We have spent the last 90 days pruning the grape vines and putting the finishing touches on the wines from last year, getting some ready to bottle and some to sell as bulk wine. The big news of the day is that the vines are waking up. Early varieties are out an inch or two, and late varieties are just pushing buds. We definitely could use more rain. We are at about 1/4 of normal with 4 inches instead of 15 inches. It is time for frost alert, which will last through May 15th.

I spent this weekend at a wine tasting in downtown Los Angeles at the Festival of Forgotten Grapes with 60 other wineries. Our wines were well received. The only Toccata wine I poured was the Moscato di Santa Barbara. People describe it as a fun wine, easy to drink, and great for summer. The low alcohol was an attraction. The Carménère and Malbec also received a lot of attention with remarks like “the best wines of the tasting”.

2022 Malvasia Bianca: Malvasia Bianca is similar to Muscat. To me, it has a little more floral character than Muscat Canelli. We also make it without the sweetness and call it “Secco”. It’s a fun wine and a flavorful experience.

2022 Pinot Noir: Santa Maria is one of the most outstanding places to grow Pinot Noir. This wine is a combination of our “High 9”, which is Clone 667, and our Pommard Clone, one of the early clones of California. These clones make full-bodied wines with great color and continually score in the 90-plus range. It is well priced for the quality.

2020 Sangiovese: Sangiovese has become much more popular over the last few years, both in wine sales and grape sales. We have added additional acreage, some by interplanting, some by grafting. We are fortunate to have a Brunello clone on the original Carrari Vineyard rootstock in Los Alamos. Sangiovese is the main grape of Chianti and was one of the primary components of the Super-Tuscan style wines. It is easy to drink, matures early, lower in tannins - great with food, especially Italian.

Get ready for summer with a nice Pinot Grigio, a Ramato, a Rosato di Barbera, the Malvasia Bianca Secco, and this Malvasia Bianca! Serve well chilled and, if desperate, come see me for a Sparkling Rosato!