Notes From The Winemaker
It looks like May will bring with it some warmth and we can finally expect to see the beauty of bud break! We have the rainwater, but our vines are awaiting the warmth so that they can awaken. When they do, the stored nutrients and water will begin flowing from the trunk of the vine to the canes, bringing this energy to the dormant buds so they can break open and begin growth. In a matter of days we will see our stark and lackluster vineyard transform to bright, green and vibrant!
The excitement in the cellar has been the bottling of our 2017 Estate Riesling and Rose. We continue to tend to our barreled wines as they mature and transform.
Du Vin
With this warming spring weather finally upon us, I think it fitting to enjoy a chilled, dry, but fruity glass of rosé. Our Estate Rosé is made from a blend of Chamard red grapes, including the Vitis Vinifera varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
To make our rosé, we use a method referred to as limited skin maceration. The grapes are crushed and the juice is left in contact with the skins, which possess the color. The skins are left to soak a limited time before the juice is drawn off the skins. The longer the time that the juice is allowed in contact with the skins, the greater the color and flavor extraction. Due to the skin contact, the rosé wine has the heart healthy benefits of a red wine. So come and enjoy a cool glass of rosé during these nice warm days of May!
