September 23, 2011

How I spent my 33rd Birthday.

It was an exciting day because my Birthday happened to fall on the same day we picked the Rocche vineyard. The day was long and we didn't finish until after 9pm but that did not stop us from enjoying a  bottle or two of celebratory bubbles in Alba. I can't wait until it is released and I get to drink the 2011 Vietti Rocche, Barolo. 

Drenched in wine after draining the tank.


 Rocche (nebbiolo) grapes arriving on the sorting table.


 After we pressed a tank of Barbera it was time to shovel the pomace into plastic containers. The pomace  will be delivered to a local distillery and made into grappa.


 After a much needed shower it was out for some drinks with friends and HD. 

September 20, 2011

Some more pictures from the harvest.

 Not too shabby of a view!


 Picking Scarrone vineyard.


 Barbera


 Barbera Vigna Vecchia.


HD with a beard and hair. Who would of thunk!


Armed and dangerous!

September 4, 2011

Harvesting Dolcetto.

After many hours of handpicking grapes, we arrive back at the winery to begin the magical process of making wine. 
One of many trucks that will arrive with grapes harvested this morning.


dolcetto grapes.


HD drops the grapes into the vibratory table.


The sorting table.


 
Up the conveyor belt to be destemmed and crushed.


 The grape must goes into the tank.


 Filling up the tank with the grape must.


The view is spectacular up here!


The babo is used to check the brix. Brix is a measurement of the amount of sugar in a liquid. The sugars will convert to alcohol during fermentation.