Genetically modified wine yeast takes the headache out of red wine

[jojo54]

Good, bad or elsewise it's everywhere.

http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/greenman/default.aspx

 

[lesa]

Oh great! Now a GMO that I would actually appreciate! I thought it was the sulfates that gave you a headache? They just aren't going to stop fooling around with mother nature!!

 

[Greenthumb18]

Yeah, that's what I always thought, that sulfites would cause a headache when drinking wine. That's one of the reasons I make homemade wine so its all natural, without any sulfites in there.

 

[lighthawk]

Yeah, that's what I always thought, that sulfites would cause a headache when drinking wine. That's one of the reasons I make homemade wine so its all natural, without any sulfites in there.

It is the sulfates. Every wine made in America and bottled for sale contains them. Imported wines are sulfate free if you order directly from an overseas winery but if they are on the store shelf they contain sulfates. I also make wine sulfate free. Never had a headache from my homemade wine.

 

[vfem]

This must have different effects on us in different countries.

 

[lighthawk]

This must have different effects on us in different countries.

Actually they are added to kill any yeast that grows naturally on the grapes. Foriegn wineries rely on the natural yeast. American wineries add yeast.

 

[lesa]

Actually, I have found some lovely California wines that are labeled "organic". It states on the label that no sulfates can be detected. Needless, to say it is pricey. I am dying to make my own wine and mead. I just haven't taken the jump yet...
Anybody have a how to book to recommend?

 

[hoodat]

I've often wondered what mead tastes like. How the heck do you get honey to ferment anyway? Seems as though the only thing that happens to it naturally is to go to sugar.

 

[lighthawk]

Actually, I have found some lovely California wines that are labeled "organic". It states on the label that no sulfates can be detected. Needless, to say it is pricey. I am dying to make my own wine and mead. I just haven't taken the jump yet...
Anybody have a how to book to recommend?

I Have two in my library. One is "From Vines To Wines" By Jeff Cox. Very detailed and I found it confusing when I first started. Much of the terminology used is not very well explained and it goes into far more detail than a home winemaker needs. IMO
The other is "First steps in Winemaking" by C.J.J.Berry.
Much simpler and easier for the novice.
Good luck. BTW if you are going to purchase a winemaking kit you might want to do it soon. The first one I bought (4 years ago) cost me $70.00 the last one I bought (last year) cost $110.00.
A good kit will include a 5 gal glass carboy, 6 gal primary fermenter, airlock, bung, siphon hoses, corks and a hydrometer. Most do not include a corker.