"Ken Anderson" > wrote in message
...
> "gene" > wrote in message
> m...
> > Joe Giller wrote:
> > > Gene,
> > > I don't think so...got my wifes whole family that wants to experience
> > > the romanticism of picking grapes. I'll let you know though if we
need
> > > some hands. When do you suspect you might just say "well, this is as
> > > high as its gonna get" and pick the zin?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Joe
> > >
> > checking the seeds for light tan and crunchiness... tasting the
> > grapes. May add some sweet Zin raisins to push the Brix a little.
> > Don't want to add too much or I get Zin-port flavor. BTW... I'm
> > harvesting 2nd growth. Get what's left now that the commercially
> > viable harvest is over. Plenty of med size bunches remain; some
> > starting to wrinkle... others raisining.
> > Since i'm only making 5 gal, I can do severe grape sorting, and may do
> > several small batches to use for blending later.
> >
> > Gene
> >
> >
> Dumb question maybe, but don't you vinifera growers chaptalize if need be?

Not a dumb question, but California does not allow chaptalization of
commercial wines.
Lum
Del Mar, California, USA