clean bottles, leaving approximately 1 inch (2–3 cm) of headspace. Cork or cap bottles according to your equipment. Label and date.

Bottle

Though drinkable upon blending, this style benefits from short-term bottle age. Store bottles on their side in a cool (55–60°F / 13–16°C), dark place and enjoy after 3–6 months for better tannin integration. Longer aging (1–3 years) will further soften tannins and allow tertiary notes to develop.

Age recommendation

Clean and sanitize all equipment used (measuring cups, funnel, demijohn) with an appropriate wine-sanitizing solution. Rinse and allow to air dry. Proper cleanup prevents microbial contamination of future batches.

Zinfandel (base fruity component)

Cabernet Sauvignon (structure and tannin)

Cabernet Franc (aromatic lift)

Syrah (color, spice, and body)

Optional reserve/additive wine for balance (e.g., small amount Petite Sirah or Merlot)

Food-grade potassium metabisulfite (for stabilization) — use per instructions

Filtered water (for small dilution adjustments, if needed)

Clean 1L glass demijohn or carboy (for finished blend)

Sterile funnel

Hydrometer (optional, for checking stability)

pH strips or meter (optional)

Wine bottles and corks (for bottling)

Field Recordings Fiction 2023

Blushing pink color, softer floral and fruit aromas result in this cute and chuggable amphora aged wine!

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Make Field Recordings Fiction 2023 Recipe in just 2h . Big Red Blend. Every California wine lover's dream! This blend of mostly Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah is impressively fruity and full, with rich, well – integrated tannins.

Field Recordings Fiction 2023 Recipe

Descriptors

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings

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