Talk To A Winemaker. The 2009 Santa Cruz Mtns Vintner’s Festival
Ξ June 4th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ A Day at a Time, Wine News, Wineries |
Over the next two weekends among the finest wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA will be pouring the fruits of their labor. This weekend, the 6th and 7th, it will be the Santa Cruz County’s West side; next weekend, the 13th and 14th, the East side, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties will take center stage.
The great motivation for the public’s participation is the variety of uncommon activities and tasting opportunities left up to each winery. Of primary interest is barrel sampling. The 2008 vintage is maturing. This would be an ideal occasion for the public to learn quite a bit about a winery’s barrel regimen. French or American oak? How many years old? 1st year, neutral? Toasting level? Stainless?
And of their sourcing? Many wineries purchase grapes from vineyards they do not own. This would be a fine time to ask after how a winery chooses its fruit. Do they insist on sustainable standards? How often do they visit the vineyard(s) during the course of the year? Is a given winemaker able to specify ripeness and when to pick? What kind of contract do they enjoy? Perhaps it is just the shake of the hand. Do they source from the same vineyard year after year?
And if they own vineyard land perhaps they might provide insight into how they grow. Do they dry farm or irrigate? How old are the vines? How often do they have to replant? Do they promote vineyard biodiversity? What pesticides do they use, if any? Ask about how harvesting is done and who does it.
These are just a few of the questions a visitor might ask. Tasting tells only a small part of the story. This event, the Vintner’s Festival, is an excellent opportunity to learn a thing or two even the major wine critics may not know. And no need to feel intimidated. If we may be persuaded by a wine score, how much better the tasting experience to actually become a bit more familiar with the realities of the craft?
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Please join me in celebrating World Environment Day, a UN initiative. A magnificent film, Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand may be viewed in its entirety here.
