From my experience, kits were meant to be followed. Pot Meta does not
flavor the wine, and is necessary. Also, when it says stirring - it
means like a full 2 minutes of aggressive stirring. I use a power stir
on a power drill to ensure it stirs enough. Got to get that CD out of
the wine, or it will fizz and not be able to be bottled.

I like Shiraz. If you taste before bottling, you'll know if it is good.
If weak (ignore the alcohol and off taste), I blend with 10-20% Cab
saug, but most wine kids from Ken Ridge are good as is.

DAve

JB wrote:
> I'm in the middle of making my first two batches of wine using a couple of
> Ken Ridge kits - Piesporter & Australian Shiraz. The instructions call for
> adding Potassium Metabisulphite to remove residual carbon dioxide gas. It
> also mentions "shaking & stirring the carboy". My question: is the Potassium
> Metabisulphite really necessary or could the carbon dioxide be removed by
> vigorous stirring and shaking?
>
> TIA
>
> John
>
>
>