Wines New “Buzz” Words
I freely admit, I have a lot to learn about the “wine industry”. I mean a hell of a lot. It’s funny how much I don’t know. Not only in regards to making wine, but also the business of wine. But as my knowledge expands and I seek out as much as I can about the “wine industry”, I keep running across certain words or phrases that are touted as the “newest, “coolest”, “most revolutionary method” or the new “It” thing. Forget such dated terms as “terroir”, “tanins”, and “celebrity winemakers”…so pase’! The newest bright and shinny things in Wine are as follows;
High altitude: Wines grown at high altitudes are earning recognition for their unique characteristics. The cooler temperatures and increased UV radiation at higher elevations contribute to extended ripening periods, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, intense flavors, and distinct minerality.
Biodiversity: Winemakers are embracing biodiversity in their vineyards, promoting a healthy ecosystem where various plant and animal species coexist. This approach helps maintain soil fertility and provides natural pest control, resulting in more sustainable and balanced vineyards.
Organic: Consumers are increasingly seeking out wines made from organically grown grapes. Organic viticulture avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, prioritizing the health of the soil and the long-term sustainability of the vineyard.
Volcanic soils: Volcanic soils, rich in mineral content, are gaining attention for their influence on wine quality. These soils provide excellent drainage, imparting unique flavors and textures to the grapes. Wines grown on volcanic soils often exhibit a distinctive smokiness, heightened minerality, and an energetic vibrancy on the palate.
Cofermentation: Cofermentation is the process of fermenting different grape varieties together to enhance complexity and flavor integration. This technique allows different grapes to blend harmoniously during fermentation, resulting in wines with greater depth, balance, and a mosaic of flavors unique to this method.
Hand harvesting: A few winemakers have returned to the traditional practice of hand harvesting. This meticulous process involves picking grapes by hand, ensuring only the highest quality fruit is selected.
Heroic winemaking: The term "heroic winemaking" refers to the arduous process of producing wine in extreme or challenging environments, such as steep slopes or rugged terrains. These vineyards require immense dedication and hard work, often resulting in limited yields.
Single vineyard wines, the epitome of elegance and individuality. With meticulous attention to detail, these wines are the result of a harmonious partnership between the land, the grapes, and the winemaker. Single vineyard wine is a unique expression of its terroir, capturing the essence of the specific plot of land on which the grapes were grown. With a limited production, these wines are a treasure to behold, coveted by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Amphorae vessels: Amphorae vessels, clay pots inspired by ancient winemaking techniques, are experiencing a revival in the wine world. These vessels allow for gentle extraction and micro-oxygenation during fermentation and aging, resulting in wines with heightened texture, complexity, and a connection to wine making traditions of the past.
At Blindspot Vineyard, we find it amusing how these new buzz words like biodiversity, organic, volcanic soils, high altitude, and cofermentation are being touted as the latest and greatest trends. These practices, which are considered groundbreaking by many, have been an integral part of our 70+ year old vineyard and our wine making philosophy since our very inception(have you stopped laughing yet?). Situated on the slopes of the renowned Mt Etna, our vineyard has long benefited from the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Our commitment to organic farming ensures that our vineyard remains a haven for biodiversity, allowing nature to play its part in crafting exceptional wines. The volcanic soils, a gift from the mountain itself, lend our wines a distinct minerality and depth of flavor that cannot be replicated elsewhere. And of course, our high altitude vineyard basks in the breezes and additional sunlight directly off the Ionian Sea, resulting in optimal grape ripening and balanced acidity. Cofermentation, the art of blending different grape varieties during fermentation, has long been employed at Blindspot, allowing us to create wines of extraordinary complexity and nuance.
So, while these practices may be the talk of the town, they are far from new to us at Blindspot Vineyard and on Mt Etna.