We have finally entered summer at Rosenthal - The Malibu Estate ("RME"), and although it is at the end of August, we are thankful for the heat. State-wide temps have been so low that we are seeing ripening in most red varieties coming on a couple weeks late.
One bonus to having cool weather is the improved soil moisture status and the need for less irrigation. Our canopies look very good, and the crop will ripen easily.
We have two new varieties at RME that will have their first crop this 2010 season: Viognier and Muscat. We have a bit more than an acre so will have roughly 200 cases of the blend. Watch for it next year!
As we enter veraison (fruit coloring and softening), our risk of powdery mildew is reduced. Once fruit hits about 15 brix, mildew will not infect the clusters. However, the continued risk of Botrytis bunch rot combined with the risk of sunburning from the recent heat wave is keeping us on our toes!
Until next time,
Corky Roche
Salinas, CA
Corky Roche's website: http://www.rochevineyardconsulting.com
Follow Corky Roche on twitter: http://twitter.com/rovinco
Fine wines from Malibu, California
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
From the Proprietor: A Journey to the Vineyards of Israel
Hi to all of the readers and responders of the Rosenthal Estate Vineyard blog from George Rosenthal in Israel.
Early modern day vineyards here in Israel were first established by members of the Rothchild families. We visited vineyards in the Golan Heights which account for some of the finer wines produced in the region due to the high elevation and cooler climate. It's interesting to note that this area has been recognized by some wine writers as producing 90 point wine (that is, if you put any credence in the point system). As many of you know, I am a great believer in simply buying and drinking what tastes good to me with my meals.
We've also had the opportunity to visit vineyards on our drive from the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth, and as far as I can determine the hottest at 117F the day we were there! The hot temperatures along with the drip irrigation systems produce interesting wines from these lower elevations, although not particularly tasty to my palate. In the northern part of Israel, we eventually wound our way from Safed, which produces wines in the higher elevations, to Haifa which is more coastal in the area of the Carmel Mountains.
It has been a joy to experience wines from these various regions of Israel where the difference in terrior is truly palatable from the low areas of the Dead Sea to the elevations of the Golan Heights. The wine business is growing here in exports and as I have often stated, my greatest pleasure with wine is the opportunity to sample those the world over.
Many generations of people in this area have been enjoying wines for over 2,500 years. So, one thing I know for sure, is the fact that this wonderful elixir we call wine has provided to so many the same joy here in Israel that we all experience the world over when partaking in a glass with friends, family, or associates. What else can you name that has provided so much pleasure consistently over the years? Something tells me it begins with an 's' and ends with an 'x'.
Health and happiness to all,
George
Early modern day vineyards here in Israel were first established by members of the Rothchild families. We visited vineyards in the Golan Heights which account for some of the finer wines produced in the region due to the high elevation and cooler climate. It's interesting to note that this area has been recognized by some wine writers as producing 90 point wine (that is, if you put any credence in the point system). As many of you know, I am a great believer in simply buying and drinking what tastes good to me with my meals.
We've also had the opportunity to visit vineyards on our drive from the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth, and as far as I can determine the hottest at 117F the day we were there! The hot temperatures along with the drip irrigation systems produce interesting wines from these lower elevations, although not particularly tasty to my palate. In the northern part of Israel, we eventually wound our way from Safed, which produces wines in the higher elevations, to Haifa which is more coastal in the area of the Carmel Mountains.
It has been a joy to experience wines from these various regions of Israel where the difference in terrior is truly palatable from the low areas of the Dead Sea to the elevations of the Golan Heights. The wine business is growing here in exports and as I have often stated, my greatest pleasure with wine is the opportunity to sample those the world over.
Many generations of people in this area have been enjoying wines for over 2,500 years. So, one thing I know for sure, is the fact that this wonderful elixir we call wine has provided to so many the same joy here in Israel that we all experience the world over when partaking in a glass with friends, family, or associates. What else can you name that has provided so much pleasure consistently over the years? Something tells me it begins with an 's' and ends with an 'x'.
Health and happiness to all,
George
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