On 4-12-2006 12:06 AM, DAve Allison
DAve,
Vines 184My experience is that when a wine tastes that good young, it may not age very well. Nothing wrong with this, just keep it in mind. Drink it while it is good and do...
Do a web search for "Pearson square" and you'll find many links to this useful tool for blending two wines (or any fluid, such as the vodka you intend to use) of differing ABV to arrive at a desired ABV for the mixture.
In fact Jack Keller's site has the tool built into it, making the pencil and paper algebra unnecessary.
But it is useful to know how to do this simple calculation by hand.
Re: Everclear. It is not sold in VA ABC stores, but it is allowed in MD stores. VA ABCs are nearly identical twins, being state run. MD stores are much more various. Some carry it, some don't. Calling ahead is key, especially if you are visiting from out of town. I've only used Everclear to boost the alcohol content of a 12% mead made in a sherry style to a sherry strength. This means that I'm no expert on fortifying, but I think you might find that your "really good as is" 7% mango wine might be much better off left alone. A bench test on a small portion might be a good idea, before committing the entire batch.
Cheers, Ken Taborek
