A taste of Italy from Lanza Musto Vineyards
{Lanza-Musto Brunello Clone Sangiovese going through veraison}
Can’t make it to Tuscany this year? Don’t worry, you can make some fabulous Sangiovese right here in the US! Lanza-Musto Vineyards has been producing Brunello Clone Sangiovese for the past 4 vintages. One of the big reasons we planted this varietal is because the valley provides hot days and cool nights. The temperature can swing over 50 degrees depending on the time of year. Sangiovese eats this type of weather up! This high producing varietal soaks up the sun and enjoys the break under the cool night air.
When producing Sangiovese wines keep in mind that even though it is a bold tasting wine, it can easily be overtaken by oak infusions. Both the Musto Wine Grape Co. and Winemaker Magazine suggest using small amounts of oak or aging your wine in neutral barrels. The oak flavoring can overpower the wine and you will lose the delicate acidity and bright cherry notes that Sangiovese is known for. Also, blending in a little LMV Barbera or Merlot can help give it a little extra structure and complexity.
Since Sangiovese originated in Italy, the wines pair famously with anything tomato–based. We suggest pasta, pizza, or any meat dishes that have a tomato sauce. Frank Musto from Musto Wine Grape Co., LLC. personally enjoys his Sangiovese with Pepe’s Pizza from New Haven, CT or a great Chicken Marsala.
Sangiovese is one of the hottest up and coming varietals being produced in the United States. Make sure to secure your order of Brunello Clone Sangiovese for Fall 2016. You will not be disappointed!
Cheers and Happy Winemaking!
{Lanza-Musto Brunello Clone Sangiovese ready to ship to Musto Wine Grape Company}
Preparing for Harvest 2016
Download Your FREE Checklist Here –> Prepare for Harvest 2016
Mini Harvest Update from California:
Central Valley – Preparing to start harvesting Thompson Seedless, Alicante, Syrah, and Grenache
Lodi – Will start harvesting around August 15th Chardonnay, Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat
Paso Robles – Looking like the 1st of September for the red grapes.
Suisun Valley – Will begin harvesting Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Cannelli around August 15th
Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, & Carmenere Arrive from Chile
Hello Winemakers!
Below are the Brix numbers from the Red Grapes that have arrived so far from Chile. We received Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenere. We look forward to you all of you picking up and enjoying the wine grapes of Chile! It looks like it’s going to be a great vintage!
Malbec: 23.5
Merlot: 23.0
Syrah: 23.0
Cabernet Sauvignon: 24.0
Carmenere: 26.0
We are awaiting several more loads containing Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Syrah. We will have arrival dates for these loads soon.
*Please keep in mind these numbers are only sample of what arrived from Chile. Please make sure to take your own Brix readings when you receive your grapes for the best possible fermentation outcome.
Chilean Harvest Update: Arrival Dates
Chilean Harvest Update: Arrival Dates
The wines of Chile – along with the winemakers and vineyards that produce them – have had some profound transformations in the past 30 years. Grape growers have successfully determined which varietals thrive in their vineyards, have experimented with unique trellising systems, and explored interesting new areas for planting. The wines now have a head start because of the wonderful grape quality.
The winemakers have been upping their game by attending classes and working in wineries abroad – bringing back with them modern winemaking practices from the finest winemaking regions across Europe and the USA. Even highly regarded, award-winning winemakers from other countries are moving to Chile so they can take advantage of the country’s grape quality – and to have full creative control to craft spectacular wines. It’s crazy awesome that we are able to receive the same high quality grapes and winemaking opportunities people travel so far to achieve. We are lucky to be a part of this wine journey with the vineyards and winemakers of Chile.
The grapes will be harvested very soon. Below is more in-depth information about the vineyards and the potential arrival dates. The season will be early, so dust off the crush pad, sanitize your equipment, and get ready for some fantastic winemaking.
We will have a Bootcamp class running during the Chilean Season. If you would like to join or hear more information please email Christina at cmusto@juicegrape.com. Spaces are limited and the class will be starting soon.
Potential Arrival Dates for Chilean Grapes
- April 18th
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Viognier
- Pinot Grigio
- May 2nd
- Malbec (small amount)
- Merlot
- Syrah
- May 9th
- Petite Verdot
- Malbec
- Pinot Noir
- Carmenere
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- May 16th
- Malbec
- Carmenere
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
Chilean Juice: The juice should start arriving around May 2nd. We will have more updated when the containers are loaded.
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