Seeds & Stems (Plus an extra special event announcement!)

Grapes aren’t just made of sweet pulp that creates the nectar of the Gods. They’ve got skins, seeds, and stems too. This week we discuss what winemakers can do with the stemmy structures holding a bunch together. Referred to as whole cluster fermentation or simply, stem inclusion, it is a decision that can have substantial effects on the outcome of the wine.

Also, do not miss out on our upcoming event with Wine Cult! Details for the wine party of the season below…

Stems & All- What is whole cluster fermentation?

With harvest on the horizon, we wanted to dive into a popular fermentation method that you’ve likely heard of and tasted before - whole cluster fermentation.

Sometimes referred to as “stem inclusion,” the method is executed exactly as it sounds. When making a wine, a machine called a “destemmer” will remove as many of the stems from the clusters as possible. The winemaker may decide to bypass the destemmer step, and instead allow the stems, seeds, and grapes to marry together during the fermentation process.

The reason for doing so usually comes down to the flavor profile a winemaker is seeking to create. It may often contribute to the complexity of a wine as well. Whole cluster fermentation will lower the acidity and pull some color out of a wine once it is bottled, so it should be used with discretion. The texture of the wine is also affected, with a fuller bodied mouth feel. Some common characteristics of whole cluster wines include vegetal notes (think bell pepper), pepper, or earth notes (think cinnamon or mushroom).

Whole cluster fermentation typically works with specific varietals, due to the flavor profile that is imparted from the stems. Pinot Noir, Syrah, Gamay, and Grenache are the most popular varietals that will benefit from stem inclusion (our personal favorite being pinot). Since stem inclusion imparts more tannins into the wine, varietals that are already inherently tannic, like Cabernet Sauvignon, are less commonly treated with whole cluster fermentation.

Choosing to destem or to produce a wine whole cluster is not an all or nothing affair. Many wines will only be partial stem inclusion, which just makes things more interesting! We’re big fans of the whole cluster fermentation technique, so next time you’re out shopping for some wines ask for varying amounts of stem inclusion and see if you can taste the difference!

Uncorked

Wildflower Winery Good Intentions Sangiovese

Wildflower Winery makes wonderful, low intervention wines! This organic Sangiovese comes from Mira Laguna Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. It was produced using 2/3 stem inclusion! This yields a high tannin wine that was then aged in neutral French oak for 9 months. It was unfiltered, with only minimal sulfites added before bottling.

Nose: tobacco, tomato leaf

Palette: dark cherry

Pairs well with: harissa grilled chicken

Available at: Sunburst Wine Bar in Carpinteria

Wildflower Winery A Little Something Viognier

This low alcohol Viognier comes from Brick Barn Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. These grapes were harvested by hand, at night and were destemmed and pressed the same day. This is an example of a wine made by the same producer as the previous, but without any stem inclusion. The decision not to use any whole clusters in the fermentation, along with aging in stainless steel, has resulted in a crisp and light easy drinking summer white.

Nose: apricot

Palette: honeysuckle, white peach, fresh herbs

Pairs well with: Pad Thai

Available at: Sunburst Wine Bar in Carpinteria

If you liked either of the bottle highlights this week, keep your eye out for our future issue featuring an interview with the winemaker, Natalie Albertson!

What’s happening?

• Firestone Friday Night Live: On Friday, August, 4th you can dance to the T-Bone Ramblers with food and wine available for purchase. Attendance is free and VIP tables can be booked ahead of time, otherwise it’s first come, first serve… B.Y.O.B.C. (Bring your own beach chair)

• Wine Tasting with Gambal Work: Meritage Wine Market keeps the winemaker tasting series rolling with a Gambal Work tasting this week. Sourcing grapes from all across the Sta. Rita Hills, you can expect to taste through some great pinot noir and chardonnay. Entry is free on Saturday, August 5th.

• Fiesta at Sunstone Winery: Live music, paella, and street tacos will be served at Sunstone Winery from August 4th-6th to celebrate fiesta. There’s no additional cost outside a tasting, but reservations are recommended.

• Wine and Fire 2023: We’re giving some advance notice for the Wine and Fire event series taking place from August 17th - 20th all across the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara. From barn parties to bubbles tastings, there is a lot to look forward. Tickets for events start at $75.

Special Event: Wine Cult x Up in the Valley

If you caught our recent issue interviewing Wine Cult, then you already know they are a wine club that promotes unique and sustainable wines. We are super stoked to be teaming up with Wine Cult for a cellar raid and blind tasting event on Friday, August 11th from 6-8 p.m!

Attendance is free and location will be revealed upon RSVP (linked here). Wine by the glass will be available for purchase and tastings will run at $20. You can expect live music, prizes, and more!

We hope to see you there, cheers!

Issue #12