How Much Does a Wine Barrel Weigh?
A typical French oak barrel weighs roughly 90 pounds when empty, while the more dense American oak would weigh about 110 pounds. Full of juice, they weigh approximately 600 pounds. Each holds 225 liters or 60 US gallons, enough to make 25 cases or 300 bottles of wine....
2017 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Like having the opportunity to drive a Mazzerati, witnessing the London Philharmonic perform or dining at one of the world’s greatest restaurants, to experience tasting this recent masterpiece is truly in the same classification. Young, tight, elegant, racy, rich, dense, luscious and seductive are just a few of the...
Clos Pegase
Completed in 1987, this artistic gem in Napa Valley caused a major uproar from not only the wine community but also it’s residents. Designed by world famous architect Michael Graves, the modern art masterpiece was far and away anything the valley had seen before. Winery owner Jan Scram wanted...
2017 Russell B. Gregory Rose
On this Valentine’s Day, or for that matter, any day throughout the year, what a better way to say I Love You than by enjoying a glass of this rare and unique rose. Made from 30% Syrah and 70% Gewürztraminer grapes from the Hungarian Vineyard in the Willamette Valley...
Did You Know……………… Fact #11
Mexico has the oldest wine producing industry in the America’s. Vine cuttings from Spain were sent to conquistador Cortez in the early 1500’s and by 1524, vineyards were a major crop planting for Spanish settlers. The Village of Valle de Gaudalupe in Baja California has over 100 wineries that...
2015 Jeff Cohn “The Impostor”
Like a maestro conducting a symphony orchestra, who takes every note in the musical scale (A,G,B,D,F) and blends them into a work of art, the same can be said for wine blend master Jeff Cohn. Yet, his notes are of the grape varietal expression (Z,S,PS,G,M,V), which he has been...
Wine in Transition
After the harvest has been picked and gone through its primary and secondary fermentation, it is now time to transfer the juice into oak barrels, stainless steel tanks or whatever vessel the winemaker chooses to complete the process of creating a wine. These oak barrels contain precious Pinot Noir...
2018 Couly – Dutheil “Les Chanteaux” Chinon White
When most people see a wine labeled Chenin Blanc, they think first and foremost sweet, box wine and cheap. True lovers of the grape know that the best versions are dry, elegant, racy and seductive. This Chinon white from the Loire Valley of France, made from 100% Chenin Blanc,...
Did You Know………. Fact #10
In jolly ole England, pub drinks are served in pints and quarts. English bartenders would respectfully ask unruly customers to mind their manners but also their pints and quarts. This is said to be where the origin of the phrase “mind your P’s and Q’s came from....
The Final Blend
One of the final steps for a winemaker before bottling his product is the final blending process. Wine from different barrels, vineyard rows, vineyard sites and different varietals are brought together, blended numerous times, with varying amounts in each sample. Seemingly endless tasting and testing sessions occur until just...