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THE STOMPER
The Monthly Winemaking Newsletter of grapestompers.com
March, 2004 Issue #44
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 - IE Bug Affects Online Shopping
=> Bonnie's Bin - De-gassing Makes Wine Taste Better
=> Tom's Cellar - Weights of Wine Bottles vs. Marketing
=> Feedback from Our Customers
=> Guest Column - Mobile Winemaking: Part 2
=> How to Be Featured as a Guest Columnist
=> Customer Service - Keep Your Email Address Current
=> Corky's Winemaking Definition
=> New Products
=> This Month's Specials
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
*^* Hot Tips are sprinkled throughout the newsletter
#&# There is ONE hidden special in this issue
^#^ This month's specials and new products are found
towards the bottom of this document
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FEATURE ARTICLE: IE Bug Affects Online Browsing & Shopping
By Brant Burgiss, Editor
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Greetings from the mountains of North Carolina. We thought
we were finished with snow for the year, but Mother Nature
has chosen to bless us again with a good helping of snow.
Maybe we can dig out again in April!
Some of our customers have called to report that our web
site is not working properly. Some of the things they are
reporting are:
- images / photos that seem to disappear from web pages
- text that seem to disappear from web pages
The weird thing is... this problem is not consistent, and
only seems to affect one or two pages on a site, if at all.
Not just on our web site, but anyone else's you view!
The problem seems to be centered around a bug in Internet
Explorer, the most popular browser in the world. From what
I've experienced myself and read online, it appears to be
happening in IE 5.5 and IE 6.0. Worse yet, downloading and
installing Netscape or Opera (competing browsers) will not
help. Once you have the problem, it affects all browsers
installed on your computer.
Microsoft is aware of the problem (lots of people are
complaining about this), but to my knowledge, there is no
free "hot fix" available to download and apply.
Microsoft acknowledges the problem on this page:
http://tinyurl.com/2v7dd
and claims to have a hotfix available to resolve this
problem - but only if the images in question were created
in Photoshop 7.0 on a Mac using OS 10. We use PC's to
create our images and web site, not Macs, so the hotfix
they speak about would not apply to our site. If you are
still interested in getting the hotfix, you have to contact
Microsoft Product Support Services and pay a service fee.
No free hotfixes are available for downloading.
Aside from that, the only remedy seems to be:
- Format your hard drive and start from scratch
- Install IE 5.0, not 5.5 or 6.0
Formatting your hard drive and re-installing programs is
not a viable solution for most people, so it seems that
most folks are making the best of it by living with the
cards they've been dealt, or finding a buddy or coworker's
computer to surf their favorite web pages whose photos or
text are missing.
If you are no longer able to browse our online catalog of
winemaking supplies or place an order because of this bug,
please call us at 800-233-1505 during our normal operating
hours (seen above) and we will help you on a one-to-one
basis.
You also may ask questions via e-mail, or fax in your order
using our PDF order form found at:
http://www.grapestompers.com/images/order_form.pdf
Here's to you... and Happy Winemaking!
You can write to Brant at webmaster@grapestompers.com
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BONNIE'S BIN: De-gassing Makes Wine Taste Better
By Bonnie Brown, Manager
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We have been getting some questions that deal with wine
tasting bitter. In a recent newsletter from a supplier,
there was a winemaking note entitled:
De-Gassing With a Fizz-X Rod Before Bottling
The article said:
"The prime formula of fermentation always applies: Yeast
eats sugar and produces CO2 and alcohol.
While most of the CO2 is released through the airlock,
some of it remains suspended in the fermented product.
Eliminating the residual suspended gas from the finished
wine before bottling is an important step. CO2 remaining
in the wine after bottling imparts a bitterness to the wine,
and in greater concentrations can force the corks back out
of the bottle. Gradual elimination of suspended CO2 in
finished bottles of wine is an important part of the aging
process.
It is for these reasons that kit instructions routinely
call for repeated stirring of the wine in the days before
bottling. This agitation helps drive out suspended CO2,
and the better it is accomplished, the better the resulting
wine. The way wine kits call for stirring with a spoon or
paddle however, is really only moderately effective, and is
onerous to say the least. Much better in terms of both
effectiveness & simplicity is the use of a de-gassing rod.
Essentially the de-gassing rod is nothing more than a
food-grade paint stirrer. Our Fizz-X rod (Item #2607) is
solid stainless steel with nylon wings that is attached to
an electric drill.
In our opinion, proper de-gassing with a Fizz-X rod can
speed wine aging by at least a month. The Fizz-X rod is
therefore both a big labor-saver, as well as an equipment
upgrade producing noticeably improved wine."
We have noticed when using the Fizz-X rod in the additive
stage, the wines start clearing up almost instantly - a
good 2 days faster than if you use a paddle or spoon. And
we have noticed that the end result is clearer also. It is
on my recommended must-have list of winemaking equipment.
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Now, more on last month's discussion of TCA...
You can avoid cork taint by using screw top bottles.
Theoretically, you should be able to store wines longer
and not fear the Trichloroanisole will eventually transfer
from the cork to your wine, ruining it, or at least giving
it an unappealing powerful aroma. Several dozen fine wine
producers, especially in Australia and New Zealand began
using the screw caps in the 2001/2002 season.
We now have in stock, screw top bottles and caps (Item #'s
2110 - 750 clear bottle, and 2110A - white metal lined cap)
and the bottles are on sale this month.
See you next 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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TOM'S CELLAR: Weights of Wine Bottles vs. Marketing
by Tom Burgiss, Owner
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What does a wine bottle weigh? A normal wine bottle weighs
15 to 20 ounces - but the most expensive bottles will tip
the scales at as much as 44 ounces (that's close to 3 lbs!)
and that is without the wine!
What are the manufacturers' reasons for making bottles with
the heavier weight? Or a winery's reasons for selecting
the bottles they use? Aside from the physical reasons
(thicker glass protects the product more effectively), is
it prestige value? Or is it just the mere fact that most
consumers associate the impressive heavier bottle with
higher quality of wine?
One thing's for sure: Whether you like the weightier bottles
or not, using heavier bottles drives up the cost of wine to
the consumer.
- More weight means higher freight bills
- Thicker bottles cost more to produce
- Sturdier boxes must be used to package cases
- Glamour/prestige of bottle affirms a higher price
Is it worth it?
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
When tasting different wines, be sure to
rinse out your glass with water between
tastings, and remove excess water before
pouring in the next wine.
By doing so, you'll be able to taste each
wine on its own merit.
Hidden special:
#2611 - Buon Vino Jet Filter for $139.99
That's a 50 dollar savings for a product that
will filter 20 liters of wine in 15 minutes.
BE SURE to mention this hidden special when
ordering, or you will not get the right price.
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
We've all heard of astrology and signs of the zodiac. Some
people swear they can predict a person's disposition based
on the time of year someone was born.
But have you ever heard of predicting a woman's tendencies
based on her favorite wine? I offer the following as a
light-hearted look at "Women Wine Styles":
The Chardonnay Lady:
Likes clean closets, happy endings, credit cards and the
white meat of chicken. They are opposed to violence on TV.
Favorite clothing? White silk blouse; favorite food? Salad
and their general disposition is trusting!
Sauvignon Blanc Lady:
Likes nail polish, driving fast, foreign accents, and
cookies for breakfast. They are opposed to lawyers (unless
they married one). Favorite clothes - silk stockings.
Favorite food (besides cookies for breakfast) is sushi.
And now, get this - general disposition - WILD
Ladies, are your favorite wines not covered? Just email me
your wine and next month we will continue with the fun!
Tom
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,
I received the replacement Chablis yesterday and started
one batch this morning. The [specific gravity] was 1.076
and I am confident that it will work out fine. Since the
unopened box is the same lot number I feel that it will be
fine too.
I have learned two things from this. One is that GRAPE
STOMPERS IS THE BEST. I have never dealt with a company
that is as nice as yours in going the extra yard to correct
a problem. The other is to record every bit of data on a
package in the unlikely event of a problem.
Thanks for everything.
-- Everett F. Leggett
Tom and Bonnie,
Received my order today!! Thank you. Hope to have some
pictures to send in soon. Again thank you.
-- Dusty & Diane Bridges
Ringgold, GA
Tom,
My family has a cabin just up the road from your place. My
wife and I were at your place the day after New Years. We
had a wonderful time. Thanks so much for everything.
Your wine is excellent. We will be back. Thanks again!
-- Tim Stamper
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GUEST COLUMN - Mobile Winemaking: Part 2
by Frank Joseph
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I have updated the mobile winemaking web page to show the
whole process. It is located at:
http://www.geocities.com/proudfrank/roadwine.htm
The web page now shows the racking and bottling processes
that you were asking about. The clarifying process is pretty
much the same as in my previous basement winemaking area.
The only drawback of winemaking in the RV is that the wine
kit controls when we change locations.
A hint that may be useful: When I am filling the wine
bottles, I place them in the primary fermenter to hold
them in place while filling and also to catch any drips
or spills that will happen during this process. You might
find my wine storage area a novel use of space.
I am currently working on a Cellar Classic Gewürztraminer
kit that I picked up at Grapestompers a couple of weeks ago.
The visit to your facility was a highlight of our trip.
Tom, Bonnie and Jimmy were great hosts. Thistle Meadow
Winery is already producing great tasting wines.
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
I prefer the Bordeaux bottles because they
stack better in case lots.
Those with sloped sides (like Burgundy-style
bottles) are prone to slide out of the stack.
There is no more excitement as having a
case of bottles on your chest and trying
to get them back into the bin.
Our thanks to Dan Veilleux from Vilas, NC
for providing this tip!
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
My next kit (a Cellar Classic Valpolicella) will be
produced somewhere in South Carolina, as we work our way
south for the winter. I will be using mineral spring water
from Hot Springs, NC as the water added to this kit. This
water really has no taste of anything; it should allow for
the full flavor of the grape to shine.
Cannot end without saying that my wife Mary is the greatest.
She supports me with my hobby and gives me the space I need
on the five days that I take over the kitchen/living area
to produce my heart healthy wines. To paraphrase Tina
Turner, Mary is "simply the best".
Later,
Frank Joseph
On the road in TN
proudmary01@earthlink.net
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Like To Be A Guest Columnist For The STOMPER 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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CUSTOMER SERVICE - Keep Your Email Address Current
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One of the pitfalls of conducting any online business is
the lack of current email addresses for one's customers.
If you have recently changed email addresses, have you told
us your new address? Unless you tell us your new address,
we won't be able to send you follow-up information about
your order, such as shipping and tracking information.
To let us know your new email address, please send an email
to tom@grapestompers.com. Tell us your name, the new
address, as well as the old one it replaced.
Thanks!
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CORKY'S WINEMAKING DEFINITION
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Dumb
- Characteristic description typical of wines that are too
young or possibly too cold that refuse to reveal much
flavor or bouquet at all; closed.
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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NEW PRODUCTS
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Here is a list of products recently added to our catalog:
- Item #2101A Bottles, Clear 750 Burgundy, $10.08
- Item #2101B Bottles, Green 750 Burgundy, $10.08
- Item #2839 The Complete Joy of Home Brewing $14.85
- Item #2429 Capsule, PVC - White w/gold foil top, $0.14
- Item #4609 Wine Chill Bottle Cooler $6.82
- Item #4610 Wine Bottle Candle $4.00
- Item #4722 Clay Wine Chiller "Vino Della Casa" $9.95
- Item #4732 Clay Coasters "Vino Della Casa" $9.95
- Item #4712 Wine Glass Holder $6.95
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THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS
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grapestompers' specials for the month of March 2004 are:
Item # Description Reg. Price SPECIAL
3226 CC Piesporter 67.76 57.59
3237 CC White Zinfandel 71.50 60.77
3128 CC Cabernet Merlot 88.00 74.80
3222 VDV Rielsing 42.13 35.81
3122 VDV Valpolicella 49.50 41.99
3116 VDV Chianti 47.63 39.99
2110 Screw Top Bottle 750 ml Regular 10.89 8.89
2114 Flute Bottle 375 ml Regular 21.98 17.99
2646 Brew Belt 18.15 13.99
2239A Straining bag, elastic top 2.53 1.99
2238 Straining bag, large, fine 5.78 4.99
2409 PVC capsules, green w/gold grapes 0.14 0.10
2421 Capsules, green, push-on 0.15 0.10
3200 Complete White Wine Starter Kit 246.68 175.00
3100 Complete Red Wine Starter Kit 259.79 185.00
See below for a description of the Complete Starter Kit
Did you see this month's hidden special? It's located
elsewhere in this newsletter.
The VDV (Vino del Vida) wine kits are designed to make about
thirty 750 ml bottles of great wine in as little as 28 days;
CC (Cellar Classic) kits create wine in as few as 45 days.
The Orchard Breezin' and Wine~Art Country Mist wine
kits are refreshingly sweet with plenty of fruit flavor,
with an alcohol content from 7% to 9%.
Wine and beer kit abbreviations explained:
BH = Brew House beer kit
CC = Cellar Classic wine kit
GC = Grand Cru wine kit
WA = Wine~Art wine kit
MM = Mosti Mondiale wine kit
OB = Orchard Breezin' 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 Adhesive Thermometer
AND YOU GET THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FREE ($16.79 value):
- Free Wine Labels (text of your choice)
- Free triple scale hydrometer
- 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 or her 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 credit
card... 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 text you want on your free wine labels.
If you prefer, you can "personalize" your Complete Kit -
You can save some money on shipping if you can find your
own wine bottles... if you don't need wine bottles, just
be sure and let us know when you place your order, and we
will adjust the price of the equipment kit accordingly.
You can also upgrade your wine kit and get any other type
of wine you desire, by paying the difference for the
upgrade from the standard concentrate to the upgraded one.
Likewise, you can upgrade from the hand corker to either of
the floor corkers we stock by paying the difference.
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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 - Submit yours today!
- New Winemaking Products
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LIST MAINTENANCE
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http://www.grapestompers.com/newsletter/archives
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Copyright (c) 2004 grapestompers.com. All rights reserved.
grapestompers.com
102 Thistle Meadow
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Boring Legal Stuff: Content is gathered from sources
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columnists and customer letters are those of the authors
and not necessarily those of grapestompers.com
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