Winemaker Wisdom: Autumn is here

Summer left us with some wet weather to remember it by; rain on the last day of summer. Reports indicate rainfall anywhere from 0.25 inches up to 1 inch. This was welcome in some vineyards as the heat event from a few weeks ago left the vines a little thirsty. This rain also helped to wash off some of the dust on the grapes still hanging. My hope is this precipitation knocks back some of the sugar that has accumulated in the grapes and allow flavors to catch up in Cabernet. Forecast for the week is sunny weather with highs in the low to mid 80’s, perfect for little more much needed hang time.

Last week was quiet on the harvesting side. We picked just Petit Verdot. Tonnage was about half of expected but I am very impressed with the quality of the fruit and the flavors in the juice. In the cellar Pinot Noir has completed alcoholic fermentation, and we are working to drain and press to move to barrel for malolactic fermentation as we make room for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Looking at the week ahead we will finish Chardonnay harvest on Tuesday and begin Cabernet. Only Schweizer block four is on the schedule at this time but there is a whole bunch of vineyard walking to do on and I suspect several more vineyards will be ready.

– Gustavo Gonzalez, Mira Winemaker

What is malolactic fermentation? Watch Gustavo discuss this & more of the aging process!