2007 Ciliegiuolo

[Duffbeer]

I'm getting all stoked up watching this topic guys. Looks like you are all having some big fun.

My Cali grapes are coming on Friday!

Steve

First for me Steve, but loving the fresh grape thing, just as excited as the first wine I ever made.

[NorthernWiner]

Hey steve
what sort of grapes are you getting?

45 kilos each of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Old Vines Zinfandel on Friday. Also picking local grapes in two weeks and got 85 kilos Brehm California Pinot Noir coming in November. Can't wait to break in the new barrel.

Are you planning on blending the Ciliegiolo with anything down the road, or bottling as a varietal?

Steve

[lockwood1956]

Are you planning on blending the Ciliegiolo with anything down the road, or bottling as a varietal?

Steve

I'm thinking of seperate blends with some of last years sangio, Cab and Merlot, and maybe some combos....what fun


will probably invite all the guys round again for a blending party...saw yogi's post on winepress about it and thought it sounded like a real blast.

[lockwood1956]

Can't wait to break in the new barrel.

Will you ferment a white in it first or just be real careful monitoring oak levels in early batches?

[NorthernWiner]

Will you ferment a white in it first or just be real careful monitoring oak levels in early batches?

Will probably ferment a red kit in it first, maybe a WE selection or something in that price range. Then progressively longer times for each wine that follows. After two years, it will be my designated port barrel.

[NorthernWiner]

I'm thinking of seperate blends with some of last years sangio, Cab and Merlot, and maybe some combos....what fun

I bet it would make a great supertuscan sort of wine.

[medpretzel]

I'm thinking of seperate blends with some of last years sangio, Cab and Merlot, and maybe some combos....what fun


will probably invite all the guys round again for a blending party...saw yogi's post on winepress about it and thought it sounded like a real blast.

Now how would one determine which is the "best blend?"

[Hippie]

Tasting/testing trials.

Best blend for who, you? Your tasting/testing trials.

[medpretzel]

just thought that maybe too many opinions might make it difficult.

[lockwood1956]

I will probably make up some marking sheets, might make interesting reading once sober....maybe not


might just be yet another excuse to drink wine

regards
Bob

[medpretzel]

might just be yet another excuse to drink wine

Ah yes, quite a good reason for blending trials.



regards,

Danina

[Mamgiowl]

might just be yet another excuse to drink wine

regards
Bob

You need an excuse???

[Duffbeer]

Sorry for not updating, regarding the third run on the skins, I added the grape concentrate from a white Grande Maison kit to try and produce a rose.
Not 100% clear yet but I think it's going to turn out ok.

I left to ferment for two days and strained off the skins, I didn't press them as I thought it might pull too much colour and glad I didn't, it has also pulled a little of the bouquet from the skins too which i'm also pleased with.
Will try to remember to update when it's drinking time.

[Duffbeer]

Well I racked the Ciliegiuolo this evening onto 30g of heavy toast french oak and all's looking well, a little taster and I think it's going to be a great wine, good aroma tastes very cherry like, the tannin at the moment is quite high and unbalanced, but at two months thats not surprising. Will probably leave it three months before racking again and remove or add more oak.

[medpretzel]

pictures?

You cant leave us hanging here with just WORDS!!!