Processing the grapes

Processing the grapes

 Since the weather can’t decide if it is summer or fall, we have designated it to be “Winemaking Season.” And if you were anywhere near Highway 17 or Summit Road this week, you know that there has been a flurry of winemaking activity as local wineries pick perfectly ripe fruit and crush newly harvested grapes.   

At Villa del Monte, we are doing our part!  Today, we picked one ton of Syrah from the Pashen Vineyard (Santa Clara Valley AVA) in the glorious 100-degree sunshine.  We took the just-picked grapes to the winery and immediately crushed them.  The brix was 23.5 and the pH was 3.49.  We separated out ten gallons of juice for Rosé and started the fermentation.  The rest of the must is cold soaking, and we will pitch the yeast on it next week.  The fruit tastes wonderful, and we are expecting this to be a great Syrah!  And now, thankfully, our famous Santa Cruz Mountains coastal fog is just starting to roll in…