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Newsletter published by
Fine Vine Wines, LLC
"The Wine Maker's Toy Store™"
1300 N. Interstate 35-E, Suite 106
Carrollton, Texas 75006
May 2009
Volume 7, Issue 5
866-417-1114 (Long Distance)
972-323-7921 (Local)
972-323-7955 (Fax)
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I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Fine Vine Wines, LLC, "The Wine Maker's Toy Store". Whether you need home wine making products or just need information, we are here to serve you. I want to extend my thanks again for making The Wine Maker's Toy Store your home for your wine making needs. It continues to be my hope that every time you visit our web site or retail store, you will find something of value.
As you can see from the length of this newsletter, we have a lot going on! Next month's newsletter will just as full with more exciting news! |
| MAKE ONE, AGE ONE SPECIAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Over the years, one of the things I hear the most is "we drink our wine too fast to allow it time to age". I know these wine kits can produce good wines after only several month, but I also know how REALLY good they can become with some age. I always encourage new customers to put several bottles away from each batch for at least one year. That way they can taste them later with some age to see how good the wines can become.
For this reason, Mosti Mondiale and I have teamed up to offer you a special to encourage you to make at least one wine to age, so you can see the difference yourself. This special called the "Make One, Age One Special" is very simple and the brands included are the:
- Vinifera Noble 10 Liter Wine Kits - These kits are designed to be consumed early on. From our tests, we feel that the white wines in this line are ready with as little as 2 months bottle aging, while the reds need 3-4 months. These will continue to improve for up to 1 year, but you can start drinking them quickly.
- Original All Juice 23 Liter Wine Kits - These kits are made with 100% pure varietal grape juice and contain no concentrate. Since they are ALL JUICE, they no only contain better juices, but more solids. The combination of the two contribute to a better wine, but only after time! These wines become "approachable" (ready to drink) at nine months, but we recommend 18 months for the reds.
Here is the special:
For every Vinifera Noble purchased, you can purchase an Original All Juice for $20.00 off on the same order. Purchase 2 Vinifera Nobels and get $20.00 off any 2 Original All Juices for a total savings of $40.00. There are only 2 stipulations to this sale:
- Due to my system limitations, in order to receive the $20.00 off, both wine kits must be placed on the same order. If we are out of stock and have to back order one, you will still get the discount.
- Since this is a combined promotion with Mosti Mondiale, I can not substitute different brands. This sale is limited to Vinifera Noble and Original All Juice.
If you are ready to try your patience and make a really good wine, now is the time. In addition, if you get started now, the Original All Juice will be ready to give out for Christmas 2010. |
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CARBOY SIZES, FOLLOW UP
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As pointed out last month, the increased volume of the Italian carboy will require you to add more wine for topping off or use sanitized glass marbles to displace some of the oxygen. Another approach is to rack down to a 5-gallon carboy and put whatever is left over into smaller vessels like wine bottles and/or 1/2 gallon jugs. As you rack, you can use this "extra" wine to top off the same batch or other similar batches.
We now have a new option, displacing the oxygen with an inert gas, like nitrogen, argon or carbon dioxide. Obtaining an economical source of any of these three can be challenging. As such, we are now stocking "Private Reserve". This product was designed for preserving your wine once the bottle has been opened. Private Reserve is a mix of nitrogen, argon or carbon dioxide and 1 or 2 sprays will displace the oxygen allowing you to save the wine for later consumption.
This product can also be used for your carboys. The can of Private Reserve contains 120 sprays. Depending upon how much head space needs to be displaced, each can should provide enough gas for at least 30 applications. This translates into around $.40 per carboy which is significantly less that using even a cheap commercial bottle of wine. The can comes with a thin tube to attach to the sprayer to allow you to "shoot" the gas right into the carboy with minimal waste.
To use Private Reserve in your carboy, spray 1 or 2 bursts into the carboy, then light your fireplace (charcoal) lighter. Put the lighter into the carboy. If it goes out, the oxygen is gone; otherwise, continue to add the Private Reserve until the flame goes out. Put your stopper back on the carboy and your wine is protected from oxygen. It is that simple!
Since this is a new product for us, we are going to offer it as the "Toy of the Month". It will regularly list for $11.99, but for the month of May, it is only $9.99 per can. Please note, the can is extremely light and you may think it is empty, but it is not. In fact, they indicate such on the back of the can.
Click on the following link to order this product:
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SULFITE MANAGEMENT
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We recently sent several samples of customer wine to Mosti Mondiale's laboratory for analysis. When we got the results, we were surprised by the very low levels of free sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the samples. The levels reported by Mosti's lab will appear later in this article. The low level is a concern because of the importance of free SO2 to the winemaker. Too little SO2 and the wine is unprotected. Too much SO2 and the taste is affected and the wine has the aroma of a burnt match.
SO2 has many uses in winemaking. It is used to retard the growth of bacteria and any wild yeast that may be present. SO2 is also used as an anti-oxidant that combines with free oxygen in the juice and wine to prevent the effects of oxidation on the wine. It is also used as a sanitizing rinse of any equipment that comes in contact with the juice or wine. During bulk aging and once the wine is in the bottle, SO2 affords protection from oxidation and spoilage microbes.
The amount of SO2 in the wine is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l). These measures are the same and are used interchangeably. When SO2 is added to the wine, a portion will bind with other compounds in the wine and it is referred to as bound SO2. The portion of the addition that does not become bound is referred to as free SO2. The sum of the bound and free is the total SO2. Over time the free SO2 will become bound SO2 and the protection provided will diminish. It is essential to monitor levels during bulk aging and to ensure adequate levels of free SO2 at bottling for long term bottle aging.
A very small portion of the free SO2 is known as molecular SO2. The molecular SO2 is the most important component as it is responsible for the anti-microbial and the anti-oxidant activity. There is a relationship between the pH of the wine, the free SO2 and the molecular SO2. Therefore, if the pH and free SO2 are known, the molecular SO2 can be determined. A molecular value of 0.5ppm will allow malolactic fermentation to proceed. A molecular value of 0.8ppm will inhibit the malolactic bacteria and provides effective protection. At a molecular value of 2.0ppm the wine is provided maximum protection, however, it is close to the level at which sulfur dioxide can be detected by the senses. In general the target for red wines is 0.5ppm molecular and for white wines 0.8ppm molecular.
The following table shows the amount of free SO2 needed in parts per million (ppm) to obtain the target molecular value at varying pH levels.
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pH |
0.5ppm |
0.8ppm |
2.0ppm |
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2.90 |
7 |
11 |
27 |
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2.95 |
7 |
12 |
31 |
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3.00 |
8 |
13 |
34 |
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3.05 |
9 |
15 |
38 |
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3.10 |
10 |
16 |
42 |
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3.15 |
12 |
19 |
47 |
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3.20 |
13 |
21 |
52 |
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3.25 |
15 |
23 |
58 |
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3.30 |
16 |
26 |
65 |
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3.35 |
18 |
29 |
73 |
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3.40 |
20 |
32 |
82 |
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3.45 |
23 |
37 |
91 |
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3.50 |
25 |
40 |
102 |
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3.55 |
29 |
46 |
114 |
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3.60 |
31 |
50 |
128 |
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3.65 |
36 |
57 |
143 |
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3.70 |
39 |
63 |
161 |
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3.75 |
45 |
72 |
180 |
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3.80 |
49 |
79 |
202 |
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3.85 |
57 |
91 |
226 |
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3.90 |
62 |
99 |
254 |
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3.95 |
71 |
114 |
385 |
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4.00 |
78 |
125 |
319 |
The following table shows the results of the wines sent to Mosti Mondiale for laboratory analysis:
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Wine Type |
pH |
Free SO2 |
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Red Wine |
3.27 |
9ppm |
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Pinot Noir - All Juice |
3.36 |
14ppm |
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Grand Barolo - Masters Edition |
3.69 |
14ppm |
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Barolo - Vinifera Nobel |
3.64 |
5ppm |
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Zinfandel |
3.76 |
8ppm |
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Sauvignon Blanc - All Juice |
3.27 |
20ppm | All of the wines fell short of the target molecular value. Since the level of free SO2 will slowly decrease with time as it becomes bound, these wines do not have the level of molecular SO2 necessary for long-term bottle aging.
The Wine Maker's Toy Store is planning to purchase the Hanna Instruments model HI 84100 Mini Titration System for Total Sulfur. This will allow for the determination of the free and total SO2 in a must or wine with an accuracy of 5%. As wines made in the store are tested, the results will be added to the Winemaking Log and Database. We are also planning on comparing test results using this equipment with the results of other readily available methods for testing free SO2. Other testing will be to monitor free SO2 levels on wines being bulk aged to determine the timing and amounts of SO2 additions.
We understand that every batch of wine is different and that what is true for one is not necessarily true for all. We also know that without testing each batch, the best we can hope for is to be close using the information we have available. Our goal at the Wine Maker's Toy Store is to provide the winemaker with information they can use to make the best wine possible. As we collect and analyze our test results, we will share this information in future issues of the "Pressing News". | |
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REMAINING LIMITED RELEASES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We always order extras of the limited release wine kits for those new to the hobby, for those that want more and for those who missed out on the pre-order. This year was no exception, but we are starting to run out. We have less than 3 left in almost every limited release wine kit. If you want to assure yourself of any of these kits, I suggest you order them now as I will not be receiving anymore.
By the way, we were able to get 3 more Mosti Mondiale Meglioli Amarone and they will be in around May 5th. These will be sold on a first come, first sold basis.
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SALES TAX, Editorial
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As most of you know, a lot of the items you purchase on the Internet have been not subject to state and local sales tax. This exemption was created by Congress back in the 90's to foster growth of Internet sales; however, this exemption may be going away.
The States have been screaming for years that they are losing billions of dollars in tax revenue via this exemption and with the drop in other state and local tax collections, they see this as a way to make up for this drop. Currently 49 of the 50 States collect sales taxes with Oregon being the only state that does not have a sales tax.
The creation of the exemption was necessary due to the complexity involved in collecting the tax, filing out the forms and remitting the revenue to the several States. These complexities are listed below:
- What is taxable? - Every State has different rules on what is subject to sales tax in their State and what is not. One big example for our industry is wine kits and supplies. These items are considered food products and, as such, are not taxable in Texas. This is not the case for all states.
- What tax rates apply to EACH taxpayer? - Besides the State Sales Tax, there are sales taxes for cities, counties, school districts and special taxing districts. The last time I looked, there are over 88,000 sales tax jurisdictions in the United States.
- What are the reporting requirements for each state? - Once again, all states are different. Reporting and remitting is usually based on the amount of tax collected, which means that each retailer will have to file a report in each state in which they have sales.
What all of this means to me is higher costs to:
- Modify my shopping cart to calculate the correct amount of sales,
- Track sales tax by taxing jurisdiction, and
- Report and pay the taxes collected.
What this means to you is higher prices. Your prices will increase to pay for:
- The Sales Tax,
- The cost of administering the collections by the retailers, and
- Reduced competition.
As most of you know, I am a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) by trade. What you may not know is that I became a CPA to work with taxes. Although I am a little rusty, I have a good grasp of what will be required. As such, it this does happen, I will be able to make the transition. Not all Internet retailers will be in the same position. For this reason, I would expect quite a number of the smaller retailers to cease their Internet sales. When you consider the additional administrative burden and the reduction in retailers, your prices will increase by more that just the tax!
If you currently spend $1,000 a year on Internet purchases, your cost will increase by $60-$120 depending on your local tax rate. If you say fine, I will just shop locally, you will still have to pay the tax you have been avoiding. There will be no way around the increase to your costs.
I have provided this information to you for you to make your own decision. If you will be content with this increase in the cost of you purchases, then do nothing. If, on the other hand, you do not want to pay this increase, your only option is to contact your Representative and Senators to voice your objections. |
| PRICE REDUCTIONS - WINE KITS
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We have finally seen some reductions in our inbound frieght charges. We are in the process of recalculating all of our wine kit prices and will be adjusting the online catalog as we complete each brand. So far, we have reduced most of our Winexpert kit prices by $2-5 per kit and will be adjusting the other brands as we complete our cost analysis.
Please note that this adjustment will only last as long as the freight rates stay down and the wine kit manufacturers hold prices steady. Based on eveything I have read, inflation will be gearing up next year. When that happens, we will be forced to raise our prices based on the costs at that time. In the meantime, please enjoy the savings!
On the flip side, FedEx and UPS have raised their rates and the US Postal Service will raise theirs in May. Generally, the increases should be around $.50 to $1.00 per box, depending on the distance the box travels to reach you. The good news is that the reduction in almost of the kit prices will more than offset the increase in shipping charges on your order. |
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In keeping with prior months, we are going to offer discount on 2 more wine kit lines. This month the lines are
All of these wine kits are ready to bottle in 5-8 weeks and are ready to drink in another 3-9 months. These wine kits will definitely improve with 6-12 months of additional aging. Remember with all of our "Wines of the Month", we try to anticipate demand, but may not be 100% successful. If we run out of a special, we will advise you of such and an expected ship date. We appreciate your understanding.
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| DFW AREA HOME WINE MAKING CLUB
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The next Cork's Crew, the Home Winemaker's Club meeting will be on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the store.
If you would like to be added to the club mailings, please give me a call.
Hope to see you there. |
| Toys of the Month
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Whether you need to preserve a bottle of wine for another day or need to remove the oxygen from the top of your carboy, "Private Reserve" is the answer. This is a can of inert gases, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and argon when sprayed into your bottle or carboy displaces the oxygen so your wine will not oxidize. To learn more about the great use of this product when topping off, see our featured article in this month's newsletter.
Normally, Private Reserve lists for $11.99 per can, but this month, it is yours for only $9.99.
To see the pricing on these items, click here. |
| NEW PRODUCTS
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Due to the success of the En Primeur Wine kits from RJ Spagnols, we have started stocking their Winery Series. Each of the 8 kits in this line contain 16 liters of juice and a 2 liter package of GenuWine Grape Skins. To learn more about these wine kits, click on the link below:
Winery Series
Winexpert has also created a new Island Mist wine kit, the Pomegranate Zinfandel which will be in during the week of May 10th.
HAR013 To see all of the products added during the last 60 days, visit our
If you are looking for a product that I do not carry, my distributors are LD Carlson and Crosby & Baker, Ltd. You can see their complete product list at their public catalogs. If you find anything you would like me to add, please let me know. |
| BOTTLING PARTY
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The next bottling party will be in June. We have not set the date, but will let you know next month. Just wanted to give you a "head's up!. |
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NEXT SALE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My business would have never reached the size it is without the loyal committment of my customers. Words are inadequate for expressing my gratitude, so hopefully another big sale would do the trick.
I haven't set the exact date, but I will tell you that
- It will not be during the next month,
- It will be better than the March Madness Sale, and
- It will be only available to members of the FVW Grower's Club.
I am going to limit it to the Grower's Club as a thank you for your continued support, so if you are not a member, you have 2 months to hit the $500.00 level.
BE READY! | |
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Now with over 100,000 posts!
When you have a question or just want to learn more about wine making, don't forget our forum! We have over 1,400 registered members with over 99,000 posts! We have some extremely knowledgeable wine makers with loads of valuable information willing to assist you in your wine making needs. Responses to most posts are made within minutes. We are also known to have an occasional contest available to forum member only with valuable gifts, savings and coupons!
Whether you are an expert or a novice, it is an excellent place to ask questions, exchange ideas and meet other home wine makers. If you haven't logged into the forum, try it sometime. I think you will find it most informative and enjoyable, as well as, a great place to meet fellow wine makers.
DISCOUNTS
The most common discounts are listed below:
CUSTOMER REFERRAL PROGRAM
We have a customer referral program that provides additional discounts to registered users. We will give you a coupon worth 10% of the first order placed by any person that you refer to our web site. The stipulations are as follows:
- You must be a registered user of finevinewines.com,
- The person placing the order must register and provide your full name in the appropriate field on the registration screen, and
- The discount is only good for future orders with finevinewines.com and is not redeemable for cash.
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PROGRAM - FVW GROWERS CLUB
Please check out our FVW Growers Club. You can get all of the details on our web site, but the bottom line is we want to buy your loyalty! Once you spend $500 with us, you get at least 5% discount on everything you buy from us (10% on orders over $100.00). Find out more on the web site.
REGISTRATION DISCOUNT (FIRST TIME ORDERS)
To receive this 5% off, all you have to do is register with us and place an order for $50.00, or more (excluding shipping and taxes). If your first order is for more than $140.00, we will give you 10% off. When you register, you will also be given the opportunity to sign up for our monthly newsletter, which is the only recurring email we send. We will not blast you with email after email touting our current specials. We encourage you to register to make the ordering process easier on you.
BIRTHDAY CLUB
If you are a registered user and have provided your birth day and month, every year you will receive a coupon good for $5.00 off any order over $25.00. This coupon is in addition to any other discounts in which you may be entitled. These coupons are emailed on the first of the month and are good for your birth month only. To join up, register, go to the My Account section and provide your birth day and month.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
We appreciate all of your comments, whether good or bad. To demonstrate our commitment to outstanding customer service, I have created a web page with your feedback. As we receive emails that comment about our service, I will post them on this page:
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As a reminder, we continue to add products and content to the web site, therefore, if you have any special requests, please let us know. We like to hear what you have to say about our site, our products and/or our customer service, good or bad. Please send your comments and/or suggestions to winemaster@finevinewines.com.
Don't forget we like you to CALL!
If you have any questions about our products, our service and/or wine making, please call us. We are here to serve you and enjoying assisting you in any way we can. We have an international toll-free line so you WILL call us. Someone is usually at the store between 9 am and 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. We always try to answer the phone when you call; however, sometimes, we are unable to answer the phone as we are on the other lines or we have customers in the store. If you get the voice mail, please leave your name, number, brief message and a best time to call. We will return your call just as soon as we can. If you don't want to call, just send us an email. We usually answer our emails daily. Please remember, we are a resource and we are here to serve you.
We don't want to be the biggest store, just the BEST!
Cheers!
George Cornelius, President
Fine Vine Wines, LLC, The Wine Maker's Toy Store
Contact Information
George Cornelius - President
Mark Cornelius - Shipping Manager
Joseph Schuitema - Resident Wine Maker and Technical Creator
phone: 1-866-417-1114 |
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