VIT 101: Integrated pest management happens in vineyards; because when it’s all said and done, a vineyard is really just a grape farm, once the romance has been stripped away. Cats, dogs, birds… they all play a role over the use of poisons. Here are a few of my favorite cats. Chimney Rock Winery (blue sky, white stucco), Pacific Star Winery (on the post), and Rabbit Ridge Winery’s cat. These images were taken years ago. Each kitty did its job; in loving memory.
VIT 101 ~ The field blend: When Europeans came to California in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, they planted vineyards, so they could still enjoy wine in the new world. They simply blended their fields; hence, field blends. These vines were all head pruned, and the vineyards were pretty helter-skelter. When they’re examined today, you’ll find the occasional white variety thrown in as a spice ingredient.
This image (below) is of David Coffaro, who’s in his vineyard at David Coffaro Estate Vineyard. In this 100+ year old vineyard, he has 17 different varieties planted, including Petite Sirah, Syrah, Peloursin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Carignane, Aglianico… His list goes on…
These old blocks remind me of an ancient vineyard I visited in Chile a few years back. It was on a rugged hillside, and the owner, with a mule and a plow, was working the field of vines, which were not planted into rows, but randomly scattered across the hill. When we inquired as to why the vineyard was not arranged into rows, his reply was that the mule didn’t care whether or not he had rows, so why should he bother…
Winemaker DAN KLECK’S Insights
Whalebone Vineyard
DAN KLECK: Field Blends bring a remarkably different decision into the winemaker’s quest, and beg the question: How do I know when this block is ripe? Since nearly all varieties ripen at slightly different times, how does one arrive at a harvest date? Provocative plight for a winemaker with modern training, seeking that ultra-rich, ripe wine that verges on perfection. Since no winery labelled varietally back then, perhaps it didn’t matter what was in the bottle, as long as it was drinkable.
These old blocks remind me of an ancient vineyard I visited in Chile a few years back. It was on a rugged hillside, and the owner, with a mule and a plow, was working the field of vines, which were not planted into rows, but randomly scattered across the hill. When we inquired as to why the vineyard was not arranged into rows, his reply was that the mule didn’t care whether or not he had rows, so why should he bother…
VIT 101: FLOWERING of grapes. A grapevine reproduces sexually, but is hermaphroditic, or self-pollinating. So, we don’t need the bees for these grapes. Just time on the vine. From the cluster that I showed you the first week of April to today… This is the transformation. Also, pay close attention tot he color of the leaves now, in only a month.
Recent Comments