Good morning! It's that time of the year when I start getting wines ready to bottle. I actually like this particular time. Tasting, blending, tasting, blending...not to mention all the things I have to get ready for the packaging. Labels, glass, corks, capsules...did I mention tasting? It's very rewarding to see the wines come together in a way that you hadn't imagined. They come into their own. They become what they were meant to be. (with a little help from the winemaker)
I want to tell you about a wine I am really excited about this year. It's the 2017 Passaggio Verdejo. I sourced this fruit from my good friends, Heringer Estates. Heringer Estates is located in Clarksburg, just south of Sacramento. The vineyards are surrounded by the cooling waterways of the Sacramento River Delta. There are warm summer days and cool breezy evenings.
Verdejo is a Spanish varietal. It originated in North Africa but found it's way to Spain in the 11th Century. This grape produces an intense aromatic fruit forward white wine. Passaggio Verdejo is 100% Verdejo made in all stainless steel with no malo-lactic fermentation to keep the wine fresh and lively. IF you are a Sauvignon Blanc lover, you will enjoy this wine as well. Beautiful layers of lemon and citrus along with a slight mineral note are followed by green apple, grapefruit, and a crisp acidity. Pair this with seafood dishes, spicy dishes or by itself on the patio with friends.
Cheers
Cindy
Jan 16, 2018 at 6:51 AM
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This is the time of year when some people celebrate the Festival of Epiphany.
"Since we move in time through a sequence of spaces, we experience a space in relation to where we’ve been to where we anticipate going." ~Ching
I love this time of year. New beginnings. New horizons. Old things have passed away, making space for what’s to come.
Walking through the vineyards during this season soothes my soul. The narrow rows of young, living vines radiate peace in the early morning hours. The sun has yet to rise, and as I quietly stroll, the pruned vines stand silent. Dew blankets the ground, blending with the soft fog and the sweet smells of the earth. The rows ahead disappear into the mist, and the vines stand tall and still as if waiting for their commander-in-chief to pass inspection. All I hear is my breathing. Then, I start to sing. Music has a way of calming me.
As I walk, I reflect on the vines. What struggles have they endured? Their branches have been cut back to the bare minimum, yet they stand resilient, ready for renewal. A new beginning is just around the corner for them. Soon, buds will form, and fresh fruit will emerge. What will this season bring for them?
In many ways, our lives mirror the vines. We all need new beginnings, a chance to start over. Sometimes, we must prune away the old to make room for growth. Take a walk through the rows of your life. Look ahead, even if the path is shrouded in fog. New horizons are there, waiting to emerge. Soon, new fruit will spring forth. Until then, keep singing.
Be encouraged.
Cindy
Jan 6, 2018 at 6:47 AM
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