Caraccioli Cellars Grape Harvest Begins In Santa Lucia Highlands

Aug. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- This is the first time Caraccioli Cellars will be harvesting grapes for sparkling wines from their own vineyard —Escolle.

The California winegrape crop projects a 9 percent gain from last year’s grapes according to the California Farm Bureau. True to form, Caraccioli Cellars forecasts an increased tonnage while maintaining the quality production of their sparkling and still programs. Harvesting sparkling wine grapes at 18-18.5 Brix puts Caraccioli Cellars in front of other grape growers in the region. The Brix scale is a system used to measure the sugar content of grapes.

“We have had an amazing growing season this year,” states Scott Caraccioli, VP, “bud break came right on schedule with no mildew. We had two short growing years coupled with late harvests the last two years, but the 2012 vintage looks to be a high-quality harvest and right on schedule.”

Michel Salgues leads the sparkling wine division, and will be on hand during the harvest to observe the continued rigorous procedures and meticulous attention to detail, to eliminate defects and perfect the wine making process.

Founded in 2006, Caraccioli Cellars aims to deliver the highest quality wines through top-tier grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Striving to highlight the quality of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes by developing fruit centric old world style still and sparkle varietals. To taste the Brut Cuvée 2006 or Brut Rosé 2007 as well as the still wines, visit the Caraccioli Cellars tasting room on Dolores between Ocean and Seventh in Carmel-by-the-Sea.