Happenings at TWC
Warehouse Elves
For many, February is a special month. First, it’s short, so we can almost begin to see spring off in the distance if we squint our eyes. Second, we all get to engage in the annual groundhog conversation: “What does it mean again when he sees his shadow? More winter or less winter?” Third, it’s when some of us shed our resolutions and get back into our regular (and more confortable) grooves. Fourth, for those in love, Valentine’s brings a concrete, Hallmark-endorsed reason to celebrate it. And you may not know it, but there are folks who celebrate “Jello Week” during February. Continue »
Feb 20, 2019 at 7:00 AM
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Cinsault Variety Update, 2019
Cinsault (sin-SOH or san-SOH) or Cinsaut (without the “l”) has become an important contributor to the grape variety portfolio of Texas winegrowers and winemakers. Because Cinsault is heat and drought tolerant, it can be grown in most Texas wine regions, especially the Texas High Plains AVA. Cinsault produces relatively large grapes with dark skins which typically translates into medium-bodied, modestly colored red wines with a softer, less tannic character. With its softness, fresh fruit aromas, and spicy flavors, Cinsault is often used to produce easy-drinking rosé wines and as a blending grape with other varieties, like Grenache, Carignan (care-in-yawn), Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Continue »
Feb 15, 2019 at 9:42 AM
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Welcome to the 4.0 Cellar Scoop!
Welcome to the 4.0 Cellar Scoop! While Carl Hudson’s articles share useful and interesting details about the wines and varietals that we feature at 4.0 and about winemaking in general, I’m going to be sharing an insider’s look “behind the scenes” at 4.0. Who are we? What makes 4.0 special? And what are we up to these days? You’ll find it all here…. Continue »
Feb 6, 2019 at 7:00 AM
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Wine Club February, 2019
Happy New Year! As is typical for this time of the year, Texas weather is weird. One day it is spring, the next is winter, always bringing some confusion as to how to dress for any given activity. Well, there are several activities on the horizon at 4.0 Cellars as February Wine Club Release parties are scheduled for Sundays 3-Feb, 10-Feb, and 17-Feb. If you, as a Wine Club Member, would like to join the party and share time with lots of other club members, check the website (www.fourpointwine.com) and make your reservations. We would love to share your company, and remember that you can enjoy the 30% discount on wine purchases on-site on Club Sundays or online during the week-days in between. Continue »
Jan 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM
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Oak Barrels & Oak Alternatives
Over two years ago, now, a four-part series of Carl’s Corners were posted covering many details of the use of oak barrels in wine production and aging. Since much Texas wine, especially reds, from the 2018 vintage is resting comfortably in oak barrels this winter, it seems a good time for an update on oak and wine. Continue »
Jan 16, 2019 at 1:11 PM
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Fortified Port-style Dessert Wines
Those of you who have visited or even driven by 4.0 Cellars probably noticed grape vines growing along Hwy 290, in front of the three Logo tanks at the entrance to the tasting room and patio area. These are Black Spanish, or Lenoir vines, a hybrid grape that grows well in the hot, more humid climates of Texas. The vines were planted in 2013 by folks from Lost Oak Winery, one of our owner/partners, and were intended to be a “show” vineyard, a garden really, so that visitors could see and appreciate grapevines. Continue »
Jan 3, 2019 at 9:40 AM
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End of the Year 2018
This will be the last Carl’s Corner for 2018, and I would like to reflect on the topics covered during this fun-filled year. In January there was a post on Wintertime in the Vineyard highlighting the many tasks required of a vineyard manager during this period of vine dormancy. Following a growers’ panel at the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) Grape Camp event in Fredericksburg, Vermentino – Quality White Grape in Texas was posted to describe why Texas growers and winemakers are having such success with this hearty variety. Leading up to the 4.0 Cellars Wine Club Pick-up Events in February, the subject for Carl’s Corner was the wines for the first release of 2018. Continue »
Dec 19, 2018 at 8:39 AM
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Crazy Wine Questions
“When do they add the cherries (blueberries, tobacco, vanilla, etc.) to the wine?” This question is often asked after tasting room visitors read the tasting descriptions for wines they are offered. The answer is relatively simple, but may not be totally satisfying to a customer. Most fruit and other flavors found in wines are generally produced naturally during the fermentation process via yeast conversion of sugars to alcohol and a number of minor by-products that results in the myriad flavors wines can offer. Other flavors are derived during the aging process, especially from toasted oak barrels or alternatives. It is always fun for winemakers to go through the winemaking process and see what aromas and flavors result from their efforts. Continue »
Dec 5, 2018 at 7:00 AM
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Wine Club November, 2018
The weather has changed here in Texas as temperatures are dropping along with leaves from the trees. We have endured the heavy rains, and occasional flooding in October. It is now time for fall weather and another 4.0 Cellars Wine Club Release. The Wine Club Pickup Parties are scheduled on Sundays: 4-Nov, 11-Nov, & 18-Nov. If you Wine Club Members would like to join the party and share time with lots of other club members, check the website (www.fourpointwine.com) and make your reservations. We would love to share your company. Remember that you can enjoy a 30% discount on wine purchases, on-site during Club Sundays or online during the two weeks in between. Continue »
Nov 7, 2018 at 7:00 AM
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Mac & Cheese - Comfort Food Extraordinaire
The delicious raw milk cheeses from Veldhuizen Cheese Farm in Dublin, Texas, available at 4.0 Cellars, continue to tempt me to prepare my favorite comfort food, Macaroni and Cheese. These Veldhuizen cheeses are part of the Texas Cheese and Wine Experience offered at 4.0 Cellars. These pairings include 5 different cheeses with 5 wines (usually 2 white and 3 red) from the 4.0 Cellars winery partners: Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery and McPherson Cellars. The pairings are guided by a knowledgeable 4.0 staff member, and normally last about 45-50 minutes. Advanced reservations are required and are typically limited to 12 people for each session, regularly scheduled at 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm daily, plus private sessions typically scheduled at 4:00 pm or after. Continue »
Oct 24, 2018 at 7:00 AM
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