By this time of year, the flowers have bloomed and set fruit, and the vines are over half the distance they need to grow for a full canopy, which is usually about 40 inches tall.  Quality minded growers seek a canopy that’s reasonably full, but that you can see through just a little.  If there are many leaves that are shaded in the interior of the canopy, it’s a waste of plant energy because those leaves aren’t helping to ripen fruit.  They’re just sitting there, like a bump on a log, as my good mother says on occasion.  Also, they are not allowing the sun to shine on the fruit, which is important in controlled amounts.

Don’t forget we often have sandwiches, wraps, salads and cookies for a fun lunch alternative.  Enclosed are your Wine Club bottles.  This month’s wines for the Sweet Colorado Wine Club are:

Carlson Vineyards Gewurztraminer

Nice light bodied summer wine, this has floral and honey characters in the nose and the mouth.  Slightly but noticeably sweet, the wine exhibits that great, spicy varietal character that makes Gewurztraminer so distinctive.  Try this wine with Asian food or mild cheeses and fruits.  You can also have this all by itself if you are so inclined.

Bookcliff Vineyards Adagio

Here is another port styled wine that’s very drinkable.  Port is a fortified wine, meaning high proof grape spirit or brandy was added to stop the fermentation before all the sugar was converted to alcohol.  This one is a beautiful purple-pink color, is quite sweet enough for most people, and has lovely Italian plum flavors.  It was made from Black Muscat grapes.  Try it alone or with rich chocolate confections.

As always, enjoy the wines in good health!

Sincerely,

Glenn & Natalie Foster