Jake and I just mixed up a Chilean Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon wine kit. It was one I bought last year but was waiting for another batch of wine to come through before I made it. Last fall, the wine store where I buy my kits was selling 5 gallon containers of grape juice. I bought a Chianti one to try out. Next month, it is due to be bottled, so that’s why I waited so long to make the kit (the kits only take about a month before they’re ready to bottle).
I’m not holding out much hope for my Chianti, though. I tried it the last time we racked it and it tasted exactly like Riunite Lambrusco. And, I don’t mean that as a compliment. And, yes, I am a wine snob. My mom occasionally asks for a bottle of my wine to give as a gift to someone. I don’t mind giving some away, but I prefer to give the wine to people who actually like decent wine. The last time she asked me for a bottle, she mentioned that this person’s favorite wine was Franzia (otherwise known as “wine in a box”). I declined to part with one of my beloved bottles, but boy, will I have a bottle of wine for this person next year.
So, if anyone out there likes Riunite Lambrusco, let me know. I may be looking to unload two cases of a Lambrusco clone this summer. I promise I won’t judge you. At least not on a public forum. Well, I won’t mention your name, anyway…