[LilacSandy]

Hi all,

I have just started wine making after a break of several years, and just remembered how much fun it is.

I like a dry red wine so that is what I am going to concentrate on, however I cook a lot and want to make some white wine for cooking, I do not want to use my precious fruit for just cooking but would like to know if I can make a usable wine from cheap white grape juice.

[kegs]

Oh yes.....

Have a go at this  http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=10179

It works out at 70p/bottle once you've got the gear and I no longer have to buy wine from the supermarket.  It really is that good.   

[LilacSandy]

Brilliant Kegs, thank you, off to get some grape and orange juice.

[kegs]

If you like it drier add some apple juice too, and don't forget the cheaper fruit juices are better.

[LilacSandy]

Thanks,

Why are the cheaper ones better?

[stompy]

Thanks,

Why are the cheaper ones better?

Don't know but thats good news 

I've made this a few times and it is very nice, it doesn't taste of orange at all just a very nice white wine.
There are all sorts of diferent variations on this too, dependant on which juices are used.

[kegs]

Thanks,

Why are the cheaper ones better?

I think because they have a higher sugar content.  Not totally sure as OH is the one that makes it all.

I keep going back to the Orange/Apple mix.  Grapefruit was awful (had to tip it away).  My dad liked the mango, the pineapple is passable and my best friend loves the raspberry! 
I like to think of it as purely research! 

[GrannieAnnie]

I always buy the cheapest juices.  apple and orange mainly.  Better because they are cheaper!  

But after reading the homebrew forum, I have started to add grape juice to my wines and a little glycerin, and it makes a much smoother tasting wine.

However not necessary if its only for cooking!  

[SG6]

3lb of blackberries, sugar, a wine yeast and a gallon of water will make 5 bottles, visit a market and but plums, peaches, oranges or whatever cheap fruit they have and make some from that.

Take 3 or 4 jars of cheap honey, a nutrient some tea and make a gallon of mead.

Visit the frezer section of a supermarket and get some frozen fruits, they may have a 3 for 2 offer. Try the mixed summer fruits.

May take 6 months or a year to mature but easy.

Not sure how long the kits take to be usable, probably less time then from fruit.

[LilacSandy]

Thanks all, 1demijohn bubbling away nicely 

[jay001]

However not necessary if its only for cooking!  
[/quote]sos but as a x head chef for over 25 yrs i will have to disagree; if your wine tastes just mediocer in a glass then so will your meal,  allways use the best wine you have when cooking cos it does effect the flavour of your food  making sure you still have some left for your glass of course hee hee ! 

[LilacSandy]

Believe me Jay, there will always be some left for tasting 

[jay001]

Believe me Jay, there will always be some left for tasting 

thats the spirit no pun intended ! 

[stompy]

Believe me Jay, there will always be some left for tasting 

I have images of Floyd 

[LilacSandy]

Yup, always a glass of wine in my hand when cooking.  Its the law.