Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Strawberry Wine

At three years hence the Strawberry wine started this week is the longest running style I have made. The recipes from 2007 to 2009 have changed slightly, but the same basic ingredients and proportions are used.

What starts out sweet is often only off-dry when it is drinkable and with a year of age can actually be dry, but not tart ,while retaining the fruit flavor.

The comparison of the 2007 with the 2008 at several points has indicated the wines are different than each other at the same ages, but a similar drying trend out at 6-9 months appears likely to continue. The 2008 had more sugar to start and when finished, so the drying may extend longer. Only time will tell.

Margot made this batch with me after I enticed her with the "secret" recipe. We both had fun and are looking forward to tastings as it develops.

Cheers!

--Jason

Made in NH is this weekend!

Support local businesses including several of the NH Winery Association members who will be pouring their award winning wines alongside vendors of all kinds of NH products.

http://millyardcommunications.com/index.php?submenu=madeinnh&src=gendocs&ref=MadeinNHExpo&category=events

--Jason

The 2009 Wines are Underway

It has been over a month since I last posted.

Fear not, I have been busy getting supplies together, degassing and fining the 2008's that are still in progress and to lead out the CDP style blend went down last week. For the CDP blend I also used some currants to add grape mass for added tannins, esters, ethers, and solids to dissolve and unlock tastes, aromas and textures. The wine is full and thick and pretty spicy due to its Syrah base. Some oak aging and 9 months in the bottle is the expected target, which ends up being June 2010 or later!!!

The Strawberry and Black Currant Dessert wines got started this week. Both are very sweet with high starting gravities and good balance so we should all feel lucky as these two head on their way to summer parties!

The 2008’s are doing very well, the reds are expected to be going into the bottle in the next few months and the whites even sooner. Most of the reds will need another 6-9 months before they are really drinkable, the whites may 1-2 months at a minimum.

Cheers!

--Jason