6-Gallon Merlot Kit

Total timeline: 81 days (21 fermentation + 60 aging)

  1. Day 0

    Mix must

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

  2. Day 0-7

    Primary ferment

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

  3. Day 7

    Rack to carboy

    Siphon to glass carboy, leave gross lees behind, fit airlock.

  4. Day 7-21

    Secondary

    Continue ferment to dryness (SG ~0.992-0.996).

  5. Day 21

    Stabilize

    Add k-meta + sorbate; degas thoroughly.

  6. Day 21-49

    Clarify + age

    Add fining agent if included; bulk age in carboy.

  7. Day 49

    Bottle

    Sanitize bottles, siphon, cork. Lay flat, age 60+ days before drinking.