First Picks of Harvest '23

Harvest is here, for some that is. This week has been a week of first picks for vintage ‘23 and also a week of, “Maybe in a few more days.” In this week’s issue learn what goes into the decision of when to make that first pick and all the picks after that too! We also have a fun side by side comparison of two seemingly similar Sauvignon Blancs!

To pick or not to pick?

As harvest approaches, winery workers are breaking out their Ziploc bags and gardening sheers to sample vineyards. Once those samples are crushed into juice, there are two main measurements to be paying attention to: brix and TA (total acid).

Brix are a measurement of sugar content, which is what is converted to alcohol during the fermentation process. Acid is necessary to achieve a balanced taste and ward off bacteria. As the grapes ripen the sugar levels will go up and the acid levels will go down. Finding that perfect moment to pick is both a science and a stylistic choice.

Vineyard specs can also affect the timing of picks. For example, the direction the vines face affects the amount of direct sunlight that grapes receive. The soil type affects the amount of water retention amongst the vines. And the weather a particular vineyard has experienced can be a huge deciding factor as well. This year’s harvest along the central coast has started later than recent years due to mild summer temperatures, heavy fog, and some unseasonal late rain. The grapes just haven’t ripened up at the expected pace yet.

Lastly, there are general varietal differences to consider. Some varietals are going to be early ripening varietals, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Others are late harvest picks, such as Cabernets, Zinfandel, and Syrah. Seems like vintage ‘23 is kicking off with mostly Sauvignon Blanc here on the central coast!

Uncorked

Since Sauvignon Blanc has been a popular central coast first pick this harvest, we thought we’d show off a side by side comparison of two Sauvignon Blancs from the exact same vineyard and vintage. It’s lovely to see how two winemakers approached the same grapes from differing perspectives. The result is two uniquely, delicious bottles of Sauvi B. Go pick up a bottle of each and try a side by side tasting for yourself!

Grassini Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Grassini Family Vineyards is located in Happy Canyon, which is the warmest area of the Santa Ynez Valley. This makes for perfect Sauvignon Blanc growing weather. This Sauvignon Blanc is a tropical, acid driven wine that is aged in stainless steel. Winemaker, Bradley Long, leans towards a traditional Bordeaux style approach when crafting Grassini’s wines.

Nose: lime zest, melon

Palette: pineapple, coconut

Pairs well with: sushi…CA roll anyone?

Available at: Grassini Family Vineyards Estate tasting room or downtown Santa Barbara tasting room, aboard the Double Dolphin cruises in Santa Barbara

Future Perfect Sauvignon Blanc

Nicknamed the “breakfast wine” for good reason, this wine also comes from the Grassini Family Vineyards in Happy Canyon. It is aged for 6 months in neutral french oak and is a high acid, low alcohol Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker, Sunny Doench Stricker, has a fresh approach to winemaking. As you can probably guess from her labels, she loves all things sparkly and soulful.

Nose: passionfruit, honeysuckle

Palette: guava, melon

Pairs well with: We’re sticking with the breakfast theme and pairing this wine with avocado toast or a bagel with lox.

Available at: Future Perfect tasting room in Los Olivos

What’s happening?

• Jazz Night at Carhartt: It’s jazz night at Carhartt this Thursday, September 7th from 5PM - 7PM. Grab a glass and pull up a chair in the Carhartt cabin.

• Buddy’s Wine Block Party: This Friday, September 8th starting at 5PM, chow down on some BBQ from Lofi BBQ in Ventura and sip on some wine with a DJ in the background. Best part is it’s free to attend!

• Cairjn Winery Takeover: Taste through Cairjn Wines full lineup at Saints Barrel in San Luis Obispo on Thursday, September 7th from 5PM - 9PM. There’s no additional cost to the event aside from the tasting flight.

• Regal Wines Tasting at Meritage Wine Market: Meritage Wine Market’s winemaker series continues this week, hosting Regal Wines. Event is free to attend and will be on Saturday, September 9th from 2PM - 4PM.

Cheers!

Issue #16