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The most anticipated time of the year is finally upon us – Wine Season is HERE!

wine-season

Hello Winemakers,

I’m sure you are itching to get back into the winemaking process. It’s the most exciting time of year in our opinion!

The art of winemaking is truly remarkable and allows us to witness transformative magic unfolding right before our eyes. Just imagine the symphony of aromas that will fill the air as the grapes are crushed, releasing their juices, and bringing forth the promise of a beautiful vintage. Picture the vibrant colors dancing in the fermenters, as the yeasts work their magic, transforming sugar into alcohol. And oh, the joy of witnessing the first bubbles forming during fermentation, a sure sign that our wine is well on its way.

With every batch, we have the opportunity to experiment and refine our craft, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in winemaking. Get excited to make a wine you will love this season!

Here’s what you can look forward to this week:

*If there is something you have your heart set on, please call ahead

  1. Grapes & Juices Arriving by 9/15:
    1. Juices: Alicante, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Grenache, Merlot, Mixed Black, Old Vine Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Black Muscat (Rosé) Chardonnay, French Colombard, Pinot Grigio, and White Zinfandel (Rosé).
    2. Grapes: Grenache, Merlot, Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Teroldego, Black Muscat, Chardonnay, Fiano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Thompson Seedless, and Vermentino.
  2. Olives: Stevie “The Olive King” has secured the green olives for this season. He is bringing in big and small sizes, each in 16lb cases. We will have limited stock so please call ahead before you drive down. They should arrive by Friday 9/15.
  3. Winemaker Hours: Winemaker Sam is on vacation until September 15th. But Winemaker Barry will be in on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to assist you with your fermentation and winemaking questions.
  4. Harvest Store Hours: We are officially open 7 days a week! Mon-Friday 7:00am-5:00PM, Sat 6:00AM-1:00PM, Sun 7:00AM-12:00PM
  5. New York/New Jersey Pick Up: D’Arrigo will be a pickup location for us in the Bronx, NY. You can pre-order with MWG and pick up your order closer to home! Ask your sales representative for more details.
  6. Delivery Services: MWG has an extensive delivery network. If you are interested in delivery, please ask your sales representative for more details.
  7. Currently In Stock (as of 9/11):
    1. Grapes: Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Barbera, Alicante, and Thompson Seedless
    2. Juices: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Grenache, Mixed Black, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Thompson Seedless, Viognier, and White Zinfandel
    3. Always call ahead to make sure you have the most up to date stock information!

Looking ahead to Next Week:

Harvest Updates: Suisun Valley Sauvignon Blanc is around 22 Brix and the Brunello Clone Sangiovese is around 21 Brox. We should see Suisun Valley fruit start to harvest towards the end of September. Lodi will start to harvest more Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Merlot this week. Central Valley harvest is in full swing and will be arriving daily. Washington State Pinot Noir should start to come off the vine around 9/16, and arrive around 9/22. The Fresco Juice order deadline is 9/25 and they should start arriving the first week in October. Italian juices are set to delivery in the first week in October.

Don’t forget about our Winemaking Classes…

Hands-On Winemaking: Back by popular demand is our Winemaker Bootcamp. The September Class will start Saturday September 16th, 2023 at 9:00AM – 12:00PM (runs for 5 weeks). The October Class will start on Saturday October 21st, 2023 at 9:00AM – 12:00PM (runs for 5 weeks). Make sure to sign up via the website (link: 5 Week Winemaking Bootcamp (juicegrape.com)) or email cmusto@juicegrape.com if you are interested. There is only 1 space left in the September class and only 2 spaces left in the October class!

Winemaker In Your Pocket: Musto Wine Grape and Frank Renladi put together online courses you can access from anywhere! Check out our online classes via our sister site WinemakingInstructions.com {link: Learn How to Make Your Own Wine (winemakinginstructions.com)).

 

We look forward to seeing you at pick up this season! 😊

Cheers!

Christina & The Musto Crush Crew

Musto Wine Grape Co. / WinemakingInstructions.com

cmusto@juicegrape.com

What does it mean to be a Barbera D’Asti clone?

barbera-dasti barbera-dasti

What does it mean to be a Barbera D’Asti clone?

  • Large oval berries
  • Minimum planting of 1,600 vines/acre
  • When planted in calcareous soils it produces a dark, rich color. If planted in sandy soils, produces a lighter but vibrant color.

Wine Style:

Lucious in flavor. Rich dark fruit (tart cherry, blackberry), if aged more savory and herbaceous notes come through (licorice, dried herbs, black pepper). Medium bodied, sharp acidity, soft tannins, ABV is usually between 12-14.5%, cellar 3-7 years (if you have the patience 😉) for extra complexity.

To make an order please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

T-minus 7 days and counting until grapes and juices start to arrive!

Hello Winemakers,

We are working hard getting your grapes and juices secured. We should start to see juices and early ripening grapes arrive the week after Labor Day. Our prices have been finalized! Give us a call or shoot us an email to chat about your order this season 877-812-1137 / salesjuicegrape.com.

Juices Arriving Wednesday 9/6: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Grenache, Mixed Black, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Thompson Seedless, Viognier, and White Zinfandel

Grapes Arriving Thursday 9/7: Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Barbera, Alicante, and Thompson Seedless

Store Hours: We will be open 7 days a week beginning the weekend of September 9th!

Winemaker Hours: Winemakers Sam and/or Barry will be in the office Tuesday through Sunday starting the week of September 18th. They will be in from 8:00AM-2:00PM. You can also email winemaker Sam at slee@juicegrape.com

Winemaking Classes:

Winemaker Bootcamp: Back by popular demand is our Hands-On Winemaker Bootcamp. The September Class will start Saturday September 16th, 2023 at 9:00AM – 12:00PM (runs for 5 weeks). The October Class will start on Saturday October 21st, 2023 at 9:00AM – 12:00PM (runs for 5 weeks). Make sure to sign up via the website or email cmusto@juicegrape.com if you are interested. There are only 3 spaces left in the September class and only 4 spaces left in the October class!

Next FREE Winemaking Class: Our next Facebook Live/Zoom class will be Thursday, August 31st at 7:00PM. Join us for our class about How to Prep for Harvest” tips for setting yourself up for success and making your favorite wine yet! The class will be held via Facebook Live & Zoom. Make sure to log in and watch as we chat at 7:00PM EST on Thursday, August 31st.

 

Zoom Link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82981391470?pwd=MnJwMVQydEd6QkluTmJBaER6a2F4Zz09

Facebook Live: How do you access Facebook Live? It’s easy. Go to Musto’s Facebook Page {Musto Wine Grape Company, LLC. | Hartford CT | Facebook} on the given date/time, and Frank’s class will automatically pop up on your screen. There you can ask questions in real-time. We hope you enjoy this series and look forward to bringing you more information to help you make your favorite wine!

 

Online Classes: Don’t forget that you can always access Musto & Frank Renaldi’s online classes via our sister site WinemakingInstructions.com {Learn How to Make Your Own Wine (winemakinginstructions.com))

 

Keep an eye out for our emails as grapes and juices start to arrive!

 

Cheers!

Christina & The Musto Crush Crew

Musto Wine Grape Co. / WinemakingInstructions.com

cmusto@juicegrape.com

Field Updates from Our Growers

Hello Winemakers,

We wanted to give a quick update from our growers in the field! We’re raising our glasses high and toasting to the heart and soul of our wines – our incredible growers! 🥂

Without these passionate and dedicated individuals, our delicious grapes wouldn’t be the stars of the show. Here’s to the early mornings and late nights, the unwavering commitment, and the endless pursuit of perfection. Your dedication shines through in every sip we take, and we’re truly grateful for the magic you bring to the vineyards. 🍇

So let’s clink our glasses and raise a toast – your hard work is the essence of our success, and we can’t wait to continue this journey together! 🍷

Pricing Updates:

Prices have been finalized! Give us a call or shoot us an email to chat about your order this season 877-812-1137 / salesjuicegrape.com.

Suisun Valley:

“I’m enjoying this growing season so far this year, reminds of the old normal where we begin harvesting after Labor Day. Hopefully producing a memorable vintage year” – Ron Lanza, Lanza-Musto Vineyards

Lodi:

“This year looks like it will be a great year. It is going to be a later condensed season for Lodi fruit, with everything coming off the vine at once. We are excited about our Old Vine Primitivo crop and the wine it will make. Looking forward to sending high quality fruit to the East Coast.” – Berton Costamagna & Paul Pourte, Costamagna Vineyards

Central Valley:

“The grapes are coming along and look beautiful. We got small traces of rain but nothing to be concerned about. We’re looking forward to start shipping grapes out the first week of September.” – Joe Guerriero

Washington State:

Rattlesnake Hills: “2023 has been a very good growing season. It is rivaling 2021 in terms of growing degree days, so plenty of ample heat for full ripening and rich flavors. The difference between 2023 and 2021 though is that this season’s heat has been relatively even, with no harmful sudden spikes, so we’re seeing very classic vine and fruit behavior in terms of yields and ripening. A little earlier than usual harvest is expected.” – Jeremy Porter, PineBrake Vineyards (formally Allechante Vineyards)

Candy Mountain – “Harvest is on the early side this year. Lighter crop, nice growing season after a cool spring start. Fruit quality is looking excellent.  Flavors in the fruit are developed even at lower sugars.” – Marshall Edwards, Shaw Vineyards

Reminder – we will be open 7 days a week beginning the weekend of September 9th!

Below is a Tentative Arrival Dates calendar that covers most of the major grape regions and the fresh juices. Keep an eye out for more updates as we get closer to Labor Day.

Winemaker Hours:

One of our on-staff Winemakers -Sam Lee will be in the store and available for questions on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00AM-2:00PM. If you want to speak to a winemaker in person, make sure to stop by and see Sam! You can also email him at slee@juicegrape.com.

Winemaker Bootcamp: You have been asking and we are gearing up for TWO classes this season. Back by popular demand is our Hands-On Winemaker Bootcamp. Dates and information have been posted on the website. If you want to get in on the “early-in” bootcamp list, email cmusto@juicegrape.com for more information.

Next FREE Winemaking Class:

Our next Facebook Live/Zoom class will be Thursday, August 31st at 7:00PM. Join us for our class about How to Prep for Harvest” tips for setting yourself up for success and making your favorite wine yet! The class will be held via Facebook Live & Zoom. Make sure to log in and watch as we chat at 7:00PM EST on Thursday, August 31st.

Zoom Link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82981391470?pwd=MnJwMVQydEd6QkluTmJBaER6a2F4Zz09 Facebook Live: How do you access Facebook Live? It’s easy. Go to Musto’s Facebook Page  on the given date/time, and Frank’s class will automatically pop up on your screen. There you can ask questions in real-time. We hope you enjoy this series and look forward to bringing you more information to help you make your favorite wine!

Don’t forget that you can always access Frank Renaldi’s online classes via our sister site WinemakingInstructions.com.

 

Cheers!

Christina & The Musto Crush Crew

Musto Wine Grape Co. / WinemakingInstructions.com

cmusto@juicegrape.com

Which Wine Juice Should I Choose?

Not sure which wine to make? Check out our list of “Wine Juice Tasting Notes”. Learn about the different winemakig juices that are available to you. Hopefully something will spark your winemaking interest. 🙂

Wine Juice Tasting Notes

Full List of Juices Offered this Season – 2023 MWG Juice List

Alicante – This varietal has roots in the southeast of Spain and is also cultivated in North Africa and California. On a stand-alone basis, the wine has simpler berry and red fruit flavors, but it is mainly used to increase the intensity of color and body in other grape varieties. An excellent blending wine.

Amarone – 100% Italian Amarone juice to make a dry, robust styled red wine. Amarone is typically made of partially dried grapes, generating a very complex and concentrated flavor. Suitable for aging.

Amorosso– Amore di Rosso. Italian for “Love for Red”. This deep, dark tannic full-bodied red wine will envelop the senses with a plethora of scents including floral, fruity and spicy aromas. Great potential for aging, which will reward the most patient winemaker.

Barbera – Light to medium bodied, fruit forward, easy drinking wine. Lush fruit flavor, peppery, spicy notes.

Barolo – 100% Italian Nebbiolo juice to make a traditionally styled Barolo. Firm tannins, with a velvety finish for those who choose to age it.

Brunello – 100% Brunello juice from Italy. Rich color and flavors with hints of plum, jam, and smoke. A wine that will only get better with age and impress any wine drinker.

Burgundy – Freshly sourced premium red grapes to make a classic “Burgundian” style table wine. Big red fruit flavors, with a medium body and tannin content make this an excellent choice for pairing with any dish. A crowd pleaser and family favorite.

Cab Sauv/Merlot Blend – A perfect blend of Old World and New World, this 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a classic pair of two of the best red wine grapes, coming from one of the fastest growing wine regions of the new world. Makes a rich, fruit forward, red wine.

Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Franc is one of the classic Bordeaux varietals. It makes a medium bodied red wine, with notes of black fruit and black pepper. An excellent addition to spice up a blend or great on its own.

Cabernet Sauvignon – The “king of wine grapes” California Cabernet Sauvignon has gained world fame for its rich berry flavors, superb tanninc structure, and excellent ability to age for long periods of time. We recommend D254 yeast to make a more fruit forward wine and D80 yeast to make a more spicy, earthy wine.

Carmenere – Carmenere is a deep garnet hued wine with fruit forward notes of plum, cherry, and currants. Similar to Merlot in body and texture.

Castel de Papa – This wine exudes admiration. Highlighted by its ruby color with flashes of ripe blackberry purple, you will surely be charmed by its ripe fruit, lavender and spice aromas. Moreover, its medium level acidity supports a firm tannic structure along with a high level of alcohol that augments its distinguished fullness of flavor on the palate.

Chablis – Bright, crisp apple and pear flavors, medium body, and aromatic intensity. Creates an easy drinking summer wine. (Chardonnay, unoaked style)

Chardonnay – Rich, full bodied, classic Californa Chardonnay with big fruit flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. Creates the classic big, bold Chardonnay that put Napa on the map.

Chardonnay/Semillion – A classic blend of crisp Chilean Chardonnay and the classic French Semillion grape. The Semillion lends a bit more bright acidity and citrus flavors to the classic Chardonnay profile of apple, pear, and hints of vanilla.

Chenin Blanc – The most popular white varietal from South Africa, Chenin Blanc is light gold in color, very aromatic of tree fruits, white flowers, and hints of citrus. Light flavors of apples, bits of jasmine, and sweet ginger. This wine can benefit from oak treatments or be enjoyed on its own.

Chianti – One of the most famous red wine blends in the world, this harmonious balance of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon provides ripe red berry flavors, a bit of tart acidity, and a medium bodied finish that will satisfy any Italian wine enthusiast. Big aromas of cranberry and sweet plums jump from the glass and linger on the palette. Excellent when aged with oak.

Dolcetto – “Little sweet one” in Italian, this grape from the Piedmont region is known for its higher sugar content and moderate to lower acidity. This wine will be deep purple in color, and have a higher tannin content, giving it a very full bodied mouthfeel. The higher tannins help to support the potential higher alcohol as well.

French Colombard – A white grape traditionally used for blending with Chardonnay. Has a full bodied mouthfeel with ripe tree fruit flavors. Sweeter flavors of ripe Bosc pear, sweet Fuji apple, and ripe Persimmon give this a refreshing yet fruity profile. Can benefit from oak aging.

Gewurtztraminer – A white grape famous for its strong, floral aroma, this grape is wonderful when made on its own or blended with Riesling. It has a very strong, perfume-like aroma of honeysuckle, jasmine, and stone fruits. Flavors translate directly to the palette with notes of white flowers, peach, and a spicy, white pepper finish. Can be made in a sweet or dry style.

Granbarile – A dry, full-bodied and spicy red with a nose that is as complex as they get. A refreshing acidity, pronounced tannins and velvety texture make this wine a classic Italian red.

Grenache – Big, luscious, fruit flavor, fresh from California! Grenache is a thinner skinned grape with a medium tannin content and big fruit flavor. Ripe raspberries, cherries, and plums jump from the glass in the medium bodied, fruit forward red wine.

Grenache (Rose style) – Fresh pressed California Grenache, with limited skin contact, to generate a beautiful pink rose style wine. This rose has big berry flavors and can be made in a sweet or dry style

Il Toscano – A classic Tuscan blend straight from Italy! Sourced from premier Italian growing regions in and around Tuscany, the blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet create a full bodied, classically style Italian table wine. This wine has a medium tannin concentration, ruby in color, and ripe red fruit flavors. A superior quality red wine blend.

Lambrusco – A lighter bodied, fruit forward table wine from Italy. The grapes are fresh pressed in Italy, creating a lighter, fruity red wine, that is perfect for early drinking. This wine has a bright acidity and fresh berry flavors. This wine does not need aging and can be consumed early.

Malbec – An international classic, Malbec is the perfect blend of full bodied and fruit forward. Malbec has a medium to high intensity tannin level with big cherry, blackberry, and earthy notes. It can benefit from bulk aging or can be consumed after one year of aging. This wine will benefit from oak treatments.

Malvasia Bianca – A white grape indigenous to Greece, Malvasia creates a beautiful full bodied, fruity white wine. With big flavors of pear, stone fruit, and white flowers, this grape can be made in a variety of styles from dry to sweet and is also conducive to blending.

Merlot – One of the world’s most popular red wine making grapes. Merlot has an incrediblly jammy fruit profile with cooked fruit, blackberry, and leather notes. A medium tannin and lower acid content make this a very smooth drinking wine. Excellent when aged with oak and also an excellent blender with most red grape varieties.

Mixed Black – Sourced from an ancient vine vineyard in California, these grapes are of premium quality and have rich, complex fruit flavors. The vines are so old, that the growers aren’t sure of their genetic background, however they are reassured by their consistent quality and yield. An excellent variety for the beginner or the advanced winemaker. This wine will benefit from aging and some oak contact.

Montepulciano– A classic Italian varietal, Montepulciano is very aromatic, with a spicy flavor and tannic finish. This is a full bodied wine with blackberry, pepper, and a rich mouthfeel. This wine is unique as it can be consumed young or be allowed to age, which will soften the tannin content.

Moscato – One of the most popular white winemaking grapes, Moscato is known for its robust fruity and floral aroma and big fruit flavors of peach, tropical fruit, and bits of florals. This wine is very versatile to our winemakers as it can be made in a variety of styles, from sweet to dry and can be blended with other wine grapes to add flavor and enhance aromas.

Muscat of Alexandria – Muscat of Alexandria is an ancient vine varietal that is typically used for dessert wine due to its robust fruit flavor and natural sweetness. It is bursting with flavors of tangerine, sweet mandarin oranges, honeysuckle flowers and sweet melons. An excellent variety to add into a blend to add fruit flavor and complexity or to savor on its own.

Nebbiolo – Nebbiolo is one of the most sought after winemaking grapes in Italy. Nebbilolo is the primary grape in Barolo and Barbaresco It is lighter in color yet full bodied and tannic, with rich dark red fruit flavors. This wine will benefit from exposure to oak and aging.

Nero D’Avola – A classic Italian grape featuring flavors of black cherry, black plums, tobacco, anise, and pepper on the finish. This creates a bold and complex wine that is benefitted from oak contact and aging.

Old Vine Zinfandel – Old vines (35+ years) from the Zinfandel capitol of California create dense, concentrated fruit and earth flavors. Notes of black cherry, raisin, prune, tobacco, and a subtle spiciness give this wine an incredibly complex and rich array of flavors. This wine matures well after a few years of aging and will be wonderful when aged with oak.

Petite Sirah – Deep, intense, garnet color with matching concentrated black fruit notes of blackberry, plum, and black plum on the finish. This intense red wine can add tremendous color to any blend and is also exquisite on its own. It will benefit from aging for at least 2 years.

Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay Blend – A crisp, lively blend of bright and tart Pinot Grigio with the fruity, more full bodied Chardonnay. This great white blend has smooth fruit flavors of granny smith apple, lemon, and pears. An excellent white table wine and can also hold up to some oak treatments.

Pinot Grigio – One of the most famous and loved white wines in the world, Pinot Grigio is a classic palette pleaser. Bright, fresh, acidity with flavors of lemon, lime zest, and white flowers create a very refreshing wine suitable for all seasons.

Pinot Noir – A winemaking classic, Pinot Noir is bursting with bright fruit flavors. Complex berry flavors mingle with subtle bits of earth and cedar to create a fruity and savory wine. Lighter to medium bodied, this wine can be made in a variety of styles from light and fruity to a heavier, bolder, oaked style.

Primitivo – A boldly fruity and robust Italian clone of the Zinfandel grape, Primitivo has rich fruit flavors of sweet black plums, black currants, and boysenberries. It has a terrific jammy quality and firm tannins structure that holds up well to oak treatments and aging.

Riesling – Riesling, a fun and fruity grape that can be made ina very wide variety of styles from sweet to dry. Riesling showcases flavors of fresh peaches, apricot, sweet pears, and touches of minearlity on the finish. Depending on the style that you choose for the wine, it can be as sweet as a dessert style wine or bone dry with softer, more subtle fruit.

Ruby Cabernet – Ruby Cabernet is a cross of traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignane. This wine is incredibly dark in color with bright cherry flavors. It is excellent when aged with oak and can also be a good blender with other wines to add richness in color and more fruit to the blend.

Sangiovese – An Italian winemaking classic! Sangiovese is a medium bodied wine with a bit of acidity. It has bright red fruit flavors of cranberry, red plum, pomegranate, and tart cherries. It holds up well to oak treatments and is excelled when blended with other red grapes such as Cabernet or Merlot.

Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc is an incredibly refreshing and flavorful white wine that is a superb summer sipper. Sauvignon Blanc has bright, fresh acidity with notes of grapefruit, melon, and lemon zest. It does not require oak treatments or any long term aging. It will provide a great, refreshing wine for the warmer months and is excellent when paired with any fish or seafood.

Shiraz – Shiraz has become an icon for Australian winemaking and now we can bring the juice directly to you. This Australian grape juice is rich and complex with lots of black plum, blackberry, and touches of earthy notes like tar and spice. This wine would benefit from oak contact and from aging.

Syrah – Syrah is a classic French winemaking grape with a full body, lots of fruit, and a complex earthy finish. Black cherry, black plums, and tobacco flavors mix well with any oak flavor profile. This wine a wonderful blender; an essential part of a popular GSM blend.

Thompson Seedless – The secret ingredient in many classic Italian winemaking recipes. It can be used as a natural means of adding acidity to red wine blends or can be fermented on its own to create an easy drinking table wine.

Trebbiano– Trebbiano is known by many names, including Ugni blanc, the primary grape in Cognac production. This mild and smooth, white wine is classically blended with Malvasia Bianca and has smooth fruit flavors of apple, pear, and a touch of citrus. It can be made and consumed quickly and used in blends.

Valle Dei Tempi – This Italian classic presents an undeniable charm accompanied with a subtle and well-established reputation. You’ll notice its inviting and strong ruby-red color matched with tannins that exude refinement and sophistication immediately. Its balanced acidity allows for a subtle yet complex nose of vanilla hints while your taste buds are excited with a savory blend of cherry and spices with slight floral notes.

Valpolicella– The primary grape for Amarone, the Valpolicella grape has concentrated fruit flavor, jammy qualities, and a full mouthfeel. Complex, firm tannins, give a long lasting finish to the rich, darkly fruited wine.

Viognier– A bright, full bodied alternative to Chardonnay! If you love the weight and fruit of Chardonnay but crave something different, Viognier is a great choice. It has rich, tropical fruit flavor with pineapple,  guava, and mango notes and a creamy texture. An excellent wine served bone dry or slightly sweetened.

White Zinfandel – One of the most popular wines in America, White Zinfandel is a very easy drinking, smooth blush wine. It has ripe strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry flavors with a light body and refreshing finish. This wine can be made dry or sweet to the individual drinkers taste.

Zinfandel – Zinfandel is an incredibly fruity varietal with robust red and black fruit such as raspberry, prunes, currants, and cherries. Full bodied, firm tannins, with a great aging potential, this wine is excellent with oak aging and stainless aging. A full-bodied, red wine lovers dream!

To make an order please contact us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

Tentative Arrival Dates

We are working on finalizing our prices, we will have them finished by next week.

As of now, we are on track to receive grapes from Central Valley and Fresh Juice the week after Labor Day. Our grapes from Lodi, CA will start arriving around September 11th. Lanza grapes will start arriving in mid-September. Washington State should start to arrive in early to mid-October. The Fresco Juices and Italian Juices should arrive by the first week in October.

We will be open 7 days a week beginning the weekend of September 9th.

We are looking forward to working with you this season. Please keep an eye out for Emails, the Harvest Tracker, the MWG Blog, and our Social Media for more information.

2023 Harvest Report

wine grapes

Every year we work to bring you the highest quality products at the best prices. This season we have done just that. We have some new vineyards being added to the portfolio that will knock your socks off! And there will be new wine grapes available from the high-quality, reliable sources you’ve come to know and love.

Let’s get started with the Harvest Report!

To keep up to date on harvest dates check in with us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

THE GRAPES

Suisun Valley, CA – Lanza-Musto Vineyards: Suisun Valley was established in 1982 and is one of the oldest AVAs in California. Suisun Valley is home to a group of grape growers and winemakers who put their heart and soul into everything that they do. Located southeast of Napa Valley (sharing a county line), Suisun Valley lies in the foot slopes of good grape land between the picturesque Vaca Mountains to the east and St. George Range to the west. The Suisun Bay that connects to the San Francisco Bay sits to the south, lending a unique cooling coastal breeze. The soil is made up of volcanic rock, silt, sand, and clay allowing it to grow many different types of wine grapes; having over 28 varieties planted within this eight-mile-long and three-mile-wide AVA. We are expecting a high-quality year! The grapes got some decent rain, which resulted in fertile soils, nutrient-rich vines, and exceptional skin quality. The crop looks to be the size of a normal crop year, and we are currently on track for normal ripening and harvesting times. The Lanzas are introducing a new box, which will be sturdier with ample airflow for travel. We will have Barbera, Chardonnay, Cabernet (Clone 169, Clone 15, and Clone 8), Merlot, Malbec, Muscat Cannelli, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Tempranillo available this fall.

Lodi, CA – Home to some of our oldest standing contracts and relationships, Lodi is a premier wine region consistently on the rise. With the LODI RULES sustainability effort moving full force through the AVA, we have seen and continue to see great wine-producing fruit come out of Lodi. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of wine grapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act as a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain balanced acidity. This season we have a “new” Primitivo coming in. We were able to procure some of it last season, but this season we will have a good amount of Old Vine Primitivo. This vineyard was planted in 1902! Along with this special Primitivo, we will have fruit from Mettler Ranch, Costamagna Vineyards, Zinderella, Valley Beauty, and Contra Costa just to name a few. This season we should start to see Lodi fruit come off the vine in early September. It is looking to be a normal-sized crop with good-looking berry bunches and seed development. We should see Lodi fruit start coming off the vine in early September, hitting MWG’s dock around early-mid September.

Central Valley, CA– Central Valley is California’s agricultural heartland. It is composed of two valleys that stretch almost 500 miles down the center of the state. The Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley border on the east, by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The total acreage under wine grape cultivation in the Central Valley is around 895,000 acres. To say Central Valley is the leader in California’s wine grape production would be an understatement. With many sub-AVAs, the Central Valley offers a lot of delicious winemaking grapes with a lot of history. Some of the oldest grape vines in California are grown in Central Valley. Since it is a hotter region, these will be some of the first to come off the vine. If you are interested in Central Valley fruit be ready to crush after Labor Day.

Washington State– We are excited to be bringing you a new vineyard option from Washington this season – Candy Mountain AVA. One of Washington States’ newest AVAs, Candy Mountains’ south-facing slope sits just southeast of the Red Mountain AVA. At around 900 acres, it’s also the smallest AVA in the state. With outstanding growing conditions, it produces, rich fruit-forward grapes with nice minerality and tannins.  We will be bringing in Cabernet from Candy Mountain this season. It is looking like a lighter crop and an earlier season this year for Washington State. Candy Mountain is looking to harvest around September 25th, and Wahluke Merlot around the 1st week in October. The Wahluke Cabernet Franc should start to harvest around October 15th. Our Pinot Noir from Rattlesnake Hills should harvest the earliest, sometime around September 20th.

THE JUICES

We bring in juices from all over the world! Below is information regarding our juices and their availability this fall.

California Fresh Juice – We source premium California juice from all over the state. Winemaking juices are a great resource. You can make great wine without bulky equipment. Our fresh juices are ready to ferment when you get home. They have native yeast in them from the grape skins. You can let the native fermentation take place or you can inoculate with your preferred yeast.  Either way, you will have a delicious wine that is ready to drink sooner than later. *We always suggest adding yeast because of how long the juice traveled.

California Fresco Juice– The difference between the Fresco Juices and the Fresh Juices is that the Fresco Juices are inoculated with yeast, enzymes, and other “seasonings” that help the wines have a successful fermentation, better color, aromas, tannic structure, and mouthfeel. We call it the “set and forget” juice. It is a great product that produces high-end results.

Italian Fresh Juice– We source premium juices from Puglia and other regions of Italy. These juices create wines that resemble that of the old country. Wines full of flavor and history! They have native yeast in them from the grape skins. You can let the native fermentation take place or you can inoculate with your preferred yeast.  *We always suggest adding your own yeast because of how long the juice traveled.

Italian Fresco Juice– The difference between Fresco Juices and Fresh Juices is that the Fresco Juices are inoculated with yeast, enzymes, and other “seasonings” that help the wines have a successful fermentation, better color, aromas, tannic structure, and mouthfeel. We call it the “set and forget” juice. It is a great product that produces high-end results.

NY State – Our NY State portfolio offers hybrid winemaking juices in 5-gallon, 60-gallon, and 275-gallon sizes. Due to this season’s frost, we will not have as many varieties available. Please email or call Christina if you are interested in these juices.

As always Mother Nature can throw us a curve ball. To keep up to date on harvest dates check in with us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

What constitutes an “Old Vine”?

What constitutes an “Old Vine”?

old vine primitivo_lodi rules_musto wine grape

According to google, for a wine grape to be considered “old vine” it needs to be over 20 years old. After about 20-30 years, depending on how the vine has been taken care of, the vine usually will start to produce smaller clusters. These smaller berries are more concentrated and in turn, produce more complex fruit. This is the reason why winemakers go crazy over old vine grapes. The wine that you can make is unlike any other. Although there can be some challenges in the yield department, the wines created from old vines are luscious, complex, and pack a punch.

Fun fact – did you know grape vines can grow for up to 130+ years?!!

A big reason why you see so many Old Vine Zinfandel and Old Vine Primitivo in California is that those were the most widely planted grapes in the US originally. There are vineyards in California with Zinfandel vines that are over 125 years old! One of them is Costamagna’s Vineyards Old Vine Primitivo!!

There is something very special about walking through this Primitivo vineyard for fifth-generation farmer Berton Costamagna. “Since 1902 my family has been here in Lodi farming these wine grapes”, says Berton. “To think that my Nono (Great, Great, Great Grandfather) had the foresight to start a farming adventure back then, by planting his first vineyard of Primitivo here, and to see where it is now, is so inspiring to me.” With its sandy loams and ideal climate, farmers back then quickly saw the potential for growing wine grapes in Lodi, in the heart of California. Fast forward 120 years, and Lodi California has come to be known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World and is now one of the top-producing AVA’s in the world. The Costamagna family has continued farming their family’s clone of Primitivo for all these years for wineries and home winemakers to enjoy with their families. “These grapes make for a great wine, but what is truly special, is these grapes connect us to the hard work, traditions, and memories of my family before me. My hope is that folks can make as many memories drinking the wine from these grapes as our family has made farming them.” 🍇🍷 We can’t wait to receive these grapes from the Costamagna Family!

Interested in making Old Vine Primitivo? check in with us via sales@juicegrape.com or call us at 877-812-1137, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube, or check out the Harvest Tracker and Winemaker Blog on our website- juicegrape.com.

Quick Fall Harvest Update

We are working hard to prepare for the fall. The crop is looking to be of normal size. The heavy rainfall we’ve had out West has resulted in very nutrient-rich vines and exceptional skin quality. The California crop was on pace to be about 2 weeks behind this year, but some good weather has pushed that up a bit. Good news from the Lanza team, they have introduced a new box that will hold up better during transportation and the new design will allow for an increase in airflow!

The Washington State is also looking good. We expect it to harvest about 1-2 weeks earlier than last season. We have a new vineyard coming online from Washington. It is called Candy Mountain, one of Washington States’ newest AVA’s. The Candy Mountain vineyard is a south-facing slope that sits just southeast of the Red Mountain AVA. At nearly 900 acres, it’s also the smallest AVA in the state. With outstanding growing conditions, it is expected to produce rich fruit-forward grapes with nice minerality and tannins. We are excited to be bringing this new vineyard to market this season.

Unfortunately, as New Englanders are aware, New York and New England crops were hit with some frost this Spring. If you are interested in NY State juices, please contact Christina as soon as possible. There is little supply due to the frost damage.

We will have more updates coming soon regarding the fall.

Variety focus: Marquette

Marquette grape

What you need to know about Marquette

  • French-American hybrid grape first developed at University of Minnesota in 2006.
  • Cold hardy and grows well in the Midwest and the Northeast because of this.
  • Capable of producing multiple styles, though known for lighter bodied styles.
  • Low tannin, high acid.
  • Benefits from oak aging.

Tasting profile

  • Cherry, cranberry, black olive, grapefruit, chocolate, caramel, black currant, spice.

Growing Marquette

  • VSP is not recommended. It is a highly vigorous vine, which can of course be exacerbated by soil and climactic conditions.
  • Top wire cordon training system is recommended to accommodate this.

What yeast to use for Marquette

  • D254 is a common yeast used.

Fermenting and aging tips

  • As a hybrid variety, it tends to have difficulty holding onto the little tannin it has. Take this into account through employing sacrificial tannins during fermentation, and aging on oak.
  • High acidity means you may need to deacidify with potassium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate.