The Atwater Times - August 2019
Dog Days are approaching; you must, therefore, make both hay and haste while the Sun shines, for when old Sirius takes command of the weather, he is such an unsteady, crazy dog, there is no dependence upon him.
–The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1817
The brightest star in the sky, Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was known by the ancient Greek and Romans to usher in the “dog days” when it seemed to rise just before the sun. As the phrase was translated into English from Latin about five hundred years ago, myriad folk meanings were attached, including the idea of long, hot summer days or hot dogs lounging on the ground for relief from the heat.
This year, dog days begin when Sirius makes its first morning rise in mid-August. Whatever the original meaning of dog days, we’re happy to celebrate them every day in our dog-friendly tasting room.
IN THE VINEYARD
Pinot Noir grapes hand cultivated by our vineyard staff
Our vineyard staff continues to position shoots and pull leaves so the sun and breeze can penetrate the canopy and reduce disease pressure. Veraison has started and during this time some of the fruit is naturally dropped. Although we give careful attention to the growth on the vines throughout the growing season, when grapes are at 75-90% veraison, we make final adjustments by pruning clusters that won't properly ripen, show a certain percentage of hard green grapes within the bunch, or have total green bunches in red varietals. This ensures that the remaining grapes receive more nutrients and sugars from the roots and that the entire vine stays healthy.
VERAISON
A stage in the ripening process of grapes or olives. It is the relatively short period during which the firm, green berries begin to soften and change color. It's the start of each grape taking on the characteristics and personality of their specific varietal.
Here you see a cluster of our Chancellor grapes in veraison.
WINE CELLAR UPDATES
Since harvest begins next month, we use this relatively quiet period to get ready for the arrival of grapes on the press deck by cleaning and checking barrels for leaks, organizing the cellar, and inspecting and maintaining the equipment. Vinny and George will also be bottling the 2018 Cabernet Franc, one of our bestselling varieties. Until it is ready for the tasting room, enjoy our 2017 vintage which was just awarded DOUBLE GOLD at the 34th Annual New York Wine Classic.
Riesling 2015
"Sunny, bright aromas of peach, pineapple and tangerine jump from the glass in this late-release Riesling. Semidry in style, it is succulent and juicy yet shows wonderful grip and tension to balance all those tropical- and stone-fruit flavors. Drink now for immediate enjoyment."
90 points, Editors' Choice / Wine Enthusiast
PURCHASE NOW
Navone Vineyards Riesling 2015
Wine Club Exclusive Pre-Release
"Aromas of candied lemon peel, yellow blossoms and a slightly savory note translate to the medium-bodied palate. This is lightweight and delicate in feel, with a well-honed mineral edge guiding the mix of citrus and white-fruit flavors on the lingering finish."
90 points, Editors' Choice / Wine Enthusiast
You can receive exclusives and library wines such as this special early release by joining the Atwater's Edge Wine Club.
FROM THE TASTING ROOM
Our delicious peach Bellinis are crafted with fruit grown locally at Wickam’s Tango Oaks Farm, just two miles north of Atwater. For a delightful afternoon outing, visit their U-pick farm or farmer’s stand and then join us on our deck for a relaxing cocktail or bottle of wine. To make a peach Bellini at home, place two ounces of peach puree in a glass and top with chilled Bubble Riesling. Garnish with your choice of whole berries.
ATWATER AFTER HOURS
Don't forget out Atwater After Hours where you can sample those lovely Peach Bellinis.
Now through Columbus Weekend, Thursday - Sun, 5:00 p.m. to sunset
More info: Atwater After Hours
WINE CLUB
This month, our staff is preparing the first shipment of our newly redesigned the Atwater’s Edge Wine Club. As always, the club provides members with the finest selection of wines, including exclusive, early release (for instance the current featured wine, Dry Riesling Navone Vineyards 2015), and library vintages at a member discount, shipped quarterly. Additionally, the club includes opportunities for special member-only benefits and events such as quarterly pick-up parties, an annual club dinner, and one-of-a-kind experiences in our vineyard and with our winemakers. The primary difference with our redesigned club is that we have introduced three levels of membership: Selene (moon), with three bottles each quarter, Gaia (earth), with six, and Helios (sun), with twelve.
We hope you will join our ever-expanding club family! More information about member benefits and club policies can be found on our website where you can also sign up for membership.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WINE CLUB
Amanda, our Wine Club Concierge, lovingly packs each box sent to our club members. She and the rest of the Atwater team are dedicated to giving you superior customer service as a valued member of our wine-loving community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit our Calendar of Events