Yesterday we had another snow storm that appeared to be equal to the December storm So I sent Autumn home. Shortly after she left she came back. There was a propane truck stuck on our driveway so she couldn't get out. But we got her out through the Reeves place(where our Zinfandel comes from). Barbara was in town shopping and doing her pilates thing and had no clue we were getting dumped on. When she got almost home she found the drive way was still blocked by the propane truck. We had to carry the groceries up by hand. Quite a jaunt on a 18%grade driveway covered by snow and a propane truck. The snow stopped about 3 with about 6 inches fallen. Because it had been so warm it melted quite rapidly on the road and I was able to plow what was left after the stuck truck got out about 4 PM.
Today we tasted some zinfandels and decided to release the 2007 Reeves Vineyard Zin. We felt that the 2006 would benefit from a little maturing in the bottle. Look for it to be re-released in a couple years.
Till next time, John
Thursday, March 4, 2010
It is cold and rainy outside so of course my mind is wondering off to warmer climates. There are many grapes suited for warm climates but one of my all time favorites is Grenache. It just so happens that John and myself have been working on getting the blend down for our 2009 Grenache. I can't spoil the fun by telling you all what it will be, but it is looking good. Oh the anticipation of the wine world!
As some of you know, Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the world. It does ripen late, so it needs hot, dry conditions. Our little ridgeline up here in Pleasant Valley proves to be a perfect place for the spicy, berry-flavored grape. One would mostly find it in blends, since it tends to lack color. Syrah is a very common blending companion for Grenache. Grenache is the dominant variety in most Chateauneuf-du-Pape where there has to be a minimum of 30% but is typically over 80% of the famous blends. We tend to use around 40% of Grenache in our Chateauneuf-du-Pape style Fluer Du Montagne.
Grenache is a great wine for a warm day, for it brings out the wanderlust in a person with its spicy, dusty fruit basket up-set character. Just now I am dreaming of beaches and craggy windswept hillsides as I look out and see huge snowflakes streaming down. Hmmm, the thought of Grenache and what it brings to mind is warming my soul. I guess that makes it good for a cold day too!
As some of you know, Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the world. It does ripen late, so it needs hot, dry conditions. Our little ridgeline up here in Pleasant Valley proves to be a perfect place for the spicy, berry-flavored grape. One would mostly find it in blends, since it tends to lack color. Syrah is a very common blending companion for Grenache. Grenache is the dominant variety in most Chateauneuf-du-Pape where there has to be a minimum of 30% but is typically over 80% of the famous blends. We tend to use around 40% of Grenache in our Chateauneuf-du-Pape style Fluer Du Montagne.
Grenache is a great wine for a warm day, for it brings out the wanderlust in a person with its spicy, dusty fruit basket up-set character. Just now I am dreaming of beaches and craggy windswept hillsides as I look out and see huge snowflakes streaming down. Hmmm, the thought of Grenache and what it brings to mind is warming my soul. I guess that makes it good for a cold day too!
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