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natural yeasts...

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Ibiduin

NewBee
Registered Member
Jun 5, 2005
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I'm sure someone has at least tried, but I'm curious if it's possable to start a mead simply with the natural yeasts that collect on grapes? I assume at the very least to get it to work I'd need vineyard grapes and not supermarket (*shudder*).
 

lostnbronx

Senior Member
Lifetime GotMead Patron
Dec 8, 2004
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I've never done this, but it should work well enough -- though I'd think you'd need to be making a pyment in order to get enough yeast at the start (unless you culture it at home).

-David
 

JoeM

NewBee
Registered Member
Jan 9, 2004
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It would most definitely work. I've made cyser using only the yeast that rode in on the cider apples. Keep in mind that there are always risks involved with this. Namely stuck fermentations, off flavors, vinegar, or worse. Its interesting and fun to try, but you really don’t have much control over the situation.
 

Oskaar

Got Mead Partner
Administrator
Dec 26, 2004
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The OC
I agree with JoeM.

Something to think about is that when you decide where to get your grapes it's a good idea to take a look at the condition of the vineyard and the winery/cellar. A good healthy vineyard and well maintained winery inspire more confidence than those that are less well maintained. During the crush wineries are pretty busy and there'a lot of fruit laying around in crates and such so pick a grape or two and taste them. If you like them and they're not nasty looking go for it.

Also, consider the surrounding area of the vinyards and winery. If they're close to big highways, factories, nasty green looking ponds etc. I'd move on to the ones that are in areas further off from civilization. This in no way guarantees anything, but, the less nasty stuff blowing around the vineyards the better in my book since it will ultimately settle on the grape, soil, etc.

Hope that helps,

Oskaar
 

quirky

NewBee
Registered Member
Aug 6, 2005
18
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The very first batch of mead I ever made was with wild yeast.
Almost 15 years ago now. I have no idea if it ever turned out.
I gave it away untried :)
Alas - the recipient was skeptical of my talents (he was right of course)
 
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