The Wine Making Process
Wine Quality
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Wine Scoring: |
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A belief is held by enologists and viticulturists that the wine is actually made in the vineyard. This belief is based on the effect of the fruit's quality upon the finished wine product. The quality of fruit is influenced by a multitude of factors. Such factors include climate, soil, fertilizers, pests, disease, clones, vineyard configurations, trellis styles, water and viticulture practices. A few of these factors are beyond the viticulturists control. However, those that can be controlled must be precisely honed to produce the best fruit quality. While some of the practices are universally accepted, others vary according to region, soil, climate, configuration and even personal preference and end result goals.
Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, may produce anywhere from one to ten tons of grapes per acre. Obviously, a higher quantity of fruit on the vine produces a lower quality of wine. Vineyard practices dictate that when aiming for the highest quality of wine, the grower should limit both the number of canes and fruit bunches per plant, thus lowering the total production of each individual plant. The configuration, or planting pattern of the vineyard enters the equation of a fine wine as well. A three foot by three foot pattern would result in as many as 4,840 plants per acre. In this case, the vines are planted at three foot intervals in rows three feet apart. A pattern of eight feet by twelve feet, that is, plants spaced eight feet apart in rows twelve feet apart, would result in only 454 plants per acre. There are those that feel that plant competition ultimately benefits fruit quality. Shown at the lower right is a table showing production figures based on the production of five tons per acre. In the Cuyama/Ventucopa area, we expect one to four tons per acre depending on the age of the vines. Most of the vineyards in this area consist of younger vines that are still maturing. Larry and Karina feature wines made with grapes primarily raised in the Ventucopa area. They are produced by Sagebrush Annie's, Stone Pine Estate, Core, Barnwood and Laetitia vineyards. These wines are available through wine clubs, on site, or by mail order. A broad spectrum of wine choices are offered, most of which are grown within 2 miles of the Sagebrush Annie's facility. Locally grown grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Grenache, Syrah, Petit Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition to these wines, Core offers Rhone varietal blends. The Wine Tasting Room also offers Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Champagne-style wines which are produced by Laetitia, the parent company of Barnwood Vineyards. These wines are made from grapes grown on the central coast.
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Grape Production One Barrel of Wine Contains: One Case of Wine Contains: One Bottle of Wine
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661-766-2319 reservations required for dinner
physical address: 4211 Hwy. 33, Ventucopa, CA
mailing address:
H.C. 1, Box 135 Maricopa, California 93252