As many of you know, Sam and I make our own homemade wine. This past year (2007) we made our first Zinfandel. It is a blend of 80 % Old Vine Zinfandel and Petit Syrah grapes.
The grapes arrived from California in October. We had a fantastic crushing party with our friends Rita and Frank (puppies came along to visit with Oreo), & Liah (baby's on board) and Frank. At the party we pulled the grapes off the stems and fed them through the crusher.
A few days later, Rita and Frank stopped by and helped us pitch the yeast to begin the fermentation. And boy did those grapes ferment. I think Sam and I were "buzzed" simply from the fumes.
The fermentation occurred a bit faster than expected. I tried calling Sam from class and was unable to get hold of him all evening. Turns out, he was in the garage pressing the grapes - and he did it solo!!!
In March, we pulled a few bottles out of the carboys and entered them in Festa Italiana's Homemade Vino competition. Much to our disbelief, we won a couple of awards! Best Dry Red Wine.....and Best Overall Wine!!! Needless to say we toasted with our wine and celebrated with new friends and other competitors.
This year's microbiology & chemistry experiment has been aging in Sam's office since that time. A few adjustments have been made for acidity and we are ready to bottle!
Stop by and enjoy a glass or two with us. Sam will be proud to show off his trophies. I'm still trying to get him to pour a glass in the big trophy - I think it would make a great picture to see him drinking from the trophy cup.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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