Ken Anderson wrote:
> "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?
>
>
Rather not chaptalize. might do it as a last resort. Must be the
purist in me.
Sonoma Valley in most parts is usually warm enuf to coax 22-23 Brix in
the 2nd growth Zin (first growth Zin from the vineyard had plenty of
natural sugars... but I get the leftovers).
Gene