The Art of Wine Making: Grape Vine Canopy Management

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As previously mentioned, wine making is a blend of scientific and artistic expression. Another aspect that is often regarded as an art form is the management of grape vine canopies.

Canopy management in the vineyard demands a combination of technical expertise and a touch of creativity and intuition. The manner in which a grower manages the vine canopy influences sunlight exposure, air circulation, and ultimately the quality of the grapes.

Why Sunlight Exposure Matters:

Sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in grape ripening and flavor development. It helps accumulate sugars and flavors that define the taste of grapes. The intensity of sunlight influences the development of phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the wine’s color, tannins, and aroma.

• An excessive amount of sunlight can lead to over-ripening, resulting in overly sweet grapes and the potential loss of acidity. Conversely, insufficient sunlight can cause under-ripening, resulting in grapes with higher acidity and lower sugar levels.

• Slight variations in sunlight exposure can bring out different flavor profiles in the same grape variety grown in the same vineyard.

Why Air Circulation Matters:

• Good air circulation reduces humidity around the vine canopy, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

• Air movement around the canopy also helps regulate temperature. Stagnant air can accumulate heat, which may cause grape skin damage, especially during hot periods.

• Airflow around the canopy helps maintain an even temperature across all parts of the vine. This helps promote uniform ripening.

The "art" of canopy management comes into play when a grower has to balance these factors while also considering the specific terroir (soil, climate, and topography) of the vineyard. Each vine can behave a bit differently, and decisions on how to trim, train, and position the canopy often require a thoughtful, almost instinctive understanding of the vineyard's unique needs. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay

2023 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay ($18)

Family-owned Domaine Bousquet has stood for a 100% commitment to eco-friendly, certified organic, competitively priced wines from the get-go. “Certified” is definitely the operative word at Domaine Bousquet, which is currently at 14 different certifications and counting.

Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve organic wines are defined by:

• The grapes are 100% estate-grown, a step up from the winery’s classic varietal line

• The fruit is from plots with low yields that offer more of everything – more body, more flavor

• The Chardonnay is subject to careful blending at the winery, with 50% seeing some oak and 50% fermented and aged in tanks

• Freshness, aromatics, and fruit-forward qualities

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown at the foot of the Andes at 4000 feet altitude. The grapes were hand harvested. Fifty of the wine was fermented in oak for 15 days. It was then aged for six months in 3rd, 4th and 5th use French oak barrels, on lees. (ABV: 14%, Total Acidity: 5.43 g/L, pH: 3.34, Residual Sugar: 1.91 g/L)

The wine is medium gold in color with delicate tropical aromas, baked apple and citrus. On the palate, this Chardonnay is medium-bodied with rich flavors of baked apple. It has medium acidity and finishes smooth, soft and balanced. A delicious Chardonnay.

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay is really nice with deliciously rich flavors. And, at this price is a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

The Art of Wine Making: Knowing How to Prune Dormant Grapevines to Ensure Proper Growth

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Pruning mature grapevines while they are dormant is crucial for healthy growth and bountiful production in the upcoming season. Pruning grapevines is an intricate blend of art and science. The art of successful pruning hinges on making decisions based on various factors that can differ from vine to vine, season to season, and vineyard to vineyard.

Experienced pruners must possess the ability to “read” the vines, comprehending its growth pattern from the previous year, its overall health, and its capacity to support a certain amount of wood.

Grapevines are comprised of two main parts - the “Old” wood (cordons or trunks) which is the permanent structure of the vine, and the “New” wood (canes) which are the flexible, yearly growth that will bear fruit in the upcoming season.

Pruning is a delicate balancing act that involves removing old, unproductive wood while leaving sufficient healthy new wood for the upcoming season’s growth. The objective is to ensure optimal airflow through the vines, adequate sunlight exposure, and ample space for new shoots to emerge.

Pruning is an art and a science, and it can take years to perfect. But, by cutting back in the right places and by just the right amount encourages strong new canes for fruitful growth come spring. A real art indeed!

Behind the Cork™ - Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot ($16.99)

Chateau Ste. Michelle founded a wine region, and they’re not done blazing trails yet. They honor their 55-year legacy of making world-class Washington wine, while taking bold steps to build our future with 2,600 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards, state-of-the-art cellar technology, and a talented, passionate winemaking team led by head winemaker Katie Nelson, with 30 years of Washington winemaking experience.

Indian Wells grapes are sourced from their namesake Indian Wells Vineyard, along with a variety of other warm-climate Washington vineyards that range from the Wahluke Slope to Cold Creek Vineyard.

This Indian Wells Merlot is a deep purple wine with enticing aromas of dark fruits and spices. On the palate, it boasts a full-bodied character with flavors of blackberry, medium tannins, balanced acidity, and vanilla notes from its oak aging. The finish is smooth and lingering, leaving a pleasant impression.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot is a delightful wine that is widely available at an affordable price. This makes it an ideal choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The Art of Wine Making: Determining Which Grapes Will Grow Best

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As was previously noted, wine making is a combination of science and art. One of the factors that’s considered an art is selecting the right grapes to grow in the right area.

In winemaking, terroir describes the interplay of environmental factors—soil, topography, and climate—that shape the unique characteristics of a wine. By understanding their terroir, winemakers can select the most suitable grapes and ensure a successful and flavorful wine.

Here’s how terroir affects grape choices:

• Climate: Different grape varieties have distinct climate requirements. For instance, cooler climates are more suitable for grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Riesling, which necessitate a longer growing season and cooler temperatures. Conversely, warmer climates tend to favor heat-loving grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

• Soil: The composition of the soil significantly influences the growth of grapes and the flavor profile of the resulting wine. For instance, grapes grown in well-drained, rocky soils, such as those found in Bordeaux, tend to produce wines with more concentrated flavors. Conversely, fertile soils may encourage more vigorous vine growth, potentially leading to wines with less intensity.

• Topography: A vineyard’s elevation, slope, and sunlight exposure significantly impact grape ripening. Grapes grown on steeper slopes or with south-facing exposure receive more sunlight, which aids in the development of sugar and the grapes’ complete ripening. Consequently, certain grape varieties are more frequently found on specific slopes or elevations within renowned wine regions.

• Microclimates: Even within a region, different vineyards may have distinct microclimates due to factors such as wind patterns or proximity to bodies of water. These subtle variations can significantly influence a winemaker’s choice of grape varieties to plant.

In summary, winemakers must select grape varieties that are best suited to the specific terroir of their vineyards, as this can significantly impact the quality and style of the wine.