February 10, 2023
How Do You Blend Wines?
Blending wines is a complex art form that requires knowledge, expertise, and experience. At Brix & Mortar Urban Winery, we use our expertise and passion for wine to create unique and flavorful blends that are truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you are a seasoned winemaker or just starting out, blending wines can be a fun and exciting process, and with practice, you will develop a keen sense of taste and intuition for what works and what doesn’t. Here’s a few of the steps we work through when creating our blends:
- Determine the style you want to create: Before you start blending, you need to know what style of wine you want to create. Do you want to create a full-bodied red wine with rich tannins and bold fruit flavors, or a light, crisp white wine with subtle floral and citrus notes? Understanding the style of wine you want to create will help you determine which grapes and wine varieties to blend together.
- Experiment with different grape varieties: Different grape varieties bring different flavors, aromas, and structures to the wine. Some common red wine grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, while popular white wine grapes include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Experiment with blending different grape varieties to see how they interact with each other and create new and unique flavor profiles.
- Experiment with different vintages: Another aspect of wine blending is experimenting with different vintages. Different vintages will have different flavors and aromas based on the weather conditions during the growing season. Blending different vintages can create a wine that is more balanced and complex, with a greater range of flavors and aromas.
- Blend in small quantities: When blending wines, it’s essential to start with small quantities. This will allow you to experiment and make adjustments to your blend as needed. If you make a mistake, you will only have a small amount of wine affected, and you can start over.
- Taste, taste, taste: One of the most important steps in wine blending is to taste your wine regularly. Take note of the flavors, aromas, and structures of each individual wine, and then taste the blended wine to see how they have combined. Remember, wine blending is a process, and it may take several tries to get the perfect blend.
- Keep detailed records: Throughout the blending process, it’s essential to keep detailed records of the wines you are blending, the ratios you are using, and your tasting notes. This information will be valuable if you want to recreate the same blend in the future or make small adjustments to your blend.
- Trust your palate: Ultimately, wine blending is about trusting your palate. If you like the taste of a particular blend, then that’s the right blend for you. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new combinations of grape varieties and vintages. You never know what you may discover!
January 30, 2023
What is Urban Winemaking?
Urban winemaking is an emerging trend that has been gaining traction in recent years. It involves the production of wine in urban areas, often using grapes and other ingredients sourced from around the country. Urban wineries are typically smaller than traditional wineries and often have unique offerings that reflect their location and culture. With urban winemaking, you can create wines that are truly unique to your city or region!
Understanding the Basics of Brix in Winemaking
Understanding the Brix scale in winemaking is essential for producing a good quality wine. Brix is a measure of the sugar content in grapes and other fruits, and it’s an important factor in determining the flavor, body, and alcohol content of your wine. The brix scale is used to measure the amount of sugar present in grapes before they are harvested. It’s also used to monitor the progress of fermentation and determine when it’s time to bottle your wine. By understanding how brix levels affect winemaking, you can ensure that your wines have the best possible flavor and body.
What Are the Different Components Contributing to Wine Quality?
Wine is a complex beverage, composed of many different components that can affect its quality. Acidity, sulfite levels, and pH balance all play a role in creating the unique flavor profile of each bottle. Understanding the impact of these components can help you determine which wines will be most enjoyable for your palate. In future blogs, we’ll explore how acidity, sulfite levels, and pH balance all contribute to wine quality. We’ll also discuss how winemakers can use these elements to craft unique flavors and aromas in their wines.