New jersey winemakers talk

[BMarNJ]

FYI, Chilean grapes arrive at Gino Pintos the first week of May. Price for grapes is $31.50/18lbs. Juice buckets from $59-65.

 

[fwdevoe]

Come on NJ wine makers...let's get together, sip, sample and chat! Just post if your interested.

 

[Flufnagel]

I read through this thread and saw some mixed reviews on Corrados. I’m in Morris county so Corrados and europa pombalense are about the same distance from me.

I'm in NW Bergen county so Corrado's, at only 20 minutes driving, is the easy choice for me. I have made wine from their grapes the past two years after being a beer brewer for about 10 years before that.

2021 was Teroldego and Malbec; 2022 was Zin, Barbera, Merlot, and Sauv Blanc.

In 2022 they had really bounced back from the pandemic doldrums and were renovating parts of their huge complex (it's WAY more than wine... they have a massive grocery business). One of the owners told me that in 2021 they had a big inventory screw-up and it resulted in slim pickings, especially with equipment. In contrast, 2022 was packed with grapes and products. It's an exciting time!

My 2021 wines have aged well and I just bottled 2022. The Zinfandel in particular is already tasting better and I'm excited for it to age a few months more. I don't have experience with Pombalense so I can't compare, but Corrado's has worked out fine for me and again, they are super convenient to me which does matter.

My complaint about these places is that they have a lame internet presence, and don't do a good job announcing what grapes they have in stock, and when they've arrived. You can call of course, but I'd rather have it posted somewhere. I'm pretty laid back and still in my early years of winemaking, so I don't mind improvising when I get there, but that might irk some folks who have more of a vision for exactly what they want to make.

 

[joeswine]

Come on NJ wine makers...let's get together, sip, sample and chat! Just post if your interested.

I’ve been asking ??

 

[SantArsenio]

Bump.

 

[joeswine]

I live in south Jersey, I have carboys for sale , 6,5 s $25 and $20

 

[SantArsenio]

Hi. Posting here bc I’d be interested in more NJ winemaker content.

I’m a North Jersey guy but I was in South Jersey for work today and took that opportunity to stop by Gino Pinto’s for the first time bc they advertise that in May they have southern hemisphere grapes or juice.

Nice set up. Easy shopping experience.

I must be a bit late bc the in-store selection was minimal at the moment. None of the South African varietals were available. The available Chilean varietals included Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc, Viogner and Riesling.

I bought two buckets of Syrah and one bucket of Riesling.

This will be my first attempt at southern hemisphere grapes, and also my first attempt at a Syrah or a Riesling.

For as long as I could remember, making wine with my dad or nonno was typically a Sangiovese affair, and very old school with minimal intervention.

I’m teaching my kids now, but we are branching out, trying out lots of new things. I’m happy to include some modern techniques.

The Syrah juice was truly delicious right from the bucket. I have high hopes for it.

Anyway, they’re now in drums covered with cheese cloth. I pitched the yeast tonight. A bit colder than ideal. Fermaid for both, and powdered tannin additive for the red.

Wish me luck. Anyone else get an itch to work in the spring and can’t just wait for San Gennaro?

 

[BMarNJ]

Hi. Posting here bc I’d be interested in more NJ winemaker content.

I’m a North Jersey guy but I was in South Jersey for work today and took that opportunity to stop by Gino Pinto’s for the first time bc they advertise that in May they have southern hemisphere grapes or juice.

Nice set up. Easy shopping experience.

I must be a bit late bc the in-store selection was minimal at the moment. None of the South African varietals were available. The available Chilean varietals included Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc, Viogner and Riesling.

I bought two buckets of Syrah and one bucket of Riesling.

This will be my first attempt at southern hemisphere grapes, and also my first attempt at a Syrah or a Riesling.

For as long as I could remember, making wine with my dad or nonno was typically a Sangiovese affair, and very old school with minimal intervention.

I’m teaching my kids now, but we are branching out, trying out lots of new things. I’m happy to include some modern techniques.

The Syrah juice was truly delicious right from the bucket. I have high hopes for it.

Anyway, they’re now in drums covered with cheese cloth. I pitched the yeast tonight. A bit colder than ideal. Fermaid for both, and powdered tannin additive for the red.

Wish me luck. Anyone else get an itch to work in the spring and can’t just wait for San Gennaro?

Welcome to SJ winemakers! Gino Pinto will be receiving their shipments of Chilean grapes this week (hopefully). I’ve ordered 128# of Malbec grapes. Last year I ordered Malbec and Cabernet and the Malbec were nice, the Cabernet, not so much. We’ll see what this year brings. In years past I’ve gotten juice buckets as well. I love GP, but wish they had a better handle on their supply chain, how can they not know when their grapes will arrive?