Clone of June, 2023
We survived our trip to Croatia. We had the time of our lives! It doesn’t get much better than that. As you know, Croatia is directly across the Adriatic from Italy, so both countries have a lot in common. At one time, Croatia could have been called a suburb of Italy. We had a great time inside Diocletian’s Palace, his retirement palace! He was one of the few Roman emperors who survived his term. The Croatian wines have reached the point of being exceptional. What a surprise they were. Even the vines want to be free.
Back in our Italian vineyard in Los Alamos, the vines are growing larger than normal due to the massive rains of the winter. In most cases that’s good news, but some adjustments are required for excessive growth. Harvest might be a couple of weeks late this year. We are having cool weather during bloom. With these strong vines, we could have some complications like irregular fruit set. Farming has a hard time being normal.
2021 Sole Bianco: This is our version of “taste good” white, the result of our journey through the winery to discover which white wines would make the best-tasting wines at an every day price - great for you volume drinkers! Best served cold, this one goes well with anything in the kitchen.
Freisa: At one time, almost a few hundred years ago, Freisa was the most prolific variety in Italy. In California, I can’t tell you of anyone else who grows it. Our little parcel in Los Alamos consists of five rows. In the past, we have made it Rosso Dolce style, meaning “sweet red”, but even then, the huge tannin structure tamed it down. With this one, I asked Megan to make it without the residual sugar to give you a chance to see this variety under normal conditions. I like it. It has bigness but, at the same time, is full-bodied and with a nice nose and good flavors. I wonder why this variety is not grown more widely.
2019 Nebbiolo: A nice wine, but not your traditional Nebbiolo. It has a new world facelift. Normally more orange in color, this one took on a deeper purple hue. Close your eyes and don’t miss your mouth! I blame a midnight ghost in our winery. He or she was probably an Italian-American. Now, if you’re confused by this, that makes two of us. Enjoy this wine - a new experience!
It’s hard for me to talk about the Harvest Party, but it’s coming! There is so much to do before then. You’d think Andy and Anjie would help me! To all of you wannabe wine cruisers, the Croatia trip was just a great experience. The people, the friendships, the fun, and the wine - we are blessed.