Good Grapes

Imagine trying to make the world’s best Blackberry Jam but only having access to frozen Super Market blackberries. Even if you are the best preservationist in the world, your jam would likely pale in comparison to a jam made from the finest, ripest blackberries that were harvested at just the right time. You need the best fruit to make the best preserves.

The same is generally true in winemaking.

If you travel to France’s wine regions, you’ll find that there is no term for Wine Maker. Instead, there is a term called, “Vigneron” which translates roughly to wine grower. There is a small distinction between the words “Wine Maker” and “Wine Grower,” but a very important distinction indeed!

I’ve found that this is true throughout the world. Most of the finest wineries will acknowledge that the best wine is not made in the cellar but rather in the vineyards. The cellar is where the potential of the grapes is recognized and allowed to undergo the preservation process by which the grapes become wine. But it takes exceptional grapes to make exceptional wine. Period.

If the land and the farm is treated well and tended to in a caring way that allows incredible fruit to flourish sustainably then the wine will reflect that care.

Great wine is not made. It’s Grown.

Andy Chabot, Food and Beverage Director