Happy Saturday everyone!
Crazy day. Planned on doing a bunch of stuff outside, but Mother Nature had other ideas, in the form of rain and a really wild thunderstorm. As I was cleaning up after dinner I noticed Heidi putting something into the fridge and said "Why don't you put that Riesling we got 2 weeks ago in for tonight?" She slyly replied "Because I put the Bully Hill Riesling in." It warm and muggy, a great night for a cold, sweeter wine, and I was looking forward to it.
Move ahead a few hours, we put Giada to bed and I was finishing up a project in the kitchen. I go to the fridge to get the wine, and it wasn't there. Checked out the door...nothing. Checked the crispers...nothing. There's Sean, scratching his bald head.
About to ask Heidi, when something said "check the freezer" and my heart sank. Four hours had passed, I was going to open the door to find a burst cork, maybe Riesling slush on the frozen peas...a real mess. Nope...just a very cold bottle. The lovely wife had figured we'd be opening it earlier than we did...I sidetracked her with other things.
Poured two glasses, handed one to her and took a sip. WHAT A SURPRISE! Bursting with pineapple, almost like a Traminette or Ravat, but not quite. Still some spice, and as my glass warms the pineapple is fading in with the rest of the flavors. But that initial taste...that's one I'll remember.
So, now the big plan is to play some Wii; Super Mario Galaxy was obviously designed by individuals under the influence of something much stronger than wine, but it's perfectly enjoyable with this icy treat.
I enjoy nights like this...simple nights. A tasty bottle of wine, silly activites with loved ones, and no time limit (got a nap today, I'm good till all hours of the night.)
Gotta go help her find a Power Star now....
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
We're like Crack Dealers...
The first taste is free, the second is going to cost you...
Every year a local town has a huge bash to celebrate a relatively obscure religious holiday from Italy. Given the large population of folks from Italian descent, it's not surprising that the homemade wine (or Dago Red as it's known around here) flows freely.
Two years ago I brought a bottle to a party, and the host said 'I want to do this! What do I need?" This year he greeted us with 4 gallons of his own wine.
As we sat around the yard talking, another party-goer began asking what went into making wine, how hard it is, how expensive, time consuming, etc. Tony, the guy who hooked me on winemaking, and I worked our magic on this unsuspecting individual. I'm of the belief that you start with something simple, and a small investment; no more than $100 to $150, starting with one of my sponsors' starter kits. Tony goes big "You need a few demi-johns, we'll call you when the grapes come in and we'll get you 5-6 cases of grapes. Then you'll need..."
By that time our wives and daughters were ready to leave and pried us away from the oenological seduction of poor Patrick. I promised him I'd send him some information, links to kits and supplies.
This is how it starts, you spend the money, have all the equipment for 6 gallons and make 30 bottles of perfectly tasty, enjoyable wine. You think you're done, but those bottles go quickly, and the equipment calls you. Only now, it appears cheaper to make the wine; 50 bucks for a wine kit, who can't manage that? (Especially since the equipment is sitting there.) So you go shopping for another kit...and there's 2 you want. You buy equipment for that second kit. Then the wheels start turning, and the lure of making your next batch from grapes becomes stronger.
We've all be through it.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Every year a local town has a huge bash to celebrate a relatively obscure religious holiday from Italy. Given the large population of folks from Italian descent, it's not surprising that the homemade wine (or Dago Red as it's known around here) flows freely.
Two years ago I brought a bottle to a party, and the host said 'I want to do this! What do I need?" This year he greeted us with 4 gallons of his own wine.
As we sat around the yard talking, another party-goer began asking what went into making wine, how hard it is, how expensive, time consuming, etc. Tony, the guy who hooked me on winemaking, and I worked our magic on this unsuspecting individual. I'm of the belief that you start with something simple, and a small investment; no more than $100 to $150, starting with one of my sponsors' starter kits. Tony goes big "You need a few demi-johns, we'll call you when the grapes come in and we'll get you 5-6 cases of grapes. Then you'll need..."
By that time our wives and daughters were ready to leave and pried us away from the oenological seduction of poor Patrick. I promised him I'd send him some information, links to kits and supplies.
This is how it starts, you spend the money, have all the equipment for 6 gallons and make 30 bottles of perfectly tasty, enjoyable wine. You think you're done, but those bottles go quickly, and the equipment calls you. Only now, it appears cheaper to make the wine; 50 bucks for a wine kit, who can't manage that? (Especially since the equipment is sitting there.) So you go shopping for another kit...and there's 2 you want. You buy equipment for that second kit. Then the wheels start turning, and the lure of making your next batch from grapes becomes stronger.
We've all be through it.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Like mixing paint, but without the aftertaste...
When you browse your local wine shop, you might notice a few things. First, the same wines over and over; Cabernet Sauv, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and White Zin. Second, lots of 'jug' wines, wines that call themselves 'Table Wines'. Third, if you're lucky, you'll find some wines in regionally labeled sections, called Burgundy, Chianti, or Rioja.
I want to talk about the last two.
Ever have a Burgundy Grape? Go to your local garden center and say you want to grow Chianti grapes. Yes, they'll laugh at you. These wines are blends, mixtures of local grapes that carry a regional name. That Burgundy could be a mix of Cabernet, Foch and Merlot. That Chianti; Sangiovese, maybe some Trebbiano for color. Those table wines? Same thing.
Vintners blend their wines to achieve a particular result. It's like mixing paint to get just the right color. Maybe the Shiraz just wasn't up to snuff this year, so they add some Cabernet for body. Maybe that Chardonnay is a little too powerful, and they add Pinot Gris to mellow it out.
Some of my favorite wines are blends. Banty Red, Coho Red, Tears of Gettysburg, the list goes on, more than you'd want to read here. Chances are that jet fuel your grandfather brought out around the holidays was a blend. A 'table wine' is just a blend of other wines, each bringing something to the mix that the others are lacking.
The good news is that you don't need to be a professional, and you CAN try this at home. The Zin we bottled 2 weeks ago; I mixed it half and half with a sweet white made from Thompson grapes. The result? Not half bad, more than half good. I've got a dry chardonnay in the cellar I can't wait to blend. Wonder how it would go with the Zin?
Yeah, I'm blending across color lines! You don't have to mix reds with reds and whites with whites. This isn't Communist Russia, you can do whatever you want! the best part is you can drink your mistakes, and your successes!
Go buy some cheap wines and have a blending party. Lay out a few shot glasses to measure, some large glasses in case you make a lot of one, and have a fun night with friends. Do your best to note how much of what wines you mixed, in the event you get a really good one. Just make sure you have designated drivers, or plenty of space for guests to sleep.
Now I'm thirsty....
I want to talk about the last two.
Ever have a Burgundy Grape? Go to your local garden center and say you want to grow Chianti grapes. Yes, they'll laugh at you. These wines are blends, mixtures of local grapes that carry a regional name. That Burgundy could be a mix of Cabernet, Foch and Merlot. That Chianti; Sangiovese, maybe some Trebbiano for color. Those table wines? Same thing.
Vintners blend their wines to achieve a particular result. It's like mixing paint to get just the right color. Maybe the Shiraz just wasn't up to snuff this year, so they add some Cabernet for body. Maybe that Chardonnay is a little too powerful, and they add Pinot Gris to mellow it out.
Some of my favorite wines are blends. Banty Red, Coho Red, Tears of Gettysburg, the list goes on, more than you'd want to read here. Chances are that jet fuel your grandfather brought out around the holidays was a blend. A 'table wine' is just a blend of other wines, each bringing something to the mix that the others are lacking.
The good news is that you don't need to be a professional, and you CAN try this at home. The Zin we bottled 2 weeks ago; I mixed it half and half with a sweet white made from Thompson grapes. The result? Not half bad, more than half good. I've got a dry chardonnay in the cellar I can't wait to blend. Wonder how it would go with the Zin?
Yeah, I'm blending across color lines! You don't have to mix reds with reds and whites with whites. This isn't Communist Russia, you can do whatever you want! the best part is you can drink your mistakes, and your successes!
Go buy some cheap wines and have a blending party. Lay out a few shot glasses to measure, some large glasses in case you make a lot of one, and have a fun night with friends. Do your best to note how much of what wines you mixed, in the event you get a really good one. Just make sure you have designated drivers, or plenty of space for guests to sleep.
Now I'm thirsty....
Friday, May 16, 2008
Pleasant Surprise
Doing some research on the net about wine, and I stumbled upon a website for a winery in the Scranton, Pa area: Cartegna Family Wines.
On our usual Friday night out, Heidi and I stopped by. This place is nestled in one of the most hidden spots of a local mall, down a wing that holds a hair place, and a discount clothing store. In the 9 months it had been there, we'd never seen it, and had never heard about it from any of our wine drinking friends.
We were very pleased with their wines. They have a variety of reds, whites and fruit-based wines. Their 2 blends, based on family recipes were tasty, not for someone who likes sweeter wines, but pretty easy going drinking wines. Their Syrah was delicious; with a buttery feel I was assume came from malolactic fermentation (something I'll be trying this fall.) We tried their Gewürztraminer; they let it go very dry, and to me that ruins some of the character of the grape. But, that's my opinion, and you may love it. The real treat was the late harvest Riesling. Holy Cow! This was absolutely delicious, very much a dessert wine, but holding all the traits of a Riesling.
We left with a few bottles, a blend, the Syrah and the Riesling. Can't wait to share these with some friends or family. Thinking the blend is coming out the next time we have homemade pasta and sauce for Sunday dinner.
The lesson today? Google your area for wineries. Make some time to go check them out, you might be really happy with what you find.
One last note: I love Google! Gewürztraminer came up in spellcheck!
On our usual Friday night out, Heidi and I stopped by. This place is nestled in one of the most hidden spots of a local mall, down a wing that holds a hair place, and a discount clothing store. In the 9 months it had been there, we'd never seen it, and had never heard about it from any of our wine drinking friends.
We were very pleased with their wines. They have a variety of reds, whites and fruit-based wines. Their 2 blends, based on family recipes were tasty, not for someone who likes sweeter wines, but pretty easy going drinking wines. Their Syrah was delicious; with a buttery feel I was assume came from malolactic fermentation (something I'll be trying this fall.) We tried their Gewürztraminer; they let it go very dry, and to me that ruins some of the character of the grape. But, that's my opinion, and you may love it. The real treat was the late harvest Riesling. Holy Cow! This was absolutely delicious, very much a dessert wine, but holding all the traits of a Riesling.
We left with a few bottles, a blend, the Syrah and the Riesling. Can't wait to share these with some friends or family. Thinking the blend is coming out the next time we have homemade pasta and sauce for Sunday dinner.
The lesson today? Google your area for wineries. Make some time to go check them out, you might be really happy with what you find.
One last note: I love Google! Gewürztraminer came up in spellcheck!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
2007 Gowden Winery Zinfandel
A few years ago Heidi and I had a few friends over the night we were bottling our Elderberry and Lambrusco wines. We had such a good time we decided to make it a tradition, have a small gathering for 'Bottling Night'. We put out some snacks, invite a few wine loving friends and family, and make a night of it. OF COURSE you have to sample the wine, liberally.
We set up an assembly line. I prep the wine, the bottles and get everything in place. Heidi fills the bottles (You have to watch her though; after the first glass she tends to get distracted, snapping back to the task at hand by an overflowing bottle.) We have someone cork the bottles, another put the heat shrunk capsules on, and finally someone to label them.
We were able to bottle close to four cases of wine in under 2 hours, and have fun doing it. About 30 minutes into it we heard Giada calling for us. She'd heard her aunt, Nonna and Bapa (3 of her favorite people in the world) downstairs laughing and talking, and wanted to be a part of the action. She wanted to help, and my sister was kind enough to entertain her with her 'mad peekaboo skillz'.
How was the wine? This might be my best yet. The grapes were old vine Zinfandel, pressed in Oct of 2006. Why's it 07? I date them by year they should have been bottled...something I have to correct this year. The extra 6 months of bulk aging mellowed it out, leaving the characteristic zin taste, with plenty of black pepper and a pleasant buttery feel. This is going to be tremendous with the next big pasta dinner.
I'll be posting some pictures of the event tomorrow...stay tuned.
We set up an assembly line. I prep the wine, the bottles and get everything in place. Heidi fills the bottles (You have to watch her though; after the first glass she tends to get distracted, snapping back to the task at hand by an overflowing bottle.) We have someone cork the bottles, another put the heat shrunk capsules on, and finally someone to label them.
We were able to bottle close to four cases of wine in under 2 hours, and have fun doing it. About 30 minutes into it we heard Giada calling for us. She'd heard her aunt, Nonna and Bapa (3 of her favorite people in the world) downstairs laughing and talking, and wanted to be a part of the action. She wanted to help, and my sister was kind enough to entertain her with her 'mad peekaboo skillz'.
How was the wine? This might be my best yet. The grapes were old vine Zinfandel, pressed in Oct of 2006. Why's it 07? I date them by year they should have been bottled...something I have to correct this year. The extra 6 months of bulk aging mellowed it out, leaving the characteristic zin taste, with plenty of black pepper and a pleasant buttery feel. This is going to be tremendous with the next big pasta dinner.
I'll be posting some pictures of the event tomorrow...stay tuned.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
"Green" Wine
No, the wine itself isn't green.
I recycle wine bottles. Our friends save their bottles, knowing we'll return a few, filled of course.
I have to admit, though, that it's my least favorite part of the process. Soaking the labels off, scraping the glue, brushing out the inside, scraping the last gummy bits of glue off, and my personal favorite, the bottles where the glue seems to be etched into the glass. Bravo to you bottlers! Well played!
But I prefer to do it. Yes, it's good for the environment, but more importantly, it's cheap. Bottles tend to run about a dollar a bottle. When I'm bottling 14 gallons (about 70 bottles) that's a big savings. Do this two or three times a year, and the night or two of scraping labels makes a lot of sense.
I cleaned 36 bottles tonight. Want to do another 36 tomorrow night for Saturday's bottling.
Checked Saturday's Zin, gorgeous ruby color, crystal clear and very tasty. Going to oak about 5 liters and bottle the rest. I'll be posting the pictures here on Sunday or Monday.
Sipping some 2006 Hazlitt's Riesling. Hazlitt's, a popular Finger Lakes winery is known for their Red Cat, but that's not to say they don't make some really, really tasty other wines. One Note, if you're going: they get PACKED on weekends with bus trips, limos, etc. Do yourself a favor and go during the week and enjoy what they have to offer.
Still looking for a good way to end these...
I recycle wine bottles. Our friends save their bottles, knowing we'll return a few, filled of course.
I have to admit, though, that it's my least favorite part of the process. Soaking the labels off, scraping the glue, brushing out the inside, scraping the last gummy bits of glue off, and my personal favorite, the bottles where the glue seems to be etched into the glass. Bravo to you bottlers! Well played!
But I prefer to do it. Yes, it's good for the environment, but more importantly, it's cheap. Bottles tend to run about a dollar a bottle. When I'm bottling 14 gallons (about 70 bottles) that's a big savings. Do this two or three times a year, and the night or two of scraping labels makes a lot of sense.
I cleaned 36 bottles tonight. Want to do another 36 tomorrow night for Saturday's bottling.
Checked Saturday's Zin, gorgeous ruby color, crystal clear and very tasty. Going to oak about 5 liters and bottle the rest. I'll be posting the pictures here on Sunday or Monday.
Sipping some 2006 Hazlitt's Riesling. Hazlitt's, a popular Finger Lakes winery is known for their Red Cat, but that's not to say they don't make some really, really tasty other wines. One Note, if you're going: they get PACKED on weekends with bus trips, limos, etc. Do yourself a favor and go during the week and enjoy what they have to offer.
Still looking for a good way to end these...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Multitasking Tuesday
Doing a lot right now: Checking stuff on the net, watching the Indiana/NC election results, and writing this blog. And I wonder why I can't relax some nights...my downtime needs organization.
Reading 2 winemaking books right now that I'm finding very interesting and enlightening.
The first: The Way to Make Wine by Sheridan Warrick. I've read a few winemaking books, but so far this is the most accessible for the beginner. He steps you through the equipment, the basic steps and clearly illustrates why you're doing what you're doing. The rest test will be when he discusses the chemistry of adding sulfites, raising or lowering ph, etc. I BARELY passed high school Chemistry and I tend to lose focus when any type of formula is shown. If I find it easy to comprehend, this is a winner.
The second: The Home Winmaker's Companion by Gene Spaziani. This is a cool book. I've never seen such attention given to alternate methods of making wine (such as from kits, concentrate and juice.) It makes perfect sense to cover these topics, because almost everyone makes their first wine from some kind of kit. If you can help them make that first batch something they can be proud of, you've got a new winemaker. Friends and family, read carefully: home winemakers love any excuse to share their wine with someone who likes it. Getting back to the book, it also delves in to many of the varieties of grapes, and gives instructions on making wine from those grapes and juices.
I wish I had these two books when I began my first wines. I've found a few things I'm doing wrong, got some great ideas for preparing the must, and reasons to buy some cool toys (refractometer...'nuff said.)
Not sure if I mentioned this, but there's a 'Cork'd' link next to the Digg link (I've yet to be Digg'd by the way.) It's a cool site where you can review wines you've had, and suggest them to friends.
And now I have to go, I've got several Twitter tweets waiting for me.
Reading 2 winemaking books right now that I'm finding very interesting and enlightening.
The first: The Way to Make Wine by Sheridan Warrick. I've read a few winemaking books, but so far this is the most accessible for the beginner. He steps you through the equipment, the basic steps and clearly illustrates why you're doing what you're doing. The rest test will be when he discusses the chemistry of adding sulfites, raising or lowering ph, etc. I BARELY passed high school Chemistry and I tend to lose focus when any type of formula is shown. If I find it easy to comprehend, this is a winner.
The second: The Home Winmaker's Companion by Gene Spaziani. This is a cool book. I've never seen such attention given to alternate methods of making wine (such as from kits, concentrate and juice.) It makes perfect sense to cover these topics, because almost everyone makes their first wine from some kind of kit. If you can help them make that first batch something they can be proud of, you've got a new winemaker. Friends and family, read carefully: home winemakers love any excuse to share their wine with someone who likes it. Getting back to the book, it also delves in to many of the varieties of grapes, and gives instructions on making wine from those grapes and juices.
I wish I had these two books when I began my first wines. I've found a few things I'm doing wrong, got some great ideas for preparing the must, and reasons to buy some cool toys (refractometer...'nuff said.)
Not sure if I mentioned this, but there's a 'Cork'd' link next to the Digg link (I've yet to be Digg'd by the way.) It's a cool site where you can review wines you've had, and suggest them to friends.
And now I have to go, I've got several Twitter tweets waiting for me.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sunday Night
Sunday night, just got back from seeing Iron Man (loved it), Heidi is scrapbooking on the living room floor, Giada is snoring away upstairs, I'm catching up on some news, and sipping Hunt Country's Ruby Port.
Heidi just asked for help with choosing pictures for Giada's first wine-crushing.
Life is good.
Bottling the 2006 Old Vine Zin this coming weekend...but more on that later. Tonight, I want to enjoy these moments.
Heidi just asked for help with choosing pictures for Giada's first wine-crushing.
Life is good.
Bottling the 2006 Old Vine Zin this coming weekend...but more on that later. Tonight, I want to enjoy these moments.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
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