The most important part of winemaking is getting good grapes. But if you don't
clean and sanitize your equipment correctly you risk ruining your wine.
First, what NOT to do - never, never use bleach in your winemaking. The
chlorine in bleach can react with corks in the final process and produce trichloroanisole (TCA), also known as
cork taint. This compound gives your wine a musty, moldy, stale aroma and flavor. There is no way to
fix it, and you won't know what bottles have it until you open it. Also never use regular dish soap, the
fragrances in the soap will get into your wine and ruin the flavors and aromas. Dish soap can even affect
your wine glasses, so rinse thoroughly if you wash your glasses with soap.
The best way to clean and sanitize winemaking equipment is Easy Clean, available
in 8 ounce
jars or 5 pound
pails. Easy Clean both cleans and sanitizes; after using to clean give a final rinse with Easy
Clean solution, then do not rinse off. You can also use Easy Clean solution to give corks and bottles a
quick rinse just before bottling. Alternative sanitizing solutions include potassium
metabisulfite or Star
San - though these are only sanitizers, not cleaners. If you are cleaning barrels
use chlorine-free water, Barolkleen
or a citric acid and potassium metabisulfite mix.
Two New Wine Kits from Winexpert

Winexpert is introducing two new kits to replace past offerings:
Winexpert Private Reserve Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc ($185.95)
Adelaide Hills has a reputation for premium wines and has set the benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia.
The cool climate is the perfect setting for growing Sauvignon Blanc with defined acidity and strong varietal
character. Vibrant and aromatic with generous flavors of passionfruit, tropical fruit and citrus, with notes of
melon and herb. Juicy and crisp with refreshing acidity. (This kit replaces the Private Reserve New Zealand
Sauvignon Blanc).
Alcohol: 13%
Body: Medium
Oak: None
Sweetness: Dry
Coming Soon: Winexpert Private Reserve Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon is internationally renowned for its Pinot Noir and Willamette Valley in particular is proving itself to
be the epicenter of Pinot Noir in the U.S. (This kit replaces the Private Reserve Sonoma and New Zealand Pinot
Noir kits) Pricing and availability coming soon!
VineCo Global Passport Series Limited Edition Wine Kits

Get them before they're gone! A range of classic varietals to charismatic blends,
this limited release wine series celebrates creativity and insists on excellence. Available for a short time by
reservation only, it's a one of a kind wine experience.
SOLD OUT - Italian Primitivo
The Wine: As one of the first varietals to be harvested in Italy, Primitivo
loosely translates to ‘early ripening’. It was given this name because every growth stage for the Primitivo
grape happens early, starting from flowering through to color change. This full-bodied wine brings aromas of
dark raspberry, black currant, and preserved cherry with hints of coffee and baking spice. It’s earthy, bold,
and luscious character are complemented by round tannins and a smooth finish.
The Region: The Puglia region which is known for its Primitivo wines. Located
at the south-eastern tip of Italy or at the ‘heel of boot’, this sunny dry region is surrounded by water on all
three sides. Cool breezes off the Mediterranean help regulate the temperatures in the vineyards offering ideal
growing conditions for this grape. The region also produces half of Italy’s olive oil because of the warm and
dry climate.
The Food: Sausage with fennel and fire roasted tomatoes and peppers Eggplant
parmesan Smoked gouda
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
ABV: 13% Kit
Grillo Pinot Grigio
The Wine: A unique blend of Grillo and Pinot Grigio, this fruit-driven wine is
a playful balance between freshness and body. Grillo (pronounced GREE-lo) originated in Sicily and is a more
robust alternative to Pinot Grigio. It brings more body to this blend along with floral notes and hints of
grapefruit. The Pinot Grigio keeps this wine crisp, offering bright acidity along with notes of cantaloupe and
sweet pear on the palate.
The Region: Sicily is the southernmost region in Italy and the largest island
on the Mediterranean Sea. It is consistently blessed with bright sunshine, warm temperatures, moderate rainfall,
and coastal breezes. This classic Mediterranean climate is described by Sicilian wine producers as a magical
place to make wine thanks to the unique geography, climate, and cultural influence.
The Food: Grilled Calamari with preserved lemon and fresh herbs Tomato and
watermelon salad Fresh goat cheese
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
ABV: 12.5%
Tempranillo Bobal
The Wine: Experience Spain with this juicy blend of Tempranillo and Bobal, two
of the most widely planted varieties in Spain. Ripe fruits of dark cherry, strawberry and blackberry are
complemented by notes of plum and fig preserve. Toasted oak brings hints of vanilla bean and baking spice. This
medium bodied wine delivers freshness and balance with well- structured tannins and a long lingering finish.
The Region: Manchuela is a large wine growing region in central Spain inland
from Valencia and located in the valleys between two rivers, the Jucar and Cabriel. These valleys and the
influences of the Mediterranean Sea make the climate relatively mild. The moist winds coming off the coast help
to regulate the temperatures in the vineyards to ensure optimal growing conditions. Red grape varietals dominate
the region with Bobal representing approximately 70% of the vines grown in the region.
The Food: Paella with chorizo Grilled vegetable lasagna Manchego cheese
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
ABV: 13%
SOLD OUT - Cabernet Shiraz Montepulciano
The Wine: A classic Australian blend with a twist. Cabernet Sauvignon and
Shiraz are married with Montepulciano to create a complex and full-bodied wine. Dark fruits of blackberry and
currant follow with notes of plum and preserved cherry. Firm but velvety tannins are met with a rich mouthfeel,
with hints of black pepper, sweet red fruits, and baking spice. This is a playful blend bringing three classic
varietals together, creating a wine with alluring texture and bold style.
The Region: The Murray Darling region straddles the Murray River and covers a
large area between northwest Victoria and western New South Wales. A hot and dry climate with extended hours of
sunshine, low humidity and cool nights allows for the ideal ripening conditions. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
thrive in Australian soil producing some of the most iconic wines in the southern hemisphere. The region is now
becoming known for alternative Italian varieties like Montepulciano because winemakers have realized those
varietals perform extremely well in the warm climate.
The Food: Grilled strip loin with a mushroom peppercorn sauce Garlic sauteed
spinach Aged sharp cheddar
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
ABV: 14%
Each kit is $185.95 at Curds and Wine. Contact me to check availability - very limited quantities are
available!
Winexpert Limited Edition 2022 Wine Kits
Selling out fast! This annual showcase features hidden gems in limited quantities and is available by
reservation only. It's a one-of-a-kind global adventure you don't want to miss.
SOLD OUT -- PINOT NOIR SHIRAZ MURRAY DARLING, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 2022 $174.95
Well balanced with sour cherry and red fruit flavors, dark plum, blueberry and light spice. Juicy, vibrant,
elegant and energetic with bright acidity.
Sweetness: Dry Body: Medium Oak: Medium Alcohol: 13.5%
SOLD OUT - MACABEO SAUVIGNON BLANC MANCHUELA, SPAIN - JANUARY 2022 $165.95
Complex and fresh with citrus, tropical fruit and white flower aromas. Green apple, grapefruit and tropical
fruit flavors with accents of honeysuckle and grass.
Sweetness: Dry Body: Medium Oak: None Alcohol: 13.0%
MARSELAN LANGUEDOC, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 2022 $174.95
Flavors of blackberry, plum, black currant spice with well-rounded tannins. Smooth with balanced
acidity.
Sweetness: Dry Body: Medium-Full Oak: Medium Alcohol: 13.0%
TREBBIANO RIESLING PUGLIA & VENETO, ITALY - MARCH 2022 $165.95
Lively and off-dry with flavors of yellow apple, white peach, melon and citrus. Fresh minerality.
Sweetness: Off-Dry Body: Medium Oak: None Alcohol: 12.5%
GRENACHE CARIGNAN MANCHUELA, SPAIN - APRIL 2022 $189.95
Black fruit, cherry, red berry, plum, spice, oak and licorice flavors. Rich velvety tannins with
well-integrated oak and a long finish.
Sweetness: Dry Body: Full Oak: Heavy Alcohol: 14.0%
Contact me to check availability - very limited quantities are
available!
