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Notes From the
Vintner
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Welcome
to our column. We hope that you will return to
learn interesting notes on wine, and related
subjects. Wine is a great gift from God to be used
for the enjoyment of man. It is a food, and should
be treated as such. It is meant to lift up the body
and lighten the soul. 7/01/06
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I would
love to be like a fine aged
wine…but
I do not have time to lay back and rest. Now I know that all
who read this feel the same way. I think that rest comes
only when you are six feet under. It is almost the middle of
the month, and here I come with the Vintner Notes. This
month we had a daughter's wedding, two family reunions,
preaching every week for my 93 year old priest. Then there
was the buying of a tractor, work in the vineyard, and nine
hundred and ninety other things to do. So, whoever makes a
comment about the lateness of these notes shall not receive
a glass of wine at the end! ! !
Now lets talk about your spraying…are you on track?
With all the wet weather in Arkansas it is important to stay
on top of the black rot and other problems that may occur.
You also want to keep the weed and grass killed out from
under the vines. They will suck up a lot of water that is
needed for the vines.
Remember that there are two sides to this wine
making…the fruit, and the wine. How are things looking
in your cellar? Do you have any repairs made to the
equipment that may have been needed? Are all your vessels
clean and ready for fruit? This should have been done in
your spring cleaning. How is your supply of chemicals and
yeast? Have you read over your notes from last year to be
better prepared to handle the crush this year?
You need to check how the fruit is doing. If you are buying
your fruit and grapes, talk to the person who is growing the
grapes. You need to plan when you want the grapes, when you
believe that they are ripe, and at the correct stage to make
wine. Most growers will work with you in this area.
Now it is time to get back to work…but should we not
share a glass first? ? ?
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