877.812.1137

#southafricanwine

Cheers to Spring Winemaking Adventures!

spring wine season

Hey there, fellow vintners and grape aficionados,

As the frost thaws and the vines awaken from their winter slumber, can you feel that excitement bubbling up like a well-aged Cab Sauv? That’s right, it’s time to dust off those barrels, polish those glasses, and get ready to dive headfirst into the spring winemaking season!

Whether you’re dreaming of crisp Chardonnays, robust Merlots, or something in between, now’s the time to get those orders in. From grapes, juices, fermenting tanks, corks, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. So, why wait? Let’s uncork the magic of spring together!

 

2024 Spring Grape Offerings:

Chile: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier

 

2024 Spring Juice Offerings:

South Africa: Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Chile: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Muscat.

 

Crush/Destemm will be back!

We will be crushing and destemming again this year! However, there is a minimum order of 24 cases of Spring grapes. This will give you 6 pails of must, and about 20+ gallons of juice to work with.

 

Winemaking Classes:

Check out Musto Wine Grape & Frank Renaldi’s online classes via our sister site WinemakingInstructions.com.

 

Winemaker Hours:

Winemaker Sam Lee will be in the store and available for questions on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00AM-4:00PM. 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.

 

March Store Hours:

Mon-Fri: 8:00AM-4:00PM

Sat-Sun:  Closed

Ready to take your winemaking to new heights? Simply shoot us an email or give us a call, and we’ll make sure you’re all set to rock this winemaking season.

Here’s to the grape adventures ahead!

Wine Spotlight: South African Cabernet

Wine Review: South African Cabernet

Interested in making South African Cabernet? We have the juice! Give us a call at 877-812-1137 to speak to a winemaking representative about your order. Cheers!

Appearance:

In the glass, South African Cabernet presents itself with a deep, velvety garnet hue that hints at the richness within. A subtle translucence at the edges suggests a wine that is both youthful and promising.

Aroma:

As the aromas develop, the bouquet is an intricate dance of blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry notes. The nose is further adorned with a delicate touch of cedar, a hint of vanilla, and a whisper of tobacco, showcasing the influence of oak aging. There’s a captivating freshness that mingles seamlessly with the complex layers, promising a journey of nuanced flavors. (yeast suggestion – D254, D80, and BDX)

Palate:

Upon the first sip, the wine envelops the palate with a velvety texture and well-defined structure. The blackcurrant and ripe plum notes take center stage, accompanied by subtle hints of blackberry and a touch of dried herbs. Oak aging (French or American, medium toast) imparts a refined spiciness, contributing to the wine’s depth without overpowering its inherent fruitiness. Tannins, while present, are supple and well-integrated, offering a gentle grip that lingers into a satisfying finish.

Flavor Profile:

South African Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the region’s terroir with finesse. The fruit-forward profile is elegantly balanced by a backbone of acidity, providing vibrancy to the wine. Layers of flavor unfold as the wine evolves in the glass, revealing a harmonious interplay between fruit, oak, and subtle earthy undertones. There’s a delightful complexity that keeps you engaged with each sip.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pairing this South African Cabernet Sauvignon with a grilled steak or a rich, dark chocolate dessert would be a match made in heaven. The wine’s structure and depth complement hearty dishes, while its refined nature makes it equally enjoyable on its own.

Overall:

If you make a South African Cabernet Sauvignon, you can create a wine that captivates from the first swirl to the lingering finish. The meticulous balance of fruit, structure, and complexity makes it a standout choice for both enthusiasts and those new to the world of Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a bottle that not only reflects the terroir of South Africa but also pays homage to the varietal’s global prestige.

Interested in making South African Cabernet? We have the juice! Give us a call at 877-812-1137 to speak to a winemaking representative about your order. Cheers!

Official Pinotage Numbers Are Here

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Official Pinotage Numbers Are Here

Brix = 25  (no adjustment required)

Starting pH = 3.91

Starting TA = .62

Added 1.5gm Tartaric Acid per liter

Final Number are pH = 3.50 & TA = 0.75

​In conclusion, the final numbers are very good!! Looking forward to seeing how this vintage turns out!

#whydoesittakesolong?

2016 Pinotage Arrival

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The ‪Pinotage has arrived!! The berries taste very sweet with good seed and pulp development. We got Brix readings of 23-24.5. We will be calling all of the people who pre-ordered today. However we do still have a small amount available for sale.

Gives us a call at 877.812.1137 to pick up you Pinotage grapes!

Also, we are still deciding which yeast to use for the Pinotage grapes. The three options we thought about are D254, D80, and BDX. Below are the descriptions of each yeast.

(all descriptions via Scott Laboratories)

  • D254: “In red wines, Lalvin ICV D254® develops ripe fruit, jam and cedar aromas together with mild spiciness. On the palate it contributes high fore-mouth volume, big mid-palate mouthfeel and intense fruit concentration.”
  • D80: “Given proper nutrition, Lalvin ICV D80® is a rapid starter with moderate fermentation rates. It has been known to have an alcohol tolerance of up to 16% (v/v) when the fermentation is aerated and the temperature is maintained below 28°C(82°F). On the palate it creates high fore-mouth volume, big mid-palate mouthfeel, an intense, fine-grain tannin sensation and a long lasting licorice finish.”
  • BDX: “Uvaferm BDXTM is a vigorous fermenter. Alcohol toler­ance can be up to 16% (v/v). Optimizes color and structure with soft tannin extrac­tion and increased mouthfeel. Does not generate a lot of heat during fermentation. Selected from the Pasteur Institute strain collection in Paris, France.”

Which yeast do you think we should use?

Cheers! 🍇🍷

Yeast Pairings for Pinotage from South Africa

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Yeast Pairings for Grapes from South Africa:

Pinotage: D254, D80, and BDX