Weather’s Impact on Grapes

With harvest just kicking off in California, I thought I’d focus today’s blog on how weather can affect the grapes. As we know, all grapes are not the same and a variety of weather conditions are needed for grapes to thrive. In general, red grapes require a longer growing season so they are planted in warmer locations. In cooler climates, like Germany and Austria, the predominate grape is white. It’s all about location, location, location.

Aćustic Cellars Grenache Blend

Winery: Aćustic Cellars
Wine: Grenache Blend 2005
Location: Montsant, Spain
Purchased: The Corkscrew
Price: $19.99

As you can tell, I’ve been on a Spanish wine kick for the past six months or so. Going to the Spanish wine classes intensified my interest. There are some really great wines coming from Spain, but most consumers don’t know about these. As with other regions, there are always duds. Example, the wine I had two nights ago, but that’s another story. One of my favorite new regions in Spain is Montsant. I hadn’t tasted wines from Montsant before my wine class, but now I can’t get enough of these. Montsant wines remind me a lot of a red from the Rhône Valley in France.

D.O. Penedés

I decided to follow up last week’s D.O. Cava post with a post on D.O. Penedés, where most of the Cava is produced. However, D.O. Penedés also produces several varieties of still wines. The region is divided into three main areas Upper Penedés, Central Penedés and Lower Penedés. Each features different soils and climates. In the Upper and Lower Penedés, where the majority of the cultivation takes place, you will find continental and maritime sediments of considerable thickness such as shells. The coastal hills are triassic, cretaceous and oceanic materials, with limestone fossils. The entire surface area is about 600 squared miles.

Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc 2008

Winery: Robertson Winery
Wine: Chenin Blanc 2008
Location: South Africa
Purchased: Friar Tuck Beverage
Price: $6.41

The more I drink South African wines, the more I continue to enjoy them. It’s like most other regions, there are exceptional bottles, terrible bottles and some excellent value bottles. For under $7, this bottle fits the third category. It’s a wonderful summetime wine, but I don’t think I’d enjoy it at much in the winter. It’s a refreshing end to a hot day with just a little acidity and a clean, crisp finish.

Where’s Monday’s Post?

I’m taking today off from my regular post, but will be back tomorrow. It’s my birthday so I’m enjoying a day to myself. Actually, this morning I’m working on my blog, preparing for the big move to purpleteethdiaries.com. So you’ll notice a few changes coming soon, but stay with me. I hope to have lots of cool new additions to my blog.