Happenings at TWC
Blended Wines – Why and How?
A fascinating article in WineMakerMag about Wine Blending Partners written by Chik Brenneman, former winemaker for the UC-Davis Dept. of Viticulture and Enology, caught my attention because there are so many blended wines in Texas, and also in the rest of the wine world, for that matter. As pointed out in the referenced article, “Blending accomplishes several goals in winemaking . . . . improve flavor, mouthfeel, cover a defect, balance the chemical profile, adjust the alcohol content, emulate a commercial wine you enjoy or simply for product consistency.” Hidden in these reasons is what I like to call “insurance in the vineyard.” Certain grape varieties will do better (or worse) depending on vintage conditions (weather) and having several varieties of grapes planted can really help the winemaker produce a much better wine by blending based on qualities of the various components available. And, making a better wine is the key point, right? Continue »
Dec 8, 2020 at 5:50 PM
Permalink
Celebrating the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It’s safe to say that not one of us would choose to live through 2020 a second time. Once was certainly more than enough. Despite the challenges that this year has presented, here at 4.0, we’re choosing to end the year on a high note because we know that we still have much to celebrate, including our tasty wines, our fabulous club members and customers, and our fun teammates. Continue »
Dec 2, 2020 at 9:00 AM
Permalink
4.0 Cellars – Carl’s Corner Thanksgiving Edition 2020
This COVID-19 Virus issue is really getting in the way of things, and now it is causing many to consider either limiting Thanksgiving holiday gatherings, or forego them altogether. That’s frustrating for me since gathering with family and friends at Thanksgiving is one of the most treasured and time-honored traditions we have in the United States of America. And, it is really my favorite holiday. Continue »
Nov 23, 2020 at 2:22 PM
Permalink
Sharing Our Plenty
Six months ago, it would have been impossible to imagine the energy we’re feeling at 4.0 Cellars these days. At that time, we’d been closed down for a few weeks and were trying to find ways to open safely and according to TABC and state guidelines. We were getting creative, testing e-commerce strategies, making use of online platforms to connect with our members and customers, and generally, finding ways to stay busy. Continue »
Nov 18, 2020 at 11:22 AM
Permalink
Ester Aromas & Flavors in Wine
Wines can exhibit a number of wonderful aromas and flavors that result from tiny quantities of chemical compounds created in the grape growing or winemaking processes. Modern science has greatly improved our understanding of the chemical or biological processes that create these aroma and flavor compounds, and essentially all of them found in wine have been identified and categorized through advanced analytical capability. This Carl’s Corner was influenced by two informative articles (1,2) and focuses on the role that a special group of compounds, known as esters, play in both winemaking and our enjoyment of wine. Continue »
Nov 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Permalink
Now We Really Can Rosé All Day!
My husband and I have spent many hours in the past two months poring over interior design and furniture websites. While I’m certainly no designer and my husband surely would prefer to spend his time doing many other things, lately we’ve both felt compelled to change our home environment. Continue »
Nov 4, 2020 at 11:50 AM
Permalink
November Wine Club Selections
It’s holiday time, again, and that, along with cooler weather, is exciting. Although Corona virus issues linger on, winery tasting rooms are more open now and visitation has significantly increased as folks just need to get out and have some sort of entertainment and social interaction. 4.0 Cellars has enjoyed a busy and exciting October, and is now preparing for the November Wine Club releases and pick-up events. These November, 2020, Wine Club pick-up events will resemble those held in September with limited attendance (reservation only) and following Social Distancing guidelines. Continue »
Oct 28, 2020 at 5:52 PM
Permalink
Wining and Dining Our Way Into Fall
If you read my posts, then you know that that I prefer some of our 4.0 events over others. Basically, if an event involves dogs and/or food, then I’m all in…because wine is already assumed. Though it lacks dogs, Wine & Dine remains one of my favorites. Continue »
Oct 21, 2020 at 11:12 AM
Permalink
Natural vs Cultured Yeasts
Winemakers today are talking about and using natural or indigenous yeasts for fermentation of their grapes, this topic seemed appropriate for a Carl’s Corner discussion. Making wine requires yeast, and there are two sources available to the winemaker, commercially developed cultured yeasts from various supply companies, and natural, wild, or native yeasts that cling to grape and equipment surfaces, or just fly through the air in and around the vineyard and winery. Continue »
Oct 12, 2020 at 2:38 PM
Permalink
Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids: Costumes, Candy, Traditions, and Wine!
Halloween was a big deal when I was growing up. Our street included several families with children, and each year, my family hosted our neighborhood Halloween party. About six families would gather in our garage to compare costumes, share snacks, and play games involving gross-feeling stuff like cold spaghetti and wet olives. And then, all the parents would send us kids out to hit up our other neighbors for candy (and let the “adult party” begin). There were LOTS of houses to hit up. Our Halloweens lasted late into the night, and always ended with a mega candy swap during which I got rid of anything containing coconut. Continue »
Oct 7, 2020 at 1:01 PM
Permalink