Al's Land Before Wine
1996 Wine Production Narrative
DX EX Winery (Private Label Only, Not for Sale)
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The season started about 1 week late for the New York Fingerlakes Region
(19 September 1996). I continued the experiment of making a batch of every
varietal readily available in the region. Due to my success with the
Lalvin K1V-1116 Yeast in '95, I deceided to make it my standard RED Wine
and All Purpose Yeast of choice. The killer strain has thus far worked
without complications. However, due to the irregularities I experienced
with the Lalvin killer strain yeast for White or Fruit Wines last year, I
deceided to experiment a bit with different White Wine Yeasts. Several
recommendations were received for the Red Star Premier Cuvee, which has
also been reportedly rapidly replacing Montrachet, with less tendency for
a sulpher problems. However, early tasting indicates that this is not
the best all purpose white wine yeast IMHO. It ferments well and leaves
a very dry finish which is a bit overpowering for many of the more subtle
slightly fruity wine types popular in the Fingerlakes region.
Again this year, FJP (Fulkerson's Juice Plant and Winery) supplied the
bulk of fresh juice. MCM (Mayers Cider Mill) was used for imported Juice
from California and many supplies. However a new juice supplier was added
RSV (Randal Standish Vineyards). While it is a longer trip, and the place
is not terribly impressive or technical in appearance, they are currently the
only source of Traminette (the new Gewurztraminer hybred) for the general
public. Also, being at the end of Canandaigua lake instead of the Seneca/Cayuga
Area, the resulting juice/wine qualities (Taste, Brix, Acid level & Balance)
can be quite different. This year, in my travels, and with the help of a Cornell
Staffer, I stumbled across Fall Bright Wine Shop, which also sells juice and
fruit (free crushing). Of interesting note, they supply 3 blended juices, a
Red, a White, and a Blush. This may be of interest for future experiments.
It was generally a lousy harvest season, and sugar levels varied greatly from
expected norms, and from vineyard to vineyard depending on weather conditions
just prior and during harvest. I managed to harvest from my (loaned) vineyard
before being forced to resort to drastic pruning measures to return the vines
to both control and good health. Expected harvest for the '97 season is 0 for
these vines, as well as for additional plantings. Finally, having the freezer
space, I deceided to save and collect scraps in order to make a Blush Wine from
the blend of all juices used during the season. Early testing indicates this to
be a fine result for the year. Production delays pushed the start of the "Second
Fermenting" of the season so that the end of the season is far too late.
Another unplanned experiment, that being the availability of a hybred locally
called Rosette also appears to be a success. Early tasting is very good, however
too much color was stripped away with the sterile filter. Fermenting went well
and clearing was nearly immediate, which indicates that this may be a good
choice for a polishing or fine filter as the final step. The SuperVin Mini Jet has
served another season well. With the introduction of the MCM filter, I regretted
this purchase. However, it has worked well, and with one more season will be
fully depreciated, at budget expectations. The addition of an Italian floor
corker was a very welcome sight for bottling. After a single use, I can hardly
imagine being without it. The old corker was stored for future use as a spare.
The general cork shortage and price inflations have continued. However, I got
very good pricing from a Canadian supplier, when purchasing in quantity. The
product appears very good, and only time will tell how well it ages. The
addition of a automatic bottle filler was also a dramatic improvment to the
bottling process. While it was not a budgeted item, the saving with the new
cork supplier offset the expense.
Looking ahead to '97: I believe that yeast trials will continue, I expect
that Eppernay II will be tested. Overall production volume should decrease
slightly. Some of the '96 tests should be repeated with the new yeast. Flash
sterilized juice from South America, Europe, and Australia has peaked my interest.
Combining a trip to Toronto for pleasure, with a Juice and Cork pickup, and even some
Canadian wine tasting and winery tours is already making me giddy with excitement.
AJM 6/23/97
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