What Makes these kits so special? They’re Loaded with tannins and antioxidants.
Tannins come from grape skins and seeds; they provide colour, flavour, and structure, giving that astringent mouth feel characteristic of red wines. With grape skins wine kits you are increasing your wine’s exposure to the skins, allowing for more tannins to be extracted, and more varietal character to develop, giving you a wine that is truer to its varietal style.
The other benefit is the presence of Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skins and seeds. It has been linked to numerous cardiovascular health benefits, and is one of the main reasons red wine is celebrated as a heart-healthy drink. Antioxidants are found in all wines but, because of their prolonged contact with the grape skins, they are most prevalent in reds.
The addition of grape skins means an extra step plus additional time, you’ll want to allow at least some of your bounty a year or more under cork to fully appreciate the fruits of your labour.
CELLARCRAFT Showcase Collection
Amarone ……………………………………………………Oak 2 (double) / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Winner of 8 medals in 2008* Amarone is a legendary, assertive wine of the Valpolicella area in Italy. Unique and distinctive character comes from the addition of dried grapes during fermentation. The resulting depth is likened to Port or Late Harvest wines but without the sweetness. The wine has a foundation of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes from the Veneto region. A double dose of un-toasted oak is used to balance the wine and, with aging, tame the natural tannins. The wine is full-bodied, deep garnet colour and richly dry. Notes of plum, sour cherry, raspberry and vanilla gradually marry with anise, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather and fig tones that develop with age. Long, lingering finish and alcohol that should exceed 15%. Try to give this wine at least 1 year of aging to enjoy the truly remarkable Amarone experience.
Rosso Fortissimo……………………………………………….Oak 2 & 3 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
Multiple medal winner* Our original “Crushed Grape Pack” wine. Super-Tuscan styled wine vinted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and other native Italian varieties. A big, full-bodied wine with solid structure and bold fruit notes. Complex cassis, plum and cherry notes balance the bold tannins. French and American oaks contribute toasty vanilla and greater depth in this intense wine. Like all “Crushed Grape Pack” wines, a minimum of 6 months aging is required to begin to see harmony develop. A year is better and 2 years yield a very special wine for your enjoyment.
Merlot: ………………………………………………………….Oak 2 / Body 3-4 / Sweetness 0
Bold, yet elegant. This Yakima Valley Merlot is big and full with up-front waves of raspberry, blackberry and plum. Subtle notes of cedar and mocha follow the fruit. Over time, the flavours harmonize while the select oak contributes a tempering vanilla note and establishes a sumptuous combination of textures and well defined structure. Dark, rich and intense, it is a wine worthy of aging; will continue to improve for at least 2 years in the bottle.
Carmenere: ……………………………………………………..Oak 5 & 7 / Body 4 / Sweetness 0
Multi-flavoured Carmenère from Colchagua shows best when processed with extended oak contact. Again we utilize our break-through, two-stage oaking system. Hungarian oak shavings are introduced at the start of fermentation; then lightly toasted Hungarian oak cubes are used for further extraction during the post-fermentation stage. The oaks together add surprisingly soft tannins, subtle toast, and vanilla which provide a terrific backdrop to the aromas and flavours of blackberry, black cherry, tropical fruit, and spice from the grapes. With age, notes of coffee, mocha, and tobacco can be expected along with a mineral tang that forms as part of the lengthy finish. The wine is medium – to full-bodied with bright ruby colour. Its charm will begin to show after 6 months of cellaring, and it should continue to develop for at least 2 years.
Cabernet Sauvignon:…………………………………………..Oak 4 & 5 / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
The vineyards this cabernet comes from have high calcium carbonate content in their soil. This imparts a distinctive chalkiness which combines with the powerful dark fruit qualities of the grape to create the big, chewy mouth-feel that is a clear signature of Red Mountain Cabernet. There is a hint of orange peel or Grand Marnier-like aromatics and flavours. Together these two traits make Red Mountain Cabernet immediately recognizable, highly prized, and much sought after. Age the wine at least 1 year; then save some to enjoy after 2, 3, or 4 years in the bottle. A wine for your best cuts of beef or lamb and luckiest friends
Shiraz – Australia:…………………………………………………Oak 4 & 5 (double) / Body 5 / Sweetness 0
The wine shows a deep crimson colour with purple undertones. The up-front aromatics reflect the typical dark fruit notes of blackberry, cherry, and plum, complimented by restrained black pepper which should become more pronounced with age. In the background are subtle layers of toast and vanilla from the oak. The aromas continue to the palate creating a soft, rounded expression of the fruits, spice, and oak. Tannins are in gentle harmony with the overall impression and create a well defined yet delicate frame for the wine. This Shiraz should be a very good match for a wide range of foods: steaks, braised lamb shanks, pizzas, chili con carne, pastas with tomato-based sauces. The wine is surprisingly approachable even just 12 weeks after pitching the yeast but will continue to develop for 2-3 years.
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RJ SPAGNOLS En Primeur Winery Series
Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Oak 3 Body 4 Sweetness 0
A distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon in an appealing rich, complex style, this full-bodied wine has a deep garnet colour with an appealing aroma of plump blackberries, sweet vanilla and fresh violets. Notes of blackberries and cherries grace the palate interwoven with rich tannins and pepper spice extracted from the Cabernet Sauvignon Winery Grape Skins.
Italian Super Tuscan Oak 4 Body 4 Sweetness 0
Full-bodied and dry, this classic Italian blend exudes aromatics of farm fresh raspberries supported by subtle hints of vanilla and earthy tones. Fermentation on untoasted American Oak shavings and Merlot Winery Grape Skins adds intense tannins to round out the concentrated nose of blackberries and black pepper.
Italian Valpolicella Oak 3 Body 3 Sweetness 0
Elegance and style come together to build this wine of true character. It boasts of a fruit forward nose distinguished by aromas of raisins, dark cherries and toasted oak. Drawing inspiration from the Primitivo Winery Grape Skins, it showcases firm tannins on the palate embraced by concentrated notes of sweet chocolate and prunes. The finish is dramatic, peppered with layers of dark fruit and aggressive oak.
Rosso Grande Eccellente Oak 4 Body 5 Sweetness 0
Ten years ago, Rosso Grande was launched with great show and quickly became the most talked about and popular wine kit of its time. Today, we’d like to introduce you to the next evolution of this masterpiece. Deep, dark, and rich, this assertive wine is bold in all aspects. A delectable bouquet of sweet ripe berries, spices, and farm cherries opens up to the palate, stacked with juicy fruit flavours and firmly structured tannins. Fermented on Merlot winery grape skins and un-toasted American Oak, this wine is sure to create new waves of excitement.
Chilean Merlot Oak 3 Body 3 Sweetness 0
This elegant ruby-coloured Merlot features a rich aromatic bouquet of fresh red cherries, toasted oak, and herbs. Medium-to-full-bodied, it is characterized by Merlot Winery Grape Skins which adds expressive flavours of dark ripe plums, berries, and silky tannins. Well structured and balanced, it culminates dramatically on the palate.
Chilean Malbec Oak 4 Body 4 Sweetness 0
Sleek and focussed with layers of juicy fruit and earthy flavours, this full-bodied wine sets the stage for a dramatic experience. Seductively deep red in colour, aromas of crushed blackberries and vanilla follow through to a densely packed palate richly blessed with streaks of chocolate interwoven with abundant oak tones. Fermented on Heavy toasted Hungarian oak shavings, the finish is dramatic and long.
Italian Amarone Oak 5 Body 5 Sweetness 0
This powerhouse wine is dark in colour and rich in flavour and aromas. The bouquet is spicy, with black cherry, tobacco leaf, licorice and coffee notes in the glass. Big, round and flavourful on the palate with delicious dark fruit, leather, cassis and pepper. Warm, with a soft tannin backbone, fine acidity and good structure. This wine demands patience to reach it’s full potential – allow it to mellow minimally 9-12 months as it will improve with age.
French Grenache Syrah Oak 4 Body 4 Sweetness 0
Two of France’s dominant grapes are gracefully blended together to create a bold wine with a nose brimming with spicy black pepper notes, dried dark fruit, earth and a hint of tobacco. Fermented on Syrah Winery Grape Skins and French oak, this wine is sure to impress with its elegant finish.
Italian Rosso Bravissimo Oak 3 Body 5 Sweetness 0
Fermented on Merlot Winery Grape Skins and Hungarian Oak, this wine will develop into a complex, bold wine. Cherry and plum notes are complimented with cassis and rich tannins lending to a graceful, lingering finish. This wine is sure to have you cheering “Bravissimo” after every sip.
Australian Shiraz Oak 4 Body 4-5 Sweetness 0
This full-bodied wine sourced from Old Mundullo vineyards comes with Shiraz Genuwine Winery Dried Grape Skins and untoasted American oak shavings. Warm black fruit and berries entice the nose, while concentrated flavours of red fruit, oak and chocolate round out the experience.
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Oak 4 Body 4-5 Sweetness 0
Fermented on Sangiovese Genuwine Winery Dried Grape Skins and toasted French oak chips, this is an assertively full-bodied wine with a delectable nose of black cherries, dark chocolate and well balanced oak. It offers ripe dark fruit flavours cradled by firm tannins culminating in an almost endless finish.
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WINEXPERT Selection International NEW SERIES
AUSTRALIAN PETIT VERDOT WITH GRAPE SKINS
Best described as a ‘Super Cabernet’, this is a dark rich wine with wonderfully concentrated flavours of juicy blackberry and black currant, with smooth, gripping tannins and an elegant structure leading to a magnificent, boldly oaked finish. With intense fuit-forward character, this wine drinks well immediately and it will fully round out in only three months, delivering intense fuit and richness. Serve with grilled steak, roasted lamb or try it with bittersweet chocolate!
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM-FULL | Oak Intensity: MEDIUM
ITALIAN AMARONE WITH GRAPE SKINS
Italy’s most powerful wine, Amarone is renowned as a fruity, full-bodied, with rich intensity from the dried grapeskins included in the fermentation. Winexpert’s Selection International Italian Amarone with Grape Skins is an intense, complex wine, with a wide array of flavours and aromas. Deep, nearly opaque red, this heavyweight exudes aromas of sour cherries, dark chocolate, stewed plums, dried fruits, anise, raisins, bitter almond, tobacco, leather and molasses, and has a spicy-earthy bittersweet finish that goes on and on, from the huge volume of tannins.
Pair with grilled beef, strong dry cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano or Asiago), pasta with meat-based tomato sauces, antipasto, veal or roast pork. The gripping tannin in this wine also makes it a natural for other red meats and game, and the fruit lifts up well herbed or spiced dishes. Alcohol by Volume 13.5-14%
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM-FULL | Oak Intensity: MEDIUM
ITALIAN BRUNELLO WITH GRAPE SKINS
Winexpert’s Selection International Italian Brunello with skins is a dark-cherry colour with highlights of gorgeous ruby-garnet. Bold, yet supple, the big, smoky-earthy nose of ultra-ripe cherry and currant-like fruit gives way to a hint of tar and cracked black pepper, cedar, whiffs of liquorice, leather, and also plums and black cherries, followed by a richly tannic, long, long finish.
The super concentrated flavours are generous even in youth, but this sensational wine is sensational after six months to a year. Good acidity makes this a very food friendly wine: like many Italian reds, Brunello shines in the company of assertively flavoured foods. Osso buco and veal piccata are splendid accompaniments, as are hard cheeses such as asiago and Pecorino Romano. Its firm backbone of acids and tannins make it work well with rich and spicy foods like Italian sausages or lasagna. Alcohol by Volume 13.0-13.5%
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM-FULL | Oak Intensity: HEAVY
WINEXPERT ECLIPSE
ITALIAN BAROLO
Medium-heavy in body with a luminous dark cherry colour, tannin dominates the flavours initially, with intense grip and robust dryness in the finish. High acid, tannin and alcohol levels challenge the palate when the wine is young, but with age come rewards: wild ripe strawberries hot from the sun, a whiff of dark tar, the scent of roses and violets, and earthy, rich truffles. Burly, assertive chewy’ wine, it is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking intensity and complexity, there is nothing else like Barolo.
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM-FULL | Oak Intensity: HEAVY
LODI RANCH 11 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The Woodbridge appellation in California’s Central Valley has established itself for producing distinctive, consistently excellent Cabernet. Woodbridge Ranch 11 Cabernet Sauvignon is the hearty red wine classic that lovers of fine Cabernet hunt down with passionate zeal the king of red grapes in all its splendid glory. Our Cab has the trademark blackcurrant and cherry flavours, but its true triumph is the subtle weave of complex flavour compounds that contribute to the overall experience. Oak and tannins, pepper and spice, combining structure and rich fruit for a red wine that will dazzle from first aroma to long elegant finish.
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM-FULL | Oak Intensity: HEAVY
NAPA VALLEY STAG’S LEAP DISTRICT MERLOT
A sublime Merlot from the prestigious vineyards of California’s Napa Valley, where ideal climate and soil conditions, combined with refined growing and cellaring techniques, allow for consistent high quality treatment of grape varietals. Harvested from the highly regarded Stag’s Leap District on the valley’s east bench, this Merlot is dry and medium bodied with a soft, supple fruity palate of plums and red berries. Its characteristic spicy aroma, accentuated with light warm oak, foreshadows the rich, round, smooth and mouth-filling flavour experience, finishing with lengthy elegance. A must-try for Merlot lovers everywhere.
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM-FULL | Oak Intensity: HEAVY
SONOMA VALLEY PINOT NOIR
Winexpert’s Estate Series Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir has silky tannins carrying notes of truffle, toast, herbs, gorgeous cassis, black cherry and raspberry flavours and black spice. Food-friendly, it shows restrained toasty oak and well-balanced acidity.
Sweetness: DRY | Body: MEDIUM | Oak Intensity: MEDIUM
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