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Harvest Update: What is Veraison?

July 27, 2021 15:21

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Emerald Ridge Vineyard
 

Vineyard Update: What is Veraison?

One of the most important moments in a grapevine’s annual lifecycle is the onset of ripening, when the grapes turn from green to red and naturally begin to sweeten. This process is known as veraison.

Veraison also occurs in white grapes, but without the color changes–white grapes simply become more translucent.

Veraison is very much the tipping point in a grapevine’s annual lifecycle. It’s when the vine alters it’s focus from energy creation (through photosynthesis) to energy consumption where it concentrates its energy into making sweet grapes.

The changing color and development of other polyphenols act as protectors to the grapes from sun, wind and other stresses. Following the onset of veraison, the ripening process then takes anywhere from 30–70 days for the grapes to become fully ready to make wine!

Last Chance For Complimentary Overnight Shipping
on Bright Whites and Library Wines

2020 Shop Block Pinot Blanc
Our "porchable" fan favorite, with white peach,
lily of the valley, honeydew melon, and pink grapefruit.


2018 Chileno Valley Vineyard Riesling
A focused core of citrus wrapped with a creamy embrace.
93 points & Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast

 

Library Wines

Are you interested in library wines? We have recently raided our cellar and have released select wines from the 2013 and 2014 vintages for your drinking pleasure. Click here to explore our availability.

Notes on each vintage

  • The 2013 vintage was a very correct vintage, with the vineyard qualities coming through in a light but complex way. The extra years in bottle have added breadth and savory notes to the fruit.

  • The 2014's are big and chunky now, with more earthy notes coming up, but still plenty of fruit for additional time in the bottle if you like.

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Harvest is Around the Corner!

Do you know of someone who has always wanted to learn more about winemaking and harvest? If so, send them our way! We are hiring harvest interns now to join us for the season. No experience necessary, just a great attitude, enthusiasm for being part of meticulous winemaking, and ability to commit to working from late August to late October (or perhaps a bit longer). Contact Valerie at valerie@duttongoldfield.com with your resume and contact information.

 

Meet the Team: Part 3

In our continuing series on Instagram and Facebook, we're introducing you to the members of the DG team.

Next up in our Meet the Team Series is Brad, our resident Pinot lover.

Brad is always eager to spend time with our guests discussing all things Sonoma County and beyond. He is our go-to guide for the best camping spots, beautiful hiking trails or the next local music show that shouldn’t be missed.

Make sure to stop by the Tasting Room to say hello.

 

 

Happy summer to everyone. We hope you're enjoying these long days.

 

Your friends at DG


 

 

 

 

 

 

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