Wine makers recognized climate change years ago. Many vine growers have meticulous records dating back a hundred years. For them, global warming is not speculation, it is real and their livelihoods depend on responding to it. Continue reading “Bordeaux responds to climate change”
Category: Wine & Grapes
Vineyard in winter
We are in the last weeks of winter and soon vineyards will begin their warm weather cycle. They have not been idle the past cold months. Continue reading “Vineyard in winter”
Vintage variables
“Plant a radish. Get a radish. Never any doubt. That’s why I love vegetables; you know what you’re about,” goes the opening in a song from The Fantasticks. Continue reading “Vintage variables”
Bottles of wine from a vine
How many bottles of wine can be made from a single grapevine? Interesting question. This being wine, no simple answer. Continue reading “Bottles of wine from a vine”
Variety and varietal
Wine terms: variety and varietal. What do they mean? Easy answer: variety is a noun. Varietal is an adjective. Continue reading “Variety and varietal”
Cellaring wine
So, you are investigating a wine refrigerator or thinking about building a wine cellar. What do you look for? Continue reading “Cellaring wine”
Vine stems
To destem or not to destem? Crushing wine world question. Continue reading “Vine stems”
Grape vine cycle
Grape vines were around long before human beings domesticated them. Today, we bend them to our will with trellis systems, pruning, and propagation through cuttings. But their life cycle remains unchanged. Continue reading “Grape vine cycle”
The amazing grape vine
Grape vines are amazing plants. They are gritty survivors. They grow on every continent except Antarctica. They are the highest and best use of agricultural land, especially when planted in wine grapes. Continue reading “The amazing grape vine”
Tannins
Wine tannins are the little girl with the curl. When they are good, they are very good indeed. But when they are bad they are horrid. Continue reading “Tannins”