Simple Grape Red (Juice Pail)

Total timeline: 232 days (52 fermentation + 180 aging)

  1. Day 0

    Test must

    Check Brix and pH. Adjust if needed (see /calculator).

  2. Day 0

    Pitch yeast

    Sprinkle yeast on must surface; do not stir for 30 min.

  3. Day 0-10

    Primary

    Ferment at 65-75°F. Track SG daily.

  4. Day 10

    Press + rack

    Rack to carboy when SG < 1.000. Top up with similar wine if needed.

  5. Day 10-52

    MLF

    Optional malolactic fermentation: warm to 65°F, add MLF culture, 2-6 weeks.

  6. Day 52-240

    Bulk age

    Rack quarterly. Optional oak chips/cubes 4-8 weeks.

  7. Day 240

    Bottle

    Add k-meta to ~30 ppm free SO₂. Bottle and rest 6+ months.