Tony W 'Punching Down'
Back in the day, I used to work in the cellar here at Michel Schlumberger and during this time of year, I always get a hankering for the days of yore when I would be hauling hose, sanitizing, punching down, pumping over with the rest of the crew. Part of the joy of making wine is the camaraderie of working long hours with folks you know are working just as hard. Leading a group of bikers (spokes not motors) yesterday from New York, I was explaining the formation of the “cap” and I saw a confused look or two. So I brought the group over to a bin of fermenting syrah, showed them the top where the skins had formed ”the cap” and then plunged my hand through to the juice and we watched as bubbles of CO2 came to the surface. They were surprised but also immediately got the point! That’s one of the great things about coming to the winery during harvest is that all of the things we talk about year round are right there.
Come on up to Michel-Schlumberger and join us with the hand’s on experience- then sit back and enjoy a glass. Nice.
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Cheers! Sandra. R.