6-Gallon Cabernet Sauvignon Kit

Total timeline: 111 days (21 fermentation + 90 aging)

  1. Day 0

    Mix must

    Pour kit into primary, top with water, sprinkle yeast.

  2. Day 0-7

    Primary

    Cover; ferment at 70-75°F until SG drops below 1.020.

  3. Day 7

    Rack to carboy

    Siphon to glass carboy with oak chips packet (if included). Fit airlock.

  4. Day 7-21

    Secondary

    Ferment to dryness (SG ~0.992-0.996).

  5. Day 21

    Stabilize

    Add k-meta + sorbate; degas thoroughly with stirring or vacuum.

  6. Day 21-90

    Bulk age

    Add fining if included. Cabernet kits benefit from longer aging — go 60+ days in bulk.

  7. Day 90

    Bottle

    Bottle and lay flat. Wait 90+ days before drinking; improves dramatically over a year.