This first experimental batch of hooch from Lar Occidentis turned out surprisingly drinkable. It started off as a flat, acidic rosé made from store-bought grape juice, but after some time it mellowed into something drier, slightly fruity and flowery, with a touch of complexity. Notes of peach? Even so, it has a funny aftertaste, and I wouldn’t buy it in a store. 4/10 acceptable if you want to get drunk and nothing else is around.

General info

  • Vintage: n/a
  • Batch size: 4L plastic bucket
  • Yeast: Vinoferm Red
  • Alcohol by volume: ~11.5%
  • Approximate production cost: ~€13,06 for 5 bottles (~2,61 per bottle)

Ingredients and allergens

No sulfites.

Production notes

Bubbling only started after 4 days. Temperature (~18-20 celsius) could be slightly too low for this yeast. I might also have accidentally killed some yeast through temperature shock (20c difference between activation water and hoochables).

Prophecy

Bacchus himself has blessed this first experimental batch of hooch at the Lar Occidentis estate. The holy Albert Heijn 85% red grape juice along with Vinoferm Red should produce a somewhat fruity rosé. Should yield a ~11.5% ABV of which 3% was chapitalized, making it technically a Zone A wine.

Fermentation time

Bubbles stopped on 12-04-2025. So 14 days, including the slow start.

Bottling date and notes

19-04-2025. Straight from bucket to bottles using a coffee filter. We’ll see how bad the sediment becomes.

Storage, aging, and serving

Best served at 14-18 C. Store in a cool, dry place. No special aging expected; may need a couple of months following fermentation to lose its rough edge.

Actual taste and suggested food pairings

During bottling

First decent batch of store juice wine, ever. It looks and tastes a bit like a flat rosé with some acidity. Drinkable if you’re thirsty or want to get drunk. Food pairings? Anything to override this mediocre taste.

On 2025-06-06

Much better. It is completely dry and has a relative strong acidity. It still tastes a bit funny, but it certainly tastes somewhat fruity and I would go so far as to say it has some complexity. 6/10 definitely drinkable but I wouldn’t buy it in a store. Would pay €0,50 for a bottle.