WinExpert Private Reserve Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel – 30 Bottle Wine Kit

WinExpert Private Reserve Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel Wine Kit

This Old Vine Zinfandel wine kit makes up to 30 bottles of a full-bodied, dry Californian red. It uses Lodi Zinfandel concentrate with grape skins to build deeper colour, fuller body and a more convincing dark-fruit character than a lighter everyday wine kit.

Expect crushed berry and smoky aromas, with blackberry, dark cherry and plum flavours followed by medium oak and spice. It is fruit-forward and rich, but finishes dry rather than sweet.

Old Vine Zinfandel at a Glance

What Does Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel Taste Like?

The finished wine has a deep ruby colour and a bold dark-fruit profile. Blackberry, dark cherry and plum sit alongside subtle smoke, oak spice and a warm, lingering finish. The included grape skins contribute extra colour, tannin and structure, making this a good choice if you want a red wine kit with genuine ageing potential.

What’s Included?

• 14 litres of Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel grape juice concentrate
• Grape skins
• Wine yeast
• Oak
• Stabilising and clearing agents
• 30 bottle labels
• Step-by-step instructions

Equipment Required

Winemaking equipment is not included. You will need:

• A primary fermenter large enough for the 23-litre batch and grape skins
• A 23-litre secondary fermenter or glass carboy
• Syphon and tubing
• Hydrometer and trial jar
• Thermometer, cleaner and sanitiser
• 30 x 750ml wine bottles
• Wine corks and a bottle corker

Winemaker’s Tip

Do not judge this wine as soon as it is bottled. It can be made and bottled in around 6–8 weeks, but the dark fruit, oak and tannin become better integrated with age. Give it at least six months in the bottle if you can; around 12 months should produce a noticeably smoother, more rounded wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Vine Zinfandel sweet?

No. This kit makes a dry red wine. Zinfandel can taste rich and fruit-forward, but that ripe berry character should not be confused with residual sweetness.

Why are grape skins included?

The skins increase colour, tannin, aroma and body during fermentation. Use them exactly as directed in the supplied instructions and allow extra headspace in the primary fermenter.

What food suits Old Vine Zinfandel?

Its full body works well with barbecue, grilled or smoked meats, tomato-based pasta dishes and mature hard cheeses.

This is an ingredient kit. Winemaking equipment and bottles are required separately.