Waiting

We are ready, but the grapes are taking their time. Harvest may begin next week, but it may be another week or two before we really get going. This is fine, as ripening under hot, humid conditions rarely makes an exceptional wine. Next week the dew point drops and the nights turn chilly. This is what we are waiting for. 

Harvest here always begins with white grapes. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay ripen first. In order to make wines with verve, density, and concentration the grapes have to ripen slowly under cool conditions. This preserves aromatics, acidity, and minerality. Warm humid nights and hot days make decent varietal wines, but terroir driven wines need that extra electric push that comes from chill.

So we wait. Just a little longer.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: August 27, 2021