Beaverdale kits - how long to keep?

[spikey]

I can't get an answer from either Beaverdale or a couple of retailers who flog their kits, so ...

I'm trying to organise my wine-making so that I only do it during the "summer" months. I know how much plonk we neck in a week, but what I don't know is how long you're reckoned to be able to keep the wines before they start getting past their best befores. And I need to know that so I can plan production and make the best use of the limited storage space we have.

I make Beaverdale Merlot, Gewurtztraminer and Vieux Chateau du Roi. I usually bottle half a dozen bottles and keep the rest in full demijohns until the wine box we're currently drinking from needs refilling. I can keep it all dark, but what I can't do is keep it cool - the only place is under the stairs at room temp, whatever that is (and right now it's 24°C!).

Any advice will be much appreciated

[crafty john]

The recommended time is up to 6 months, however if you add more potassium matabisulphite you can extend the keeping time by another 6 months, so basically if you want to keep a wine longer than 6 months just add 1 campden tab per gallon on top of the stuff that comes with the kit and you will be able to keep the wine for 12 months or more without any issues.

Hope this helps

CJ

[spikey]

It does indeed, mister. Thank you