2023 Lodi Ancient Vine Zinfandel Frozen Grape Must

$170.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Lodi, California

Brix: 24.3 , pH:3.60 , TA: 5.8 g/ L, YAN: 216 mg/ L

Full ETS Lab Report in Photos

Harvested October 3rd , 2023

Planted in 1906

After almost a decade of working with the Van Ruiten family, they’ve finally let us have a few tons of fruit from their oldest Zinfandel planting. This Ancient Vine Zinfandel was planted in 1906. It’s dry farmed, self rooted and yielding less than 1 ton per acre. Wines from this vineyard usually express those rustic old vine flavors of dried plum, sage, and star anise.

“Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."

“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”

sold out

2023 Petite Verdot Sonoma Alexander Valley Frozen Grape Must

$195.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California

Brix: 25.2, pH: 3.55, TA: 4.4g/L, YAN: 70 mg/ L

(Full Lab Report in photos)

Clone 400, 1616

Harvested October 3rd, 2023

Sustainably farmed

“Alexander Valley’s landscape gradually rises on the east into gradual benchland slopes, where soils change to gravelly, sandy loam, balanced in nutrients and organic matter—the result of mountain soils gradually eroding downhill over millennia to deposit layers of rich soils in the benchlands. Primarily Yolo and Cortina, are well-drained due to their sloping elevation and minimal amount of clay; they also possess the ideal calcium magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character. The valley’s first bench snakes along the west side of Highway 128 with its gentle slopes barely noticeable as it rolls into the second bench. These two benchlands create long, lingering swaths of vineyard slopes with soils that elicit soft tannins and intense aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.

80% of the Alexander Valley vineyard parcels are grown in the valley’s benchlands and the majority of which are clustered in the middle of the valley at the base of the Mayacama Mountains planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality comes not from the slope of the vineyard, but directly from the soil’s depth and composition.

Weathering, erosion, gravity, and water movement have further moved and settled things into a hodgepodge of soils that require testing and experience to match the right variety, rootstock, amendments and irrigation schemes to each site.”

2023 Malbec Sonoma Alexander Valley Frozen Grape Must

$195.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California

Brix: 23.0, pH: 3.73 TA: 3.71g/L, YAN: 75 mg/ L (full lab report in photos)

Clone 9, 1616C

Harvested October 3rd, 2023

Sustainably farmed

“Alexander Valley’s landscape gradually rises on the east into gradual benchland slopes, where soils change to gravelly, sandy loam, balanced in nutrients and organic matter—the result of mountain soils gradually eroding downhill over millennia to deposit layers of rich soils in the benchlands. Primarily Yolo and Cortina, are well-drained due to their sloping elevation and minimal amount of clay; they also possess the ideal calcium magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character. The valley’s first bench snakes along the west side of Highway 128 with its gentle slopes barely noticeable as it rolls into the second bench. These two benchlands create long, lingering swaths of vineyard slopes with soils that elicit soft tannins and intense aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.

80% of the Alexander Valley vineyard parcels are grown in the valley’s benchlands and the majority of which are clustered in the middle of the valley at the base of the Mayacama Mountains planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality comes not from the slope of the vineyard, but directly from the soil’s depth and composition.

Weathering, erosion, gravity, and water movement have further moved and settled things into a hodgepodge of soils that require testing and experience to match the right variety, rootstock, amendments and irrigation schemes to each site.”

2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Alexander Valley Frozen Grape Must

$195.00

Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must

Product will arrive partially frozen.

Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California

Brix 25.5, pH 3.78, TA: 3.4 g/L, YAN 99 mg/L

(Full Lab for both clones in photos)

Harvested October 3rd, 2023

Sustainably farmed

“Alexander Valley’s landscape gradually rises on the east into gradual benchland slopes, where soils change to gravelly, sandy loam, balanced in nutrients and organic matter—the result of mountain soils gradually eroding downhill over millennia to deposit layers of rich soils in the benchlands. Primarily Yolo and Cortina, are well-drained due to their sloping elevation and minimal amount of clay; they also possess the ideal calcium magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character. The valley’s first bench snakes along the west side of Highway 128 with its gentle slopes barely noticeable as it rolls into the second bench. These two benchlands create long, lingering swaths of vineyard slopes with soils that elicit soft tannins and intense aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.

80% of the Alexander Valley vineyard parcels are grown in the valley’s benchlands and the majority of which are clustered in the middle of the valley at the base of the Mayacama Mountains planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality comes not from the slope of the vineyard, but directly from the soil’s depth and composition.

Weathering, erosion, gravity, and water movement have further moved and settled things into a hodgepodge of soils that require testing and experience to match the right variety, rootstock, amendments and irrigation schemes to each site.”

2022 Rosé of Malbec Lodi Frozen Grape Juice

$175.00

Each pail includes five and quarter gallons of grape juice. Product will arrive partially frozen.

Lodi, CA

Brix: 23.4, pH: 4.19, TA: 5.7 g/L

Harvested September 18th, 2022

Malbec seems an unlikely hero for a sparkling or dry blush choice, but when you want your rosé to show some real color and character, then Malbec is the way to go. Whether your final wine is crisp and dry or round and sweet, the lovely strawberry, apple, and rhubarb flavors and aromas are a delight either way.

Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”

2022 Rosé of Carignan Lodi Ancient Vine Frozen Grape Juice

$175.00

Each pail includes five and quarter gallons of grape juice. Product will arrive partially frozen.

Lodi, CA

Brix: 22.4, pH: 3.95, TA: 3.5 g/L (full juice panel in photos)

Harvested September 20th, 2022

Each pail includes five and quarter gallons of grape juice. Product will arrive partially frozen.

These ancient vines have remained in production since being planted in 1906 (15 years before prohibition!). The property was acquired by the Van Ruiten family in the 1980’s with an agreement that the vines not be ripped out to make way for the expanding housing developments. The Van Ruitens are third-generation Lodi grape growers and one of the top wine destinations in Lodi.

Carignan is most prominent in the warm climates of Southern France and Northern Spain, where it also goes by the names Carinena and Mazuelo. Carignan usually displays medium tannin, medium alcohol, and medium acidity; making it a very a well-balanced wine ideally suited for food pairings.

“Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”

BV 2018 Primitivo Sonoma Carneros Frozen Grape Must Brehm Vineyards

$215.00

Only 11 available

Wine Grapes Direct is proud to offer pails from Brehm Vineyards. Peter Brehm has over 40 years experience selecting and freezing premium grapes for producing fine wines.

Each pail includes five gal. of grape must (juice, skins, seeds)

San Giordano Vineyard, Carneros AVA, Sonoma County

Brix: 24.2 , pH: 3.13 , TA: 9 g/L , YAN: 203

Primitivo is very similar to Zinfandel as both are clones of the Crljenak grape that originated in Croatia. Primitivo was named for its early ripening ability which is well suited for this warm patch on the West side of Santo Giordano Vineyard in the Carneros AVA.

The vines are cooled by morning fog and the influx of afternoon marine air. Located in the Carneros AVA next to San Pablo Bay, across Arnold Drive from the Gloria Ferrer Vineyard.

This Tedeschi Family Winery in Napa has been making Primitivo from this vineyard for years. Here are thier notes from 2018:

“Our 2018 Primitivo came from the cool windswept Santa Giordano Vineyard in the Sonoma Los Carneros region. We gently punched down the grapes by hand twice, sometimes three times, daily until the wine was dry. At that point we gently pressed the grapes directly to barrel, 20% of which was new Hungarian and 20% of which was American oak. Over the course of 15 months, we racked the wine twice, to clarify and develop the body. We gently filtered before bottling a very limited 105 cases.

Tasting Notes :

Pronounced notes of ripe boysenberry, Kirsch liquor, cream soda, caramel, maple syrup, and hints of blackberry, allspice, black licorice, and tangerine. Opens with notes of candied boysenberry, spiced citrus, cola spices, and dark chocolate truffles. A complex palate continues to unfold over time revealing even more dark stone fruit and baking spices. Our 2018 Primitivo will age and gain in complexity over the coming 7 to 10 years. Chemistry at Bottling

Bottled: February 21, 2020 Alcohol : 14.2% pH : 3.34 Acid : 7.3 g/L Residual Sugar : 0 % dry

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Frozen Grape Must

$180.00

Only 19 available

Each pail includes five gallons of grape must. Product will arrive partially frozen.

The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, California

Brix: 22-26, pH: 3.70, TA: .7

Harvested October 27th, 2019

“The District lies at the southern end of the renowned Napa Valley where the growing season is longer—cooler in summer than the warmer Upper Valley and drier in winter allowing soils to warm earlier in the spring. The marine influence from San Pablo Bay is strong here with foggy mornings and cool summer nights. Summer daytime temperatures can average 10°F cooler than St. Helena. This creates the longest growing season in the valley, providing early bud break and a long, leisurely growing season for optimal, balanced ripeness. The cooler nights and slowly rising daytime temperatures create a naturally long hang time for fruit to achieve bright acidity, great texture, fruit-forward aromas and elegant flavors.”
–Oak Knoll District of Napa

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Frozen Grape Must

$175.00

Each pail includes five gallons of grape must. Product will arrive partially frozen.

Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California

Brix: 29.1, pH: 3.93, TA: .52

Harvested October 26th, 2019

This fruit requires an adjustment to make a dry wine! We recommend adding around 2 liters of distilled water and 30 grams of tartaric acid per pail prior to fermentation. Check out our custom winemaking calculator to fine-tune your winemaking.

The Knights Valley separates the northern tip of the Napa Valley from the Southern end of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. It is the warmest and most rural AVA in Sonoma County. Beringer Vineyards established the region in the late 1960’s and remains the most prominent name in the area alongside the Peter Michael Winery.

The Knights Valley sits at the foot of Mount St. Helena and lays in the original path of the Russian River. The soils here are a unique combination of being both volcanic from the lava flows off St Helena and granitic alluvial from the old river bed. The land appears rocky and cobbled on the surface, but the soils run deep and very well draining.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Livermore Frozen Grape Must

$165.00

Each pail includes five gallons of grape must. Product will arrive partially frozen.

Livermore Valley, California

Brix 25.7, pH 3.7, TA .59

Harvested October 11th, 2019

This vineyard site in the historic Southwestern corner of the Livermore Valley was part of the original Ruby Hill Winery planted in 1885 by John Crellin. The vineyard and winery remained operational through a series of owners and even through Prohibition. More recently the vineyard was leased and managed by Wente who replanted it to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese in 2000. The Ruby Hill District of Livermore sits at 800 feet elevation and consists mainly of fine, gravelly sand loam, and sedimentary silt loam soils. These soils are very well-draining and average over 50 inches deep. The area is slightly cooler than the rest of the valley and experiences later harvest and longer hang time.The climate of the Livermore Valley is almost exactly the same as that of the St. Helena and Calistoga in the Northern Napa Valley. Morning fog, cold nights, and winds coming off the Bay temper the hot days and allow the grapes to preserve acidity while still achieving ripeness. The Livermore Valley is California's only wine growing region with an East-West orientation.

Making Wine with Fresh Chilean Juice or Must this Spring?

Then why not add in a pail of frozen juice or must from Wine Grapes Direct?

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Making Wine with Fresh Chilean Juice or Must this Spring?

Then why not add in a pail of frozen juice or must from Wine Grapes Direct?

SHOP NOW:

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