Happenings at TWC
Frost Protection for Texas Grapes – 2019 Update
In April, 2017, following a trip to the Texas High Plains, Carl’s Corner addressed the topic of protection for grapes from spring frosts and methods available to mitigate freeze damage to young vine tissue and grapes. Texas in general, especially the High Plains, is noted for turbulent and unpredictable weather that often brings frigid temperatures soon after bud break when grapevines are most susceptible to frost damage. Just in the past week or so we have experienced overnight temperatures in the low twenty-degree range here in the Texas Hill Country. This has raised serious concerns for not only grapevines but peach trees, too. Posts on Facebook and Instagram have highlighted these concerns, and just in the past few days limited information has become available about the damage that was or was not observed. More on this part later. Continue »
Mar 13, 2019 at 7:00 AM
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4.0 Events 101
Anyone who’s been in Fredericksburg for, say, a week knows that this town is “eventful.” There’s always something going on. Take October, for example. The first weekend is Oktoberfest, and then the other weekends offer up Mesquite Fest, Best Fest, and Food and Wine Fest. And if there happens to be a fifth weekend in October, I’m sure that some fest is offered then, too. Continue »
Mar 6, 2019 at 8:12 AM
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Mourvèdre – Warm Weather Wonder
Mourvèdre (moor-ved), also known as Mataró or Monastrell, is an important grape in the warm, arid regions of Texas. It was back in 2016 when this grape was last discussed on these pages, so it’s time for an update. Mourvèdre is also grown throughout warm weather areas of Europe, especially along the Mediterranean Coast of Spain and France. There are plantings in Australia and other parts of the U.S., but the biggest current impact from Mourvèdre is here in the Lone Star State. Many styles of wine are made from Mourvèdre, ranging from rosés to lighter reds, and from dark, full-bodied reds to port-style wines. Continue »
Feb 27, 2019 at 8:19 AM
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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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