28 June 2011

Planning

The old saying goes:  No planning means planning to fail.
This is true of just about anything, including and especially true of, winemaking.  This past semester, I wrote a technical report on winemaking, future tense.  It was not an all encompassing thesis on winemaking, but just on one wine that I want to make.  It is extensive.  Twelve pages and not too much white space.  It did include the use of new (to me) products/technology.  When you are thinking of what to make this season, then think about what you have done and what you want to do better.  Then do some research to find a way of attaining those goals.  This will go a long way in making better wine.  Remember this is the time to do that research.  I would suggest starting at the links page of www.nys-homewine.info.  Don't worry about getting to the "right site" immediately, as one can find some interesting things before finding what one needs, along the way.  

26 June 2011

New York State Fair Home Wine Competition 2011

When I judged the NYS Fair Home Wine Competition there were TOO many fizzy wines.  OK, I know that the deadline for entering wine was far too early, but you really should de-gas your wines before bottling.  It can easily mean the difference between getting a medal or not.  If a wine is not de-gassed then you can easily drop a medal.  I.e. a silver turns into a bronze, or you drop off the medal scale completely (no medal).  Why? Simple.  The entrained carbon dioxide mutes the flavor and nose.  You just don't want to present a wine judge with wine in that condition, if you want the best medal you can get.  Right?
You don't have to worry as much about an early entry deadline for next year.  From what I have heard.  It looks to be in July, but keep an eye out at the NYS Fair website after the first of next year.
Also tell all of your New York state home winemaking friends that the competition has been judged, so they don't bring competition wine to the New York State Home Wine Seminar, 13AUG2011 in Rochester.  We really hate to tell winemakers that they are too late.