Racking & Barrel Tasting, Times Two

Hello all.

Racking Sessions starts next week. The "Super Rioja" blend (Barrel #21-09 Lodi Tempranillo 65%, Carignane 10%, Cabernet 25%) is scheduled for 5PM Wednesday, March 3rd and the "Cal Barolo" (Amador Nebbiolo 100%) is set for 7PM on Thursday, March 4th.

I will send out a Meeting Wizard email to get an idea on who's coming when; I'll be sure to set it up so that you'll get a view of who else is attending. If we are inclined for a racking picnic event, the 7PM time for the March 4th date looks best.

Background from Bacchus: We've now reached the next phase of your winemaking process. Racking is the third step and supports the purification and refinement of your maturing wines. The racking process occurs after malolactic fermentation (where tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer-tasting lactic acid.) is complete. We rack off (pump) the still wine above the lees (spent yeast, sediment and solids). The wine is then pumped into another barrel. The first barrel gets cleaned and the new barrel gets topped off and sulfited, then the wine is left to continue to age, soften and mature over time. Racking is not a mandatory process, it is not critical for you to attend when your barrel is being racked. This process takes approximately 15 minutes.

In addition, the Bacchus Barrel Tasting and Membership Drive will be this Friday, February 26th, from 6 p.m - 10 p.m and Saturday, February 27th, from noon - 5 p.m. Bring friends, family and any acquaintances that have an interest in finding out more about Bacchus Winemaking Club. The barrel tastings are an opportunity for you to taste and see where your wine is at and try other available wines. Share the "Bacchus Experience" with your family and friends. They can find out what it takes to become a member, share in your wines or pick additional wines if you choose. If anyone takes out a new membership, be sure to mention me (Dennis) as a referral.