Still on antibiotics for a few days yet (I’m fine now, not the ‘rona or anything), but no drinksies. So let’s see what’s going on in the world of wine news.
Cabernet Franc Is Reclaiming Its Place in the Wine World. Here Are 4 Stellar Bottles to Buy Now.
I wasn’t aware cabernet franc had ever lost its place in the wine world, but you’ll be glad to know it’s back from whence it had been.
If New Jersey has a signature red, cabernet franc would be it. It grows well throughout the state, the fruit remains bright, and it’s got great acidity. Check out some other reviews of cab franc I’ve done in the past.
Wine Country growers brace for possible weekend freeze
More weather whipsawing back and forth for California wine growers. Soaking rains and flooding have helped bring the state back from dire drought conditions, but now there’s a frost warning for this coming weekend.
…Frost can hurt vines that have just started to bud. But that short term concern may be washed down by some very good news for the California wine industry.
"When you've got water coming out of the sky it's a lot easier than having to have it trucked in," laughed Rod Santos, General Manager at William Harrison Vineyards & Winery in Saint Helena.
Santos is currently waiting for the season to bust out of these dormant vines.
"Those little nodules here where the green growth will pop out in a relatively short amount of time," he said, pointing to the pruned vines. "Next month."
If the vines are already budding, frost can be very bad news.
"It depends on where you are, just in terms of the little microclimates," he told KPIX. "We've had some cold evenings, and that's going to be a concern if you've already got some green growth."
When it rains, it pours…and sometimes freezes the buds on your vines. Phew.
I can’t let this one go. This dude wrote a rambling column about his new favorite pen, the Earth’s core spinning slower, and how he spilled wine on a dog.
…For example, I recently spilled wine on a dog. Through a cataclysmic combination of clumsiness and bad decisions, I doused the poor creature with at least six ounces of pristine pinot noir. It was an expensive bottle, so naturally I wrung it out of his fur and back into my glass, as any sophisticated oenophile would do. But I still suffer merciless mockery from its owner, along with debilitating private shame…
There’s a great many things in this post for which the author should suffer merciless mockery. Cute dog though.
What you do with your wine after spilling it on a dog is between you and your Deity of choice. I'm just saying I've seen the things my dog likes to lie on. Anything that lands on his back, it's his now.
And finally, speaking of wine and dogs:
You Can Drink Wine with Dogs at Peaceful Bend Winery in Missouri
Doesn’t that sound like an excellent time! Leashed dogs are welcome on the patio in warmer months. This pupper looks like he’s enjoying himself quite a bit.
If you'd like to find dog-friendly wineries closer to home, I recommend signing up for a free account on BringFido.com. I just plugged in my town and found four wineries and a brewery! Just use common sense: in nice weather, your dog will be one of many, so plan accordingly. Bring a bowl and water to keep them cool and refreshed. No peeing in the vineyards; that goes for your dog as well. And no matter how clever they are, your dog cannot be your designated driver.
Stay well and see you next week!