Produce a refined, lighter‑bodied Pinot Noir with bright red cherry and raspberry, touches of cranberry, gentle spice and subtle oak. Supple tannins and fresh acidity make this a versatile, food‑friendly red that rewards short‑ to medium‑term ageing.
Key features
- Makes 23L (approx. 30 x 750ml bottles)
- Style: Pinot Noir – elegant, dry, lightly oaked
- Tasting notes: cherry, raspberry, cranberry, subtle vanilla/spice; soft tannins
- Difficulty: beginner‑friendly; benefits from bottle ageing
- Typical timeframe: ready in about 4–6 weeks
- Typical ABV: around 12–13% (process dependent)
- No additional sugar required; formulated from quality grape juice concentrate
- Includes: grape juice concentrate, wine yeast, stabilisers, finings, oak (where applicable), and full instructions
- Best served at 14–16°C; pairs with roast chicken, pork, salmon, mushroom dishes, soft to semi‑hard cheeses
New to winemaking?
Read our full step-by-step Beaverdale brewing instructions — covers the must, fermentation, the key racking point, and bottling, from start to first glass.
What Equipment Do You Need?
This kit is ingredients-only. You'll also need a 25-litre fermenter, airlock, hydrometer, siphon, and 30 bottles with corks. Always sanitise with VWP or ChemSan.
Upgrading your yeast
Pinot Noir's lighter body and bright red fruit is exactly what Mangrove Jack's CR51 was built for — a strain bred for light, fruity reds meant for early drinking. If your fermenting spot runs cold over winter (an unheated garage or utility room, often under 15°C), Lalvin EC-1118 is the more reliable choice.
How it works (quick steps)
- Sanitise all equipment.
- Add concentrate and water to 23L; pitch yeast.
- Ferment dry; confirm stable gravity.
- Stabilise and clear; adjust oak to taste.
- Bottle; flavours round out after 3–9 months.
Why choose Beaverdale
Dependable kits that deliver varietally true reds with smooth, balanced profiles and consistent results for home winemakers.
FAQs
- Do I need to add sugar? No—this kit is designed to ferment to strength without extra sugar.
- How many bottles does it make? Up to 30 standard 750ml bottles (23L).
- Is it vegan? Some finings may not be vegan; check the latest kit contents.
- How long should I age it? Drinkable young, but improves notably after 3–9 months; further complexity up to 12 months.
Kit Specification