newsletter_Sep

September 6, 2005

What is veraison, and why do these grapes look so different?

Pictured from left to right: Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec clusters. All pictures taken the morning of September 3rd.

Veraison is the intermediate stage of grape berry development which marks the beginning of ripening, when the grapes change from the hard, green state to their softened and colored form. The grapes begin to taste sweet and the distinct flavors of each varietal start to show. However, not all berries on a vine, nor even in the same bunch, show veraison simultaneously. As usual, our Petit Verdot will be ready for harvest several weeks after the Malbec and Merlot.

The Sideways effect...

You've probably read that last autumn's academy award winning buddy movie, Sideways, has increased wine sales, particularly Pinot Noir, the wine that Miles waxes lyrically about with his friends. In fact according to industry statistics, last month Pinot Noir wine sales were up an amazing 75% versus the year-ago period. However, there are still 14 bottles of Chardonnay, 8 bottles of Merlot, and 6 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon for every bottle of Pinot Noir sold. Even though we don't produce a Pinot Noir, we're pleased at the positive effect for the wine business.

Miles is disparaging about Cabernet Franc and refuses to go near any of that "F#%&ing Merlot". But at the end of the film he finally uncorks his most precious cellar selection, a bottle of Chateau Cheval-Blanc... an estate wine from Bordeaux in France made from approximately 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot! To toast the movie this month our Cabernet Franc and Merlot are available to you at $4.00 off per bottle. (And to support the Katrina Victims fund, Yorkville Cellars will in turn donate $4 per bottle sold to the fund).

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