House Cabernet Sauvignon Recipe

House Cabernet Sauvignon

1. 1

   Prepare the Grapes

   Start by washing the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the stems and place the grapes in a large fermentation vessel.

2. 2

   Crush the Grapes

   Using your hands or a grape crusher, crush the grapes to release the juice. Ensure that the skins and seeds remain in the mixture for optimal flavor extraction.

3. 3

   Add Water and Sugar

   Pour 5 gallons of water into the fermentation vessel along with 2 cups of sugar. Stir the mixture well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

4. 4

   Add Campden Tablets (if using)

   If you are using Campden tablets to prevent unwanted bacteria and wild yeast, crush 5 tablets and add them to the mixture. Stir well and let it sit for 24 hours.

5. 5

   Add Yeast

   After 24 hours, sprinkle the packet of wine yeast evenly over the surface of the mixture. Do not stir. Allow the yeast to hydrate for about 15 minutes, then gently stir the mixture to incorporate the yeast.

6. 6

   Fermentation

   Cover the fermentation vessel with a clean cloth or fermentation lid. Allow the mixture to ferment in a dark, cool place for about 7-10 days. Stir daily and monitor the fermentation process.

7. 7

   Add Oak Chips (if using)

   If you prefer a more complex flavor, add 1 cup of oak chips to the mixture after the first week of fermentation. This will enhance the wine's taste.

8. 8

   Secondary Fermentation

   After primary fermentation is complete, siphon the wine into a clean carboy, leaving the sediment behind. Seal the carboy with an airlock and let it undergo secondary fermentation for about 4-6 weeks.

9. 9

   Bottling

   Once secondary fermentation is complete, siphon the wine into bottles, leaving some space at the top. Cork the bottles securely and store them in a cool, dark place.

10. 10

    Aging

    Allow the wine to age for at least 6 months to a year for optimal flavor development before enjoying your homemade House Cabernet Sauvignon.