Let's Make Some Wine!

After the grapes have been picked from the vineyard and hauled back to the winery, we started the actual process of making wine.

Part of the winemaking process is maceration whereby we break down the grapes so that the grape skins can impart color and flavors into the juice.  Many people have asked if I stomp around with my bare feet like Lucy did in the vat of grapes on the I Love Lucy show.  If that was you, sorry to let you down but I don't (I make David do that!)  This sort of grape stomping isn't used very much today, except for with some varietals such as Mourvedre and Syrah, which benefit from this due to their thick skins and tight grape clusters.  However, for Pinot Noir, the skins are thinner so a punch-down tool works just fine to breakdown the grapes.

Ultimately, the sugars in the juice turn to alcohol to become wine but so much more occurs during the winemaking process that shapes a wine's style and structure.  Time, temperature, and attention during this process all play a role in making a truly well-rounded wine with beautiful color and flavors.  This Pinot Noir is shaping up to be just that.