Piedmont Vineyard Update

[piedmont_phil]

Hello folks, apologies for not posting in so long. Another helter skelter year screaming along!

The vineyards are looking on good condition for the forthcoming growing season and we have seen bud break on all vine varieties over the past few weeks. The 4 year old barbera d'asti vines are particularly vigorous at the moment and are well ahead of the old growth barbera (which is now 49 years old).

We drafted in a couple of volunteers to help with the tying down of the pruned vines this year, our mature vine count is now a little over 15,000, so all tasks have to start earlier and last longer. As part of our routine maintenance we replace something like 150 to 250 vines per year so this Easter weekend has been one of weeding around the baby vines planted last year, and preparing the soil for thrusting new vines into the ground this coming week.

[Sally Donaldson]

Phil Hi, What was the alcohol content of the wine last autumn we had to guess???

[piedmont_phil]

Ahh - I thought I had announced that - sorry. 13.8% - who claims the prize?

[Sally Donaldson]

Ah maybe you did!!! I have a sneaky suspicion I know that might be!!! lol Did they receive it and more importantly have they drunk it yet??? Maybe whoever would like to auction their prize for The Italymag Fund??? £5 per entry then raffle it on a draw???

[Lollita]

Sally, I don't want to sound like a nag, but you are promoting the Italymag fund and Save the Children (which I have been committed to for 25 years, and yes they are fantastic) It's a bit confusing

Could you make your mind up, please

[Sally Donaldson]

Ah I thought actually it was someone else but it seems Jinty was the first to suggest and was the closest. patch2277 a few posts later also suggested the same. They were 0.1 out at 13.7. Over to you Phil to get in touch with them. Two prizes I think of that lovely wine and take it from there ..... I hope you manage to touch base with them!!!.

http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/gar...inemaking.html

[sueflauto]

Originally Posted by piedmont_phil

Ahh - I thought I had announced that - sorry. 13.8% - who claims the prize?

ME!!!!

"Hmm, Barbera Superiore has to be 12.5 and sounds like you've done a fair bit better than that. My choice has gone, so I'll go a bit higher:

13.8"

[Sally Donaldson]

Sorry and congratulations Sue - Missed that end figure whilst skimming the thread!!! Apologies too to Jinty and patch2277 for raising their hopes.

[sueflauto]

I can't even remember if there was a prize ... but the kudos, the kudos... I do drink an awful lot of Barbera though... :-)

[piedmont_phil]

Congratulations sueflauto!

I am more than happy to send you a little of our wonderful wine :-) Drop me a PM with details of where I can ship it to.

Best:Dancing_big grin: