MCV FARM NEWS - 10.16.09 - Bazooka Jim.

Morning Ya'll,

 

       Okay, well it was a big week.  We picked a lot of fruit this week and I am happy we did.  Originally when Jim and I were discussing to pick we were under the impression that the weather was calling for a chance of a few showers over the weekend.  We had no idea or thoughts that a mini-'Noreaster was on its way!  I am pleased to say that we picked a lot of fruit and I am even more pleased to say that its awesome!  This week saw the remaining Chardonnay picked, Viognier, Riesling, and Merlot for rose'. 

       Jim and the guys came out to the vineyard at the beginning of the week to pick grapes and chew bubblegum, and they were all out of bubblegum!!!  So they picked grapes and they picked lots of them!  As the week went on the forecast began to indicate rain being more and more iminant.  However, it was not until Wednesday night that the weather people began to even mention 'Noreaster for Friday.  Boy, I hope they do better jobs with hurricanes!!!  Also, they discussed the rain starting later on Thursday, but by 9:30am yesterday the drops began to Fall.  Luckily we were just about done with the pick when the rain started!  We had the last 3 tons of Riesling to pick yesterday and the last few picking baskets got a little wet. 

      This is the time of year where I have to make many decisions regarding our wines.  However, there was a lot of work put into the grapes getting to me in the winery.  Based on the quality I am seeing on a year that has offered its fair share of challenges I am very excited about the wines we will have to offer next spring!!!  All of the hard work and decisions that have been made in the vineyard through the growing season have paid off!  I cannot wait to offer a third year of awesome white wines!!!   

      However, the job does not stop with me.  I know this time of year is also a busy one for everyone in the tasting room.  There is no, "I" in team and wine is most certainly a collaborative effort.

 

         Cheers,

 

                   Juan.    

MCV FARM NEWS - 10.9.09 - Will Work for Sugar.

Morning Ya'll,

 

       Well, Fall is most certainly here!!!  Everywhere there are signs of the cooler temperatures and shorter days.  We have several things in the winery and fermentations are in full swing.  Thus far we have Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and some Chardonnay in the winery.  We will be gearing up to pick some more on Monday and Tuesday.  We will be picking Merlot for Rosé.

       This is the time of year in which I call into action my kind friends, yeast.  Yeast are the little guys that make all of the magic happen.  Fermentation is the consumption of sugar by yeast, yielding alcohol and carbon dioxide.  The addition of yeast to juice is called, "inoculation." Yeast come in a dried form very similar to that used for making bread.  However, bread yeast vary greatly from the yeast used for winemaking.

       Most of our wines use yeast that is purchased, but our Estate Reserve Chardonnay employs local yeast.  I allow the E.R. Chard to be fermented by yeast that come in with the grapes.  This is what we call a spontaneous, natural, or "wild" fermentation.  Half of the E.R. Chard is inoculated with a yeast that I have selected and the other half is allowed to go spontaneous.  The natural/spontaneous fermentation is slower, but offers a nutty complexity and fuller mouthfeel.  The commercial yeast offers more of the pear and apple apple characteristics.  The two combined offer a more complex wine that has both attributes.  I like to define our Estate Reserve Chardonnay as Burgundian in style, but North Fork in attitude!  Burgundy is the home of Chardonnay.  Many of the worlds most coveted Chardonnay's come from Burgundy, a region in France.  I utilize many of the Burgundian techniques, but seek to make a wine that is balanced with a bit of acidity to make it a great complement to food!  Keep a look out for the New Release 2008 Estate Reserve Chardonnay!!!  Spoiler alert... It's Awesome!  In any event let me know if you are interested in checking out the pick and/or the winery!!!  Talk with ya'll soon!

 

       - Juan.