Bob,
funny you should mention the recommendation to the compebreastion.
Confused about hydrometerI buttume that you are referring to determining alcohol level when you refer to the hydrometer below. There are several methods of determining alcohol level but the primary one...
It isn't the local winery that is the compebreastion here, they all produce similar wines from the same vinefera in the same region.
Some blend their wines differently, and some market a bit differently. There are 5 wineries in the immediate area, and about 20-25 within a 2 hour drive. The 5 locals: Presque Isle, Arrowhead, Mazza, Heritage, and Penn Shore are all in the same small market competing against the big business, the "state store" and the mbutt marketed, mbutt produced west coast commercial wines.
It is nothing for Doug or another of his counterparts to recommend the other local wineries because it is about the qualities and uniqueness of the local varietals that is their foundation. I happened to be in PI one day when a customer was absolutely appaled by a wine he purchased at Heritage. It was played down by PI as "cork taint" and that it can happen to anyone, and if they're lucky, only one in 500 or a thousand bottles. At this, he said to buy a bottle of theirs and then go back and taste-buy a couple from the other winery, to not get discouraged by one bad bottle.
MLF, Oak, Chardonnay, evOak staves QuestionsGood Evening- I've been speaking to a few people here privately around oaking different wines and upon their advice have purchased some Stavin cubes, medium and medium + toasts...
hydroponic viticulture updateBob, Last year the vines were less than half the size. This years growth is vigorous. Last year I had powdery mildew. this year, nothing. Day time temperatures are...
It is this comraderie that keeps everyone in the local spirit of the local wines. Well, that and the fall harvest and wine fest.
Google this. North East chamber of commerce. follow the "wine fest" links.
I go to this every year and just talk, learn, taste, and enjoy the local wines.
There are some fabulous wines from this region, my favories are the Chamborcin, and the Catawba. There are many other blends using the concord and niagara, and I have had quite good success using even Welch's concentrates of the latter two. I purchased 6 gallons of Chamborcin juice last year from PI, and though not aged enough yet, I can't keep my hands off of the bottles. I can't wait to get more.
I'm rambling.... if you want to know more about our local wines-wineries here, let me know here and I'll get you an email address somehow
Greg, Erie, PA
