Posts Tagged“fermentation”

Shinn Estate Vineyards 2007 “Rebellion” Merlot

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief As a category "natural" wines are hot in the wine world, but they aren't necessarily easily defined. Ask ten people what "natural" means and you'll get at least five answers. One common thread, however, is a reliance on naturally occurring, 'wild' yeasts for fermentation rather than inoculating the must with a strain of the winemaker's choosing. A handful of Long Island producers are experimenting with native yeast fermentations, including Raphael, Channing Daughters, Onabay Vineyards and the makers of this wine, Shinn Estate Vineyards. Shinn Estate Vineyards 2007 "Rebellion" Estate Merlot ($25) is 100% estate-grown merlot that…

Am I a Professional Wine Writer?

"Where did you go to journalism school?  And what are your credentials as a ‘wine critic’?" That interesting little excerpt comes from and email I received a couple weeks week from the well-respected and well-regarded president of a New York wine organization. Someone who has done a great many great thing for New York wine over the years. This was in an email telling me, more or less, that he didn’t want to answer the questions I asked him. It is his right, of course, to refuse my interview questions. He doesn’t have to speak to or email with me.…