Note: We are following the 2011 grape harvest in Niagara through the writings of several Niagara insiders. This is the fifth post from Richie Roberts, winemaker at Fielding Estate Winery. This is his report, the 13th in our series about #harvest2011.
By Richie Roberts
Since I last wrote two weeks ago we have brought in nearly half the fruit for our entire harvest this year. We started off two weeks ago with our first ever crush of Gamay, then brought in the bulk of our Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
We also picked our Rock Pile Pinot Gris — it is fermenting slowly in tank and barrel right now, and I think it may be our best one to date.
This past week we also brought in the bulk of our Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. I can honestly tell you that I am very impressed with how great things look this year. I would say that the grapes that we’ve harvested are not bordering on over ripeness (as they do some years), but they certainly taste mature, and well balanced. I am very optimistic that we will make some fantastic wines this year.
In the cellar most of our Pinot Gris fermentations have finished up, but the rest of the whites and reds are still fermenting away, making the cellar smell quite nice when coming in first thing in the morning!
Drinking from our cellar this week: 2010 Chardonnay – just released and drinking great!
Highlight of the week: Tasting our first round of barrel fermentations, Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc and Pinot Gris — all showing great promise this year.
“Can’t live without” item of the week: Our radio – couldn’t live without it during harvest!
Something to take the mind off harvest: The film Pearl Jam Twenty, for any fans of them, is worth seeking out.
On deck in the next week: Lots of pumpovers and punchdowns on reds, and finish up harvesting the last bit of Cab Franc and Syrah.
Follow along this blog on a weekly basis, where I plan to tell you about all the fun we’re having on the crush pad trying to make great wines!
Cheers,
Richie
Comment here