Some questions from a noob

[jmf]

I have just started my first lot of WOW (3 lots of 5 litre) and now looking to do a red from a kit, I am going for a 30 bottle Beaverdale kit, not sure which one yet. I do have some questions.
1) Yeast, I have seen some posts that say I could use a Lalvin RC212 instead of the one supplied. Is the difference worth it.

2) I am not planning on bottling it but instead using 5ltr bag in box things. Is it ok to keep wine in these for an extended period of time, or do I need to bottle.

3) I are the vinotainer/cubitaners worth the extra over just the bag in box, are there different types of bag in box which are not suitable for wine.

4) I was planning in storing in a detached garage with no heating or insulation, will this be too cold in winter.

Thanks
John

 

[ThreeSheets]

Quite new myself but I can answer Q4 for you.

You don't want to expose yeast to large temperature tolerances because it will stress the yeast and produce some off taints in your wine.

If your garage temp is as low as 19 Degrees Celsius and fluctuating between ±1 Degrees Celsius you should be fine, any more fluctuation than that though I'd recommend you introduce some measures like wrapping it in a blanket or sitting it in water to regulate the temperature variation.

Happy brewing!

 

[Archtronics]

1: somewhat a matter of personnel taste as the flavours change with different yeasts, since this is your first batch I'd stick with the kit yeast then maybe in future you can makes some changes.
2: As long as its airtight you can store it in whatever you like, I use Demi johns for maturing. However remember you will need to drink it pretty quick once you let oxygen into the bag.
3: Never tried them.
4: Storing should be fine as long as it doesn't freeze etc, I would advise against fermenting in the garage as threesheets mentioned

 

[jmf]

Thanks for the replies.

Was planning on doing the fermenting stage in the house. The garage gets cold in winter, and if we have another one like last year it was down to -10, which might be a problem.

Thanks

John