Disaster in the Winery
By GreenMoo
@GreenMoo (11834)
October 26, 2011 5:00am CST
Disaster has struck! When I went to stir the barrels of wine we've tucked away this morning I discovered that three of them have developed a funny white mould on top of the liquid. The three barrels all come from the one vat of fermenting grapes, and it did stop fermenting earlier than the others. With that in mind, it's no great surprise that something is amiss. But I'm still gutted.
I've closed up the three barrels so no contamination can occur between those and the remaining ones until I can empty them out. The wine within till just be dumped, about 300 litres worth. I haven't told my partner yet as he's not here, but I'm really not looking forward to breaking the news.
The weather here broke a couple of days ago and it's currently pouring down with rain. almost all the grapes were in, but there are still some on the vines that are still good. I'm in two minds whether to get out there and see if I can harvest enough to start off another batch, or just be satisfied with the remainder (around 500 litres). We do sell some, but the majority is for consumption.
What would you do in my shoes today? Be satisfied and hope the rest turns out well, or go find your wellies and get out there to start a new batch?
Have you ever had something disastrous happen when you've invested loads of time in it? What did you do?
3 people like this
7 responses
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
26 Oct 11
This couldn't be Botrytis, could it? You might be sitting on three barrels of gold. But if not, my commiserations.
Lash
3 people like this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
27 Oct 11
If I needed the money and needed to sell it I would be out there trying to make a new batch....if I didn't well I probably would be happy with what I have to look forward to....I wouldn't cherish being out in the rain collecting more grapes!
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
27 Oct 11
My grape jelly had a few that turned, but the rest went well. I just get rid of the bad and go with the good.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
28 Oct 11
You can also baste ham with it if you ever eat that. Also there is grape ketchup, I kid you not, research and you'll find it's true. Also goes good on top of cream cheese. I had one batch not set when I was first learning and I used it to top ice cream and all kinds of stuff.
1 person likes this
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
26 Oct 11
GreenMoo, I really feel for you - it must be devastating to see something you've worked so hard for, looking as if it might be spoiled. Is there any possibility the white coating could be within normal boundaries of winemaking? I'm betting you got out there in your wellies ... I know you are made of strong, determined stuff. Good luck - and fingers crossed! x
2 people like this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
27 Oct 11
I just had an argument with family last night because of something that is probably going to waste after I've invested some time and money on it. It's a dream that I've had that I was hoping to see in a year or two. Last night I've just been told that the interest is not there anymore.
I'm still devastated.
1 person likes this
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
27 Oct 11
For me if they get so then it is okay if not then it make your life worst.
