Hurried Harvest

Rain pelted down as we snipped the grape clusters from their vines. Yesterday's harvest in Skinny’s hillside vineyard, home of MoDog Merlot, was unlike others. The grapes were less voluptuous and bountiful this year. Some of the south facing rows were sunburned and raisin like. Resourceful birds had gotten under the netting in places too, feasting on the tasty morsels.

Still there was an ample yield and lots of flavor to the grapes. Skinny estimated nearly 500 pounds, just not the usual 700 +. Sugar content would need to be augmented this year as well. Nature has its way, adding intrigue to the craft of winemaking. For Skinny, it’s a passion and not a livelihood; so no monetary pressure for this country gentleman…..er one with a day job.

I got home, wet, muddy, and cold from picking, sorting and schlepping buckets. Thirsty too....so I popped open a bottle...Racer 5 IPA that is.....enough with the grapes!


Epilogue......

Thanks to Matt, Andrea, Claire, Deborah and George (and to the rest of you for your psychic support) we harvested ~ 500 lbs of good quality grapes during intermittent drizzle on Friday avoiding the 4 to 5” that fell on Saturday and Sunday. The last grapes were harvested in the dark. Surprisingly after eliminating the raisins, under-ripe and shriveled clusters, the remaining 500lbs (~12 cases) was of excellent quality. More chemistry is required for this vintage since the sugars (cool summer) and total acid (long hang time) were both low so I have added cane sugar and tartaric acid.

Cheers, Skinny