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THE STOMPER
The Monthly Winemaking Newsletter of grapestompers.com
July, 2002 Issue #24
http://www.grapestompers.com 1-800-233-1505
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Monday - Friday
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Welcome to the latest issue of "THE STOMPER", a newsletter
of winemaking hints and other wine-related articles.
You are receiving this newsletter because you requested it.
Instructions to cancel are at the end of this newsletter.
Feel free to pass along this newsletter to your winemaking
friends; we only ask that it be sent in its entirety.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> Feature Article - Which Water Is Best?
=> New Products
=> Bonnie's Bin - Tutti Frutti July
=> This Month's Specials
=> Tom's Cellar - Patching Things Up
=> Feedback from Our Customers
=> Guest Column - Ex-Hunters Make Good Winemakers
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
=> Corky's Winemaking Definition
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
*^* Hot Tips are sprinkled throughout the newsletter
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FEATURE ARTICLE: Which Water Is Best for Making Wine?
By Brant Burgiss, Editor
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Happy July from all the folks at grapestompers.com!
If you make wine from kits, you're familiar with the need
to reconstitute the concentrate with water, to replace
the water taken out during the evaporation process.
Tap water, well water, distilled water, spring water...
Does it really matter which water you use when making wine
from a kit?
We think it does... find out the type of water we use
and why! Read our opinion on our latest web page:
http://www.grapestompers.com/articles/winemaking_water.htm
Whether you're an old hand at making wine or you're brand
new to winemaking, it may prove to be refreshing!
Oops! Gotta go - it's time to bottle my Valpolicella!
Here's to you... and Happy Winemaking!
You can write to Brant at webmaster@grapestompers.com
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NEW PRODUCTS
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Here is a list of products recently added to our catalog:
- Item #3255 CSG Pinot Grigio $71.50
- Item #3257 CC Harvest - Italian Pinot Grigio $82.50
- Item #3256 CSP Riesling Traminer $71.50
- Item #3151 CSP Grenache Syrah Mourvedre $75.13
- Item #3153 CC Harvest - Spanish Tempranillo $102.63
- Item #3144 GC Coteau Royal (Cotes-du-Rhone)
Regular: $45.37 Special this month: $40.40
- Item #3160 GC Bergamais (Beaujolais)
Regular: $47.66 Special this month: $42.42
Wine kit abbreviations:
CC = Cellar Classic wine kit
GC = Grand Cru wine kit
CSP = Cru Select Platinum wine kit
CSG = Cru Select Gold wine kit
Here's what the RJ Spagnols web site has to say about the
two new Cru Select Platinum wine kits:
German Style Riesling – Traminer
These two famous German varieties are blended to create the
best of both worlds. The fresh, crisp flavors of Riesling
combined with the exotic spiciness of Gewurztraminer ensure
a true taste sensation. Created in the south German
tradition, this wine produces a dry, full wine with
immense character. Be prepared to find peach, apricot
and nutmeg in the aroma with a full flavor reminiscent
of the tropics. A round and well-balanced finish ensures
that this wine will be a crowd pleaser. Pairs well with
full flavored dishes such as cheese fondue, Maui garlic
ribs, and French onion soup as well as Thai food. Try this
wine as 'Schorle' by blending half wine and half carbonated
mineral water, as the Germans do on a hot summer day.
Grenache Syrah Mourvedre
The combination of these three classic southern Rhone
grape varieties is one of the fullest and most flavorful
wines we've ever produced. Its deep Ruby color is
supported by an intense blackberry, black cherry and
plum aroma. To further accentuate the fruit-filled aroma,
we added a generous amount of toasted French oak. The full
body and powerful tannin structure will ensure that this
wine will further develop in your wine cellar over several
years. Powerful and rich, this wine will enhance any strong
meat dish, but it also goes very well after dinner with
your favorite aged cheeses.
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BONNIE'S BIN: Tutti Frutti July
By Bonnie Brown, Manager
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Happy July, ALREADY! Are you ready for the New Year yet?
Sure seems like someone put the year in high gear. I have
always heard the older you get the faster time goes.
THEY WERE RIGHT!
We are getting a lot of calls about 'how much fruit' to
use when making wine... May I suggest purchasing the
"Winemakers Recipe Handbook"? It is Item # 2801 and only
costs $3.03. What a bargain! It has recipes for every kind
of wine! Even if you do not make wine, it is good reading!
One customer brings his copy in with him; it HAS to be
30 + years old! He calls it his WINE BIBLE. Good solid
information.
One more tidbit of info... One winemaker said he uses
3 lbs of fruit or veggies for every wine. Another suggests
using DOUBLE the amount of fruit called for in each recipe.
See, winemaking is a personal thing! No right or wrong way.
ENJOY!
We are trying more new products. If they are good, and we
approve of their quality, then you will find out about them
soon! We may be adding another branch to our product tree.
Keep your eyes and ears open!
Remember, "no wine before its time"!
Bonnie
Life is too short... to drink bad wine... so make your own!
You can write to Bonnie at bonnie@grapestompers.com
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THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS
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grapestompers' specials for the month of July 2002 are:
Save over 10% on 4 different red wine kits
AND
Save nearly 17% on our 45-station bottle draining tree
AND
Save over 15% on two colors of bottle sealing wax
AND
Save over $70 on the purchase of a
Complete Winemaking Starter Kit
which includes a RED or WHITE Concentrate
(see wine kit selection below)
Item # Description Reg. Price SPECIAL
3136 CC Zinfandel Wine Kit 90.29 81.11
3144 GC Coteau Royale (Cotes-du-Rhone) 45.37 40.40
3160 GC Bergamais (Beaujolais) Kit 47.66 42.42
3138 VDV Cabernet/Merlot Wine Kit 49.95 44.44
2254A Bottle Drainer, 45 place 18.15 15.15
2407 Red Bottle Wax, 1 lb. 6.58 5.55
2412 Burgundy Bottle Wax, 1 lb. 6.58 5.55
3200 Complete White Wine Starter Kit 246.68 175.00
3100 Complete Red Wine Starter Kit 259.79 185.00
The four wine kits shown above will make about 30 - 750 ml
bottles of great wine in as little as 28-45 days.
One pound of bottle wax will provide coverage for about
40 bottles of wine.
Wine kit abbreviations explained:
CC = Cellar Classic wine kit
GC = Grand Cru wine kit
VDV = Vino del Vida wine kit
CSP = Cru Select Platinum wine kit
CSG = Cru Select Gold wine kit
Here's what you get with the COMPLETE Starter Kit:
If choosing the Complete WHITE Kit, your choice of either:
Fume Blanc, Piesporter, or Chenin Blanc VDV concentrate
If choosing the Complete RED Kit, your choice of either:
Valpolicella, Shiraz, or Cabernet/Merlot VDV concentrate
PLUS ALL THESE GOODIES:
Tom's Winemaking Video Bottle Rinser
Fermenter Bucket with lid Three-Piece Airlock
6-Gallon Glass Carboy Carboy Brush
Bung (stopper) Bottle Filler
Five feet of vinyl tubing B-Brite Sanitizer
Portuguese Hand Corker FermTech AutoSiphon
2 Cases of 750-ml Bottles Long Handled Spoon
Bottle Washer Adapter Brass Bottle Washer
Bottle Drainer, 45 station
AND YOU GET THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FREE ($26.59 value):
- Free Wine Labels (text of your choice)
- Free T-shirt (sizes available: M, L, or XL)
- Free Corks (30 corks, enough for one batch)
Just think: This complete kit offers EVERYTHING a brand-new
hobbyist would need to begin making his own wine. All you
need to decide is which wine kit you want!
And don't forget... you can always return your winemaking
video and receive a credit for $19.95 on your next
purchase... that's like getting the video for free! All
we ask is that you return it in good condition.
This is the best deal we've ever offered on a complete kit,
so don't miss out... order one for yourself or a friend
today. Ask for RED Complete Kit # 3100 or WHITE Kit # 3200
and be sure to let us know which wine concentrate you want,
as well as the size T-shirt you need.
NEW! Now you can "personalize" your Complete Kit -
Let's say you don't need or want some of the items that
normally come with the Complete Kit... just give us a call
at 1-800-233-1505 and let us know which items you don't
need, and we will adjust the price of the equipment kit
accordingly. Likewise, if you'd like a different wine kit,
just let us know and we can adjust the price.
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TOM'S CELLAR: Patching Things Up
by Tom Burgiss, Owner
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[Editor's Note: Tom is currently recuperating from rotator
cuff surgery performed on June 26th, to repair damage to
his right shoulder following a fall off an icy footbridge
this past winter. He is doing well, but initial recovery
is expected to take six weeks, followed by tons of physical
therapy. I'm sure that Tom will appreciate any "get well"
wishes you may have.]
The next six weeks will probably drive me - and my wife
Nancy - crazy!
Imagine after being accustomed to leading an active life,
to suddenly be told to lay low while my shoulder heals.
Those of you who know me realize that sitting around is
NOT exactly my idea of fun! I like to run all my errands,
pack the orders, make the wine labels, unload the trucks,
and show everyone my favorite hobby of winemaking... about
the only thing I can do now is point my finger and ask
folks to do things for me.
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
Need an inexpensive way to remove chlorine
from tap water?
Try boiling your water for ten minutes or
so. The free chlorine will exit in the
form of gas along with the steam.
Just be sure to let the water cool before
you use it, to minimize burn hazards.
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
I can certainly talk on the phone and answer your wine-
making questions, but I won't be able to take down your
order. We better let Bonnie, Faye, or Harry do that! My
son Brant has always proclaimed that my writing resembled
hen scratches, and that was with a good right hand!
Of course, I intend to heal myself with exercises, good
humor, rest, and a bit of wine!
And this winter, I PROMISE I'll hold onto the bridge
handrails and walk carefully across the creek - even though
the path looks free of ice.
Thanks for your continued support and business, and I'll
be sure to give you an update next month!
You can write to Tom at tom@grapestompers.com
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FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
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As you might imagine, our office receives quite a bit of
correspondence - mostly through e-mail - here are some
comments we've recently received:
Tom and staff,
I've finished bottling my second batch and ordering for
the third time. I get a lot of laughs from my label and
thought I would send it along. Thanks for helping me get
started.
-- Terry Brady
New Cumberland, PA
Editor's note: You can see the label Terry refers to
by going to the following location on our web site:
http://www.grapestompers.com/customers/wine_labels.htm
Tom,
I just wanted to say that your company does a great job.
I used to order from a competitor without the specials
you offer. I also enjoy the newsletter and the tips
provided.
I think the other reason I do business with you is that
I love the high country, and have a goal to have a summer
home on Beech Mountain soon. Will be there in July to
start cabin hunting.
Sincerely,
-- Kevin Schuman
Cape Coral, FL
I found a galvanized metal pan about four inches deep
and 16 inches in diameter in the automotive department
at Wal-Mart. A couple of old frazzled towels tied together
with a couple of safety pins, suspended in about two inches
of water and you have an excellent cooler for the carboy.
I used it last fall during the hot fall days and it seemed
to reduce the temperature around ten degrees.
-- Aubrey T. Johnson
Bonnie,
I have no idea what happened but I received the package
this morning sometime before 8am. I don't know if FedEx
lost it or what but I did finally get it 3 days after
FedEx said they delivered it.
Thanks for checking on this for me. I appreciate all
your help trying to get the package to me quickly. I look
forward to doing business with you again.
-- Ed Sweeney
Louisville, KY
It seems to me that the water used in making wine should
matter as much as the grapes, etc. Yet I can't seem to
find any discussion on the subject.
Should it be tap, store bought or rain? Maybe it's
something else but I think it should matter in the final
result. Could you make some comments on water in a future
issue?
Thanks.
-- R. Mullen
Editor's Note: You can read our comments, inspired by this
note, on our winemaking articles page found at:
http://www.grapestompers.com/articles/
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GUEST COLUMN - Ex-Hunters Measure Up to Good Winemaking
by Art Jones, Leesburg, Georgia
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Hi Tom,
Your conversion charts are very good but may I add one?
I feel sure I am not the only old hunter or shooter who
has reloaded his ammo. Well, drag out the old powder
scales and convert GRAINS on the powder scales to GRAMS
used in wine recipes.
1 OZ = 28.350 GRAMS = 437.5 GRAINS
1/2 OZ = 14.175 GRAMS = 218.75 GRAINS
1/4 OZ = 7.0875 GRAMS = 109.375 GRAINS
1/8 OZ = 3.5437 GRAMS = 54. 6875 GRAINS
1/16 OZ = 1.7718 GRAMS = 27.3437 GRAINS
1/32 OZ = 0.8859 GRAMS = 13.67 GRAINS
Hopefully this chart may help some winemaker-ex-hunter.
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
If you run out of acid blend in the middle
of a wine recipe, here's what you can
substitute in a pinch:
3 tsp acid blend = juice and zest of two
large lemons
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Art Jones operates the "Drunk Monk
Winery" in a special room built onto the back of his
house in Leesburg, GA. He enjoys making his own wine and
even knows how to load his own ammo!
You can see Art's winemaking room at the following URL:
http://www.grapestompers.com/customers/wine_photos.htm
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How To Be A Guest Columnist For STOMPERS Newsletter
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If you'd like to be our next guest columnist, simply
send your three- or four-paragraph article to
articles@grapestompers.com. If your article is selected
for use in a future STOMPER newsletter, you'll receive
the attention of thousands, a coupon good for a discount
on your next grapestompers.com order, as well as our
heartfelt thanks. So what are you waiting for??
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CORKY'S WINEMAKING DEFINITION
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Vintage
- The year a wine was made. By contrast, a nonvintage wine
is one made from a blend of different years.
Look for other wine-related definitions by clicking on
the 'Glossary' button from our home page at
http://www.grapestompers.com
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NEXT MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS
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- More Winemaking Stories from Tom's Cellar
- Another Surprise from Brant
- More Specials
- The next article from Bonnie's Bin
- More Customer Testimonials
- Another Guest Article
- New Winemaking Products
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LIST MAINTENANCE
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