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THE STOMPER
The Monthly Winemaking Newsletter of grapestompers.com
March, 2005 Issue #56
http://www.grapestompers.com 1-800-233-1505
Winter Hours (weather permitting)
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Mon, Wed, Th, Fri, Sat
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Eastern Tuesdays
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern Sundays (call ahead)
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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 welcome to pass along this newsletter to your wine-
making friends; we only ask that it be sent in its entirety.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> Feature Article - Winemaking Tutorial Updated
=> Tom's Cellar - Wine Kit Questions and Innovations
=> Feedback from Our Customers
=> What To Do If You Have a Damage Claim
=> Guest Column - Recommended Bottling Wand Adjustment
=> How to Be Featured as a Guest Columnist
=> Corky's Winemaking Definition
=> New Products
=> This Month's Specials
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
*^* Hot Tips are sprinkled throughout the newsletter
#&# There is at least 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: Updated Winemaking Tutorial Now Available
By Brant Burgiss, Editor
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While Tom and Jimmy were digging out from 9 inches of snow
up on the mountaintop, a buddy and I were busy re-writing
the free online winemaking tutorial offered on our web site.
The tutorial needed updating due to recent changes in
the winemaking directions specified by RJ Spagnols, the
manufacturer of the majority of the wine kits stocked by
grapestompers.com.
A big thanks to Brent Gonet for helping me update the
tutorial.
You can find the online tutorial for making wine from a kit
by going to our home page (grapestompers.com) and clicking
on the button entitled 'Tutorial' found in the menu on
the left side of the page.
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If you have called or visited us recently, you've probably
noticed that grapestompers.com has hired a new employee.
Belva Miller joined us a couple of weeks ago and is already
learning the finer points of our business. Belva hails
from Laurel Springs, and she has lots of experience with
customer service and quality control. If we ever catch her
standing still, we'll try and get a photo of her and post
it and her story on our news page so you can learn more
about her.
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Construction on our new warehouse is coming along nicely.
You can see some recent photos at the following URL:
http://www.grapestompers.com/news/warehouse3.asp
There's even a photo of Crazy Tom driving the oversized
forklift... I just hope our insurance carrier doesn't see
that picture!
If you have a suggestion for a future winemaking article,
please let us know. We want to publish things YOU want
to read.
Here's to you... and Happy Winemaking!
You can write to Brant at webmaster@grapestompers.com
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TOM'S CELLAR: Latest Wine Kit Questions and Innovations
by Tom Burgiss, Owner
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A nice thing about our winemaking supply company is the
fact that we have the "Stomper" to communicate with our
customers. It gives us a chance to discuss both the
customers and our experiences that may help others.
As you know by now, RJ Spagnols recently changed the
printed instructions that come packed with their wine kits.
The directions mention the addition of bentonite the first
day of making the must. Because so many of you are used to
the "old way" of adding bentonite on the 20th day, we have
had many folks to call saying, "I overlooked that step, so
what can I do now?"
Luckily, the process of making wine from a Spagnols kit is
somewhat forgiving and allows some leeway to proceed on
without too much damage to the product. Not following the
instructions to the letter may slow down the process, but
the addition of bentonite later in the game simply adds
more days until the wine clears out.
I must stress at this point that it pays to check out the
directions before you start making wine, because who knows
when the directions will take another turn!
We have had phone calls from some of our customers regarding
white "specks" (or scales) floating on the surface of their
wine. One of the fining agents that is currently being used
by RJ Spagnols is powdered isinglass. In case you didn't
know, isinglass comes from fish scales! Sometimes the
powder will contain some of the scales that the grinder
missed! So just rake or spoon them off with a sanitized
utensil... no worries.
This problem can be eliminated altogether by adding liquid
isinglass (Item #2715A), which is a fish collagen used as a
clearing agent or clarifier (Item #2711) instead of the
powdered isinglass.
To those of you who called about this issue, we are glad
you called or wrote us with your observation so we can pass
it along to the manufacturer. Your feedback is very
important to us. After all, we are here to help you make
a better wine.
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
For the Easter season here are some food
pairings recommended by RJ Spagnols:
Ham - Viognier, Pinot Noir, Bergamais, and
Gewurztraminer
Poultry - Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and
Sauvignon Blanc
Lamb - Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Hidden special:
Item #2611 Buon Vino Mini Jet Wine Filter
Regular price: $199.76 Special: $139.00
Save 30% off on a product that can filter
20 liters of wine in only 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------------------*
One of the neatest innovations we've seen taking place in
the wine kit industry lately is the addition of a "crushed
grape pack" (which is skins and seeds) to select red wine
kits made by Cellar Craft. The grape pack is sent in
addition to the concentrate in the wine kit box.
You simply place the contents of the crushed grape pack
into a knitted bag (despite its appearance, the smallish
bag will hold it) that is thoughtfully provided for you as
part of the wine kit. You then place the bag of skins and
seeds in the must for more body, flavor, aroma, and color.
We've tested the crushed grape pack technology, and it
really works well! We think you will be surprised at the
results.
WineMaker Magazine had an interesting article in their
next to last issue regarding the crushed grape pack. The
author of that particular article suggested that you FREEZE
that bag after its initial use and keep the bag until
you have collected 3 of them. Then add those to less
expensive red wine kit and make a second run! We are now
in the process of scouting this out and will report back
to you, the reader, the results. So you see, we are here
to help!
Hint: If you try one of these Cellar Craft kits, we have
found that the best way to empty the skin and seed
container (and it is messy) is to warm the container in
hot water; this way you can pour it out more easily (you
will need 4 hands for this trick). Be sure you TIE the sack
like you would a balloon (do not use a twister) so it will
not spill out into the must!
What else to report?? Our new warehouse is about finished
so hopefully by this time next month, we can share pictures
with you about our new set-up.
Tom
You can write to Tom at tom@grapestompers.comm
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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 started my Cellar Craft kit yesterday, I can't wait to
taste the results. The Cabernet/Shiraz with the grape skins
is quite a kit. I set the tub of skins in a pan of warm
water to warm it up a bit and was able to get the entire
clump to slide right into the mesh bag. Thanks for all your
help and hospitality on Wednesday - we always have a good
time when we come see you.
Thanks,
-- Steve Stark
Clayton, NC
Tom,
It [the accidental overcharge] definitely is not a problem.
We are business owners ourselves and have made some "good
ones" ourselves. I appreciate you looking into the matter.
By the way, I received my shipment today and am excited to
get started on my new adventure. Thanks for your kindness
and prompt responses.
I will be a returning customer for sure!
-- Debra Lammey
Coatesville, PA
Jimmy,
I will be looking for my order and thanks for the price
break. I would buy it anyway.
Love doing business with ya'll.
-- Aubrey Light
Eden, NC
Send us your comments about your experience with
grapestompers... we may just make you famous next month!
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Football Delivery: What To Do If You Have a Damage Claim
by Brant Burgiss
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At one time or another, I suppose we've all received some
damaged goods from a delivery company. It's no fun because
the item you've been waiting on can't be used... and in the
case of dripping boxes of must or broken wine bottles, we
must tip our hats to the folks who drive the delivery vans,
for THEY are ones who failed to make the place kicker
position for their local NFL team and take out their
frustration on unsuspecting parcels from grapestompers.com.
What to do if you are the recipient of damaged goods:
1. If you are present when the driver delivers the
shipment, start the claim process for damage right there,
on the spot. You'll get a damage resolution at least 3-4
business days faster if you can do this. Go to Step 3.
2. If you discover the damage after the delivery person
has departed, CALL THE DELIVERY COMPANY FIRST (UPS, FedEx)
and start the claim process on their end. The reason?
The delivery companies ignore us if we try to file the
claim on our own. In some cases, the carrier will send
an adjuster to witness the damage. Protect yourself and
take photos of the damage to document the event.
DO NOT destroy the package or the product. Place the
damaged goods in a trash bag (if it's leaking) and hold
onto the merchandise, container and all packing materials
for 5 working days after notification to the carrier. Often
they will send a claims adjuster to inspect the damage.
How to report damage:
FedEx Claims - 1.800.GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339)
https://www.fedex.com/us/claimsonline
You will need to register for a fedex.com User ID and
password or login before filing your claim.
Or, download, print out and fax a claims form:
http://www.fedex.com/us/customer/claims/Claims.pdf?link=4
UPS Claims - 1-800-PICK-UPS (742-5877)
https://www.ups.com/forms/e-mail/damage?loc=en_US
3. Call our toll-free number (800) 233-1505 and report the
damages that occurred with your shipment. Be prepared to
tell us:
a. your invoice or order number
b. your tracking number
c. the carrier's claim number
d. which article(s) were damaged, and how so
4. Once we've verified the claims process has started,
we'll get a replacement out to you as soon as we can!
Thanks for helping us streamline the claims process.
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GUEST COLUMN - Bottling Wand Adjustment Saves Frustration
By Tony Petruso, St. Louis MO
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The bottle filling tube I use to bottle wine is a clear
plastic tube with a black plastic valve at the bottom. The
valve has two "legs" on the sides and a valve rod in the
center. Some wine bottles have a wide base on the punt,
or kick, that extends to the outside edge of the bottle.
This causes a deep "V" that stops the legs of the filler
before the valve rod is fully pushed in. The result is
very slow wine flow or none at all.
Trying to balance the filler rod on the top of the punt
was usually an exercise in futility. I solved this problem
with a Dremel Tool (for those who may not know, a Dremel
Tool is a small electric combination drill, sander, grinder
used by hobbyists).
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
If you dress up the tops of your bottles
with colorful bottling wax, you can save
money by recycling your wax.
As you open a new bottle of wine, store the
used wax in a container for remelting the
next time you bottle wine.
Have a tip you'd like to submit?
Send it to tips@grapestompers.com
*-----------------HOT TIP------------------*
I simply ground about one-eighth of an inch off of each
"leg." Now the valve rod sticks out further. The filler
now works perfectly on all bottles. The modification took
about ten seconds and makes bottle filling a faster,
smoother process.
If you don't own a Dremel Tool, careful use of a hand file
would accomplish the same thing.
Hope this helps!
Tony Petruso
Overlord Military Collectables
3008 Woodson Road
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 423-6644
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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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CORKY'S WINEMAKING DEFINITION
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Charring
- The effect of continually heating the inside of a wine
barrel over an open fire. It usually causes browning, or
even blackening of the inside surface of the staves.
A certain degree of toasting occurs as a normal result
of the manufacturing process.
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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These are products that were recently added to our catalog:
- Item #3246 CCH Pinot Grigio, $85.45
- Item #3203 EP German Riesling, $143.63
- Item #5112 Twist wine bottle stopper, $1.25
- Item #5111 SS Colander, grape motif, 5" diam. $11.43
- Item #5110 SS Colander, grape motif, 7" diam. $17.38
- Item #5109 SS Colander, grape motif, 9" diam. $23.33
- Item #5107 Ceramic bottle holder, grape bunch, $12.82
- Item #5108 Towel, cotton/linen jacq weave 20x27" $7.73
- Item #5113 Magnet, Teddy Bear & grape design, $2.00
- Item #5114 Candle, white taper with grape motif, $4.99
If you have a suggestion for a new product, please call us
at 1-800-233-1505. Special orders welcomed for unique
winemaking items or supplies.
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THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS
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grapestompers' specials for the month of March 2005:
Item # Description Reg. Price Special
3117 VDV Merlot 53.16 43.50
3113 VDV Barolo 53.16 43.50
3139 VDV Cabernet/Shiraz 53.16 43.50
3222 VDV Johannisberg Riesling 46.75 43.50
3126 AB Strawberry/Sangiovese 60.00 43.50
3162 GC Coteau Sur Mer 53.63 43.50
3151 CSP Grenache Syrah Mourvedre 93.00 79.05
3186 CSP L'Collage 94.41 80.24
2105 Bottles, Cobalt Blue Hock 750's 17.60 14.99
2804 Book "From Vines to Wines" 19.25 14.99
2909 Wine Saver Vacuum Pump w/stopper 9.87 8.38
3200 Complete White Wine Starter Kit 232.29 180.00
3100 Complete Red Wine Starter Kit 241.42 190.00
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, WA, AB, & OB wine kits are designed to make about
thirty 750 ml bottles of great wine in as little as 28 days;
CC, CCH, GC, CSP, En Primeur, and CSG 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:
AB = Advintige Bellissima wine kit
BH = Brew House beer kit
CC = Cellar Classic wine kit
CCH = Cellar Classic Harvest wine kit
EP = En Primeur 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
VDVWT = Vino del Vida - World Tour Series wine kit
CSP = Cru Select Platinum wine kit
CSG = Cru Select Gold wine kit
RQ = Cru Select Restricted Quantities
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
Fast Flow Spigot Potassium Metabisulfite
And you get the following items free ($16.79 value):
- 30 Customized Wine Labels (text of your choice)
- Triple scale hydrometer
- 1.5" 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 VHS and receive a refund of $19.95 on your credit
card... that's like getting the video at no cost! All
we ask is that you return it in good condition. If you'd
rather upgrade to the DVD version of the video, just let
us know when you place your order, and we'll add $5.00 to
the overall package price.
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 also save on shipping if you can locate 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 offer 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
- More Customer Testimonials
- Another Guest Article - Submit yours today!
- New Winemaking Products
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LIST MAINTENANCE
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Past issues of the STOMPER can be found at
http://www.grapestompers.com/newsletter/archives
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Copyright (c) 2005 grapestompers.com. All rights reserved.
grapestompers.com
102 Thistle Meadow
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Boring stuff for lawyers: Content is gathered from sources
considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of this info
cannot be guaranteed. Opinions expressed by guest
columnists and customer letters are those of the authors
and not necessarily those of grapestompers.com
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