Archive for September, 2010
The Best Grapes for Growing a Successful Vineyard
Under the California sunlight is not the only place where you can grow a successful vineyard. Nowadays, you can grow grapevines just about anywhere. Since grapevines are naturally adaptable, even areas with extreme climates are now considered suitable for grape growing. Beginners should start off with a grape variety that does particularly well in their particular area or growing zone.
When deciding on a grape variety, remember that your location will have everything to do with your grape growing experience. Did you know that a grape variety that is grown in California will taste much different than that same variety grown in France? That is because soil and weather conditions contribute to the wines specific personalities. You can find out which varieties of grapes grow well in your area by talking to local vintners.
Wine And Its Health Benefits
With its alcohol content, wine is sometimes frowned upon by conservative groups. However, the alcohol content in wine makes it beneficial instead. Its alcohol content is not a reason for wine to be avoided.
Instead, it’s the individual’s drinking habit which should be frowned upon if he goes way much beyond the limit. Researches done showed the healthful benefits of wine. For a safe and effective way to attain the healthful benefits of wine, men and women should follow the required number of glasses daily.
History of Wine
Wine production came about with the cultivation of grapes. During ancient times, wild grapes abound and were familiar to the people as shown by the ancient cave drawings of grape seeds. Grapes were later used as wine which in turn branched out to many uses in ancient society.
Wine was served and drank for the purposes of seduction, as a stimulant for courage during battles, reconciliation, sealing pacts, celebrating religious festivals and for rituals, etc. Grapes were first known to be grown domestically in Southern Caucasus and the Near East, especially in the Fertile Crescent area.
Ballentine Vineyards
Ballentine is a bit different than many of the other wineries I’ve featured from the St. Helena AVA for a couple of different reasons. To start, they make slightly more wine. Total production for the winery seems to hover at around seven thousand cases, which is hardly a big production operation but there are some nice side effects of having a winery with that level of production.
To start, Ballentine is still able to hand craft specific wines from small portions of their vineyard. They make, for Napa Valley, a reasonably priced small production Cabernet Sauvignon like many of their neighbors but they also make a variety of other varietals such as Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah.