If you’re producing wine outside of the three big western states (California, Oregon, and Washington), then it’s likely you’re making some wines based on hybrid wine grape varieties. Hybrid-based wines are quite unique compared to Vitis vinifera-based wines. They offer a varied aroma and taste profile, different wine chemistry, and some varieties may be less […]
Fermentation Nutrition Explained
One of the easiest ways to reduce incidence of hydrogen sulfide development is by making specific nitrogen adjustments during primary fermentation. As mentioned in the last blog post, poor nutrient management can also lead to stuck fermentations. Years of research has shown winemakers that a must’s starting nitrogen concentration varies from year to year. Thus […]
What Causes a Stuck Fermentation?
Sometimes, a stuck fermentation is inevitable despite a winemaker’s best efforts to avoid it. Stuck fermentations are defined as periods of time during primary fermentation when sugar conversion unexpectedly slows down or stops completely (Iland et al. 2007). Maybe the wine takes off aggressively before the winemaker is able to gain control of the fermentation. […]
A Winemaker’s Take on Cluster Zone Leaf Removal, Part 3: Viticulture Experts Address Cluster Zone Leaf Removal
Over the last two weeks, I introduced a question that was posed to me during a previous Darn Good Winemakers session and dived into some background about science. While I try to integrate the use of science with all of my clients, I think it’s important to have a reference of limitations and expectations that […]
A Winemaker’s Take on Cluster Zone Leaf Removal, Part 2: Research Science versus Commercial Application – What You Should Know
Last week, I introduced a question that was posed to me during a previous Darn Good Winemakers session. I thought the question was so thought provoking that it required pause and attention as a blog post. Thus, today, we’re diving into part 2 of our 3 part blog series surrounding the question on cluster zone […]
A Winemaker’s Take on Viticulture Questions, Part 1: Why I Don’t Make Viticulture Recommendations
A viticulture-related question was recently posed to me during a Darn Good Winemakers session, and I thought the question was so thought provoking that it required pause and attention as a blog post. It gave me a good opportunity to think about science, how commercial operations use scientific findings, and how easily viticulture and enology […]
