F-pack

F-packs, or finishing packs, are additive packages added to the wine must at stabilization, when fermentation is complete. Professionally developed after years of research and development in a wine lab, these unique packages bring a rounded sweetness and intensity of flavor to those styles which require it.

F-packs are formulated from a combination of varietal grape juice concentrate and selected special ingredients sourced around the world which contribute to natural flavor and aroma. This fuse method of sweetening, modeled on the German suss-reserve fuse method, provides a safe, accurate way for the home winemaker to achieve a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, for a finished complexity of taste and aroma which properly represents the desired style.

German white wines burst with floral overtones and an agreeably balanced, sweet finish; blush wines show brilliant color and thirst quenching flavor; dessert wines display opulent bouquets and long, full, flavorful finishes.

Oak/Toasted Oak

By adding the packaged oak powder from the wine kits that include it, winemakers can achieve an effect similar to that achieved by having the wine aged in oak barrels, a widespread practice for most commercially bottled red wines and certain white wine styles. The addition of oak imparts warm, toasty, vanilla flavors and fragrances which, when properly balanced, can contribute greatly to the overall character of the wine. Oak can even improve the early drinkability of certain wines.

It is important not to over-oak a wine, as this may overpower its natural varietal characteristics. The amount of oak powder packaged with the individual styles which include it has been determined through testing in a lab, and is the recommended amount of oak to add to that style. Please note that when there is more than one package of oak found in a kit, users are suggested to add all packages. However, winemakers are free to add less or more oak (available from Wine & Beer Emporium) as they so desire.

Elderflowers

Elderflowers are the flowering buds of the Sambucus Niger plant, a bush found in Europe. The addition of dried elderflowers adds a flowery aromatic quality to wine, desirable in some soft German-style whites. While elderflowers can contribute greatly to the style of these finished wines, winemakers are cautioned that they can overpower some fruit aromas in wines that are not suitable.

The amount of elderflowers found packaged in selected wine styles has been determined as optimal for that style.  It is suggested that the complete package be added to the wine at the appropriate stage, as directed in the instructions.