Scheid Family Wines Starts With Sparkling Wine
Monterey County, August 14, 2020 – Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association is excited to announce the start of the 2020 wine grape harvest, the 101st year of harvesting grapes for commercial winegrowing in the region, with the harvest of Scheid Family Wines’ Isabelle’s Vineyard located along the River Road Wine Trail.
Spring rains and moderate, cool temperatures throughout the summer have given Monterey County winegrowers a very positive outlook. This year’s crop, anticipated to generate an average crop load, is expected to produce high-quality fruit throughout the region. The ripening patterns are very similar to the last two vintages, 2018 and 2019. Harvest began with grapes for sparkling wines and will be in full swing by the first week in September and actively continue through November.
HARVEST FOR SPARKLING WINE
The 2020 harvest aptly began on Wednesday with the sunrise above the Salinas Valley — the Perseids meteor shower streaking through the Salinas Valley sky above — with the inaugural hand harvest of Scheid Family Wines’ Isabelle’s Vineyard (named after Al Scheid’s mother). Located in the Monterey AVA, it is one of the most northerly vineyards in the County. These premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are grown specifically for Scheid’s sparkling wine program.
“We are excited to kick off Monterey County’s 2020 harvest at Isabelle’s Vineyard, our site for Scheid Vineyards’ Reserve ‘Isabelle’ Sparkling Wine,” said Greg Gonzales, Director of Vineyard Operations at Scheid Family Wines. “This pick date is about four days earlier compared to last year, with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay coming in between 16 and 18.5 brix. We have had a great growing season. With exceptional fruit set and clusters that look healthy, it’s been a wonderful year so far.”
Grapes for sparkling wines are harvested early to ensure high acidity with low sugar levels, ideal characteristics for sparkling wine production.
PREDICTIONS ARE POSITIVE
Scheid Family Wines has farmed wine grapes in Monterey County since 1972. Gonzales noted, “Throughout our estate vineyards, crop is average, maybe a little light in some varieties but quality is there like we always see in Monterey County, especially in our vineyards. Consistent 85-degree days and 55-degree evenings have allowed our grapes to ripen evenly with full flavors, exactly what every grower asks for.”
“Although this has been a challenging year for humans, it’s been a positive year for wine grapes locally,” shares Kim Stemler, Executive Director of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association. “Growers and winemakers report great flavor profiles that are phenolically well-developed and balanced. In non-wine language, this means the grape ‘berries’ taste like they are a few brix (the measurement of sugar accumulation) higher than they really are, and they are developing complex flavors. Cheers to a successful 2020 Harvest Monterey Wine Country.”
About MCVGA
Formed in 1973, the Monterey County Vintners & Growers’ Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of winegrowers, winemakers and our extended community to promote and support leadership in the art, science, and business of wine. By standing together, we strengthen the Monterey Wine Country™ brand and bring awareness to the region.
Follow the excitement of Monterey County’s harvest as it unfolds on Instagram and Facebook: MontereyWines and Montereywines.org. Share in the #MontereyWinesHarvest. Photos from the harvest will be available here.
About Scheid Family Wines
Scheid Family Wines has farmed wine grapes in Monterey County, California since 1972. With 4,000 acres of sustainably certified vineyards located along a 70-mile spread of the Salinas Valley and a state-of-the-art winery, Scheid Family Wines is fully integrated to bring high-quality estate grown wines to the marketplace. Since 2017 Scheid’s winery and bottling operations have been powered by 100% renewable wind energy generated by a 396-foot wind turbine, which also supplies enough energy for 125 homes in the local community. The Scheid Family Wines nationally distributed portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, District 7, Ryder Estate, Ranch 32, Metz Road, VDR, Stokes’ Ghost and the recently launched Sunny With a Chance of Flowers, a brand in the trending ‘better for you’ wine category. In addition, Scheid Family Wines produces over 20 regionally distributed brands for specific clients or distributors. For more information please visit www.scheidfamilywines.com
