April - May 2009 Issue

$4.99

• The Designing Winemaker (Apr/May 2009)
  • Meet a home winemaker who makes art for wine’s sake.
• Testing for Dryness, Empty Airlock: Wine Wizard (Apr/May 2009)
• Testing for dryness can be simple, as the Wiz explains. Plus: Can you ruin your wine with an empty airlock?
Using Enzymes: Tips from the Pros (Apr/May 2009)
• Is it time to try enzymes? Three enzyme-experienced winemakers give advice for additions at home.
• Elderberry Wine (Apr/May 2009)
  • Sometimes known as the “Englishman’s grape,” Elderberries can make a delicious fruit wine that either stands alone or brings complexity to a grape blend.

• Spring in the Vineyard: Backyard Vines (Apr/May 2009)

  • Spring is the best time to start fresh in the vineyard — and the best time to start good habits as well!

• Wine Chem 101: Techniques (Apr/May 2009)

  • There is a lot of science in that glass of wine. Read about how chemistry controls what you smell and taste.

• WIne Kit Glossary: Wine Kits (Apr/May 2009)

  • Confused by kit winemaking terms? Check out the first part of our Kit Wine glossary for the answers.

• Sangiovese: Varietal Focus (Apr/May 2009)

  • All hail the queen — the queen of Italian grapes that is. Make time to meet Sangiovese.

• The Role of pH and Acid (Apr/May 2009)

  • One of the most important balances any winemaker needs to strike in their wines is that of pH and acid. Learn why this scale is so important and the effects on a wine’s stability.

• Sauvignon Blanc Roundtable (Apr/May 2009)

  • Should you fine or filter your Sauvignon Blanc? Do you sur lie age? What about skin contact? We found eight Sauvignon Blanc professionals who can answer these questions and more.

• Corks, Closures and Confusion (Apr/May 2009)

  • The old-fashioned way of closing a bottle of wine - the cork - is getting more high-tech every day. Explore some of the alternatives available to home winemakers.