Morning ya'll,
Well, this is the time of year where things just chug along in the vineyard and winery. The vineyard crew has been off for a couple of days as the weather has not permitted them to work. The winery crew has been busy prepping wines for the winter bottling's.
Soon we will be sending off samples for soil analysis. This is the time of year in which we will send soil samples to a lab to have analysis of their contents conducted. This analysis will allow us to check the health of our soils. Let's just say it is a yearly check-up of sorts.
The results will tell us a lot such as soil pH, micro nutrient content and macro nutrient content. Micro nutrients are those nutrients that plants need in small amounts and the Macro nutrients are those that a plant needs in larger amounts. Either big or small all nutrients are needed to help develop a strong and healthy vineyard. A deficiency in one micro nutrient can lead to a compromised plant. These plants are also then more susceptible to disease. So, if we can ensure a healthy vineyard an increased resistance to disease is encouraged. Once again plants and people are very much alike!
Soil is a living organism. It ain't dirt! Dirt is what we sweep from a floor. Soil is filled with life and at the same time can sustain life. It is an entire ecosystem within itself. Long Islands' soil is the result of glacier's melting during the last ice age. The glaciers ended where Long Island now rests. We were the GLACIER'S END. It was eye opening for me many years ago when I took a soil science class to find out that soil really is a complex and integral part of all of the world around us. It was something that I truly took for granted, but now look at differently.
Lastly, remember we have some great things going on at the vineyard this week. We have great cooking demos from Chef Frank Tramantano of Ever So Saucy Sauces and I will be hosting a chocolate and wine tasting with Chocalatier Tad Van Leer from J. Emmanuel Chocalatier. Both promise to be very palate rewarding experiences! Talk with ya'll soon.
Cheers,
- Juan.
