Updates from the Vineyard
We haven’t stomped any grapes yet, but we’ve come close. Highlights so far include:
La vendemmia (the grape harvest) will be on Saturday. The pinot nero grapes we were going to be picking this weekend were ready early because of the hot weather this summer. We will be picking the first batch of Sangiovese grapes this weekend.
The grape must explosion I mentioned was perhaps one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time. We had to pump the fermented wine, grape skins and all, into a strainer to separate the liquid from the must. At the end of this process, a pressurized press is used to squeeze out every last bit of liquid from the must. There was a little too much juice left in the must because as it was being pressed with about 150-200 pounds of pressure, the must exploded from the strainer all over Tutilo (the winemaker extrordinaire), myself, the ceiling , and the wall about 20 feet away. Tutilo’s face was so completely covered with grape skins that when he took his glasses off, two bright circles around his eyes were the only part of his face that was still clean. (Think Elmer Fudd’s face when Daffy Duck pokes his finger in Elmer’s shotgun). Nonetheless, the room was cleaned, no one was hurt, and most importantly, there was still enough must with which to make grappa.
Comments (2 comments)
Well, Well,
Seems you guy’s are still up to fun and games. Grappa must be sensational. Mom is really worried. Are you that skinny or is it just the picture? We will see in about 2 1/2 weeks.
Love the blog.
Papa Morse
Papa & Papa-in-law / September 4th, 2007, 5:23 pm / #
Love the site, and also the love the commentary on the wine! Seriously though, you look like you’re down to 165-170 lbs. Must be all that fun in the sun!
Alexi / September 5th, 2007, 11:02 am / #
Post a comment