The grape clusters are just starting to go through “veraison”, which is when the grapes start to change color from green to purple.
August 2008 Newsletter:
Welcome to the Schrader Vineyards summer newsletter!
Bottling has just been finished for the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon which will be released in September. The barrel tastings reveal currant aromas, rich in structure with firm tannins and deep in color. If you are a Cab lover this is one that you will want to savor for some time. As all our wines are produced in limited quantities, so as to ensure the quality you expect, we suggest if you have not already done so, get on our mailing list so as to be sure to get a bottle of this soon to be release!
Our 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is almost sold out with just fewer than 20 cases remaining! For those of you who have not had a chance to sip this award winning wine, now is your chance to get your hands on it! And for those who have enjoyed it, its time to get what you can while supplies last. With a double gold award from the Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine competition, a 90 out of 100 points from Wine News and 94 points from Wine Spies, this one is not to be missed. Visit our website “Wine Store” section and make your order now!
The vines have been challenged so far this year with little rainfall, a late frost, and a heat wave. The grape clusters are just starting to go through “veraison”, which is when the grapes start to change color from green to purple. It signifies the fact that the berries are now beginning the ripening process vs. growing.
“De-leafing” is also occurring in the vineyard which is a practice that removes leaves from the vine canopy that in turn allows sunlight to get to the grape clusters. This is somewhat of an art, as too many leaves removed will expose the clusters to sunburn while too little will potentially leave them susceptible to mold/ bacteria.
Our new “Calli” block of clone 6 Cabernet will have its first harvest this year and we are excited about its potential in our wines. This variety produces very small berries that are known to be full of fruit with intense concentrated flavors. Utilizing this in our 2008 vintage will be exciting and is sure to assist in producing great wines for you to enjoy in the near future.
Did you know?
More and more is coming out these days on how to match food and wine together. Acids, tannins and sugars in the wine intermingle with the food to give you the taste sensations you enjoy. The old adage of Red with meat and White with fish, just does not cut it anymore. There are food/wine charts now that you can download that show suggested parings and websites abound that will show you wine pairings for almost every food group.
Recommended food types for Cabernet Sauvignon for example include hard cheeses, pasta, red sauces, beef and chocolate. But rather than take your computer or briefcase full of charts with you the next time you eat out, here are some simple rules of thumb that may make it a bit easier for you:
- Wines should be drunk light to dark (a fume blanc before a cabernet)
- Have a lighter style wine before a full bodied one (a rose before a Barolo) and match your foods accordingly as well: a lighter fare with a lighter style wine.
- Wines should compliment the food and vice versa; simple wines with complex foods and complex wines with simple food for example. Try to match the flavors of your food with the flavors of a wine such as mushrooms to an earthy Bordeaux.
- It is however, what you enjoy and what combination tastes best for you that should lead you to make your decision on what wine to buy with what food.
Enjoy!
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Schrader Vineyards 1271 Monticello Road, Napa, California 94558, ©2008 Napa, California