Making Wine with Fresh Chilean Juice or Must this Spring?
Then why not add in a pail of frozen juice or must from Wine Grapes Direct?
We’ve got premium frozen grape juice and must for sale year round that is proudly sourced from the finest wine growers on the West Coast. Knowing where your fruit comes from is an essential part of your wine’s story which is why we strive to connect you with the people and places that grow our grapes. So since you’ve already cleaned out your fermentors and carboys for your fresh Chilean Carmenere juice from M and M Wine grapes or your fresh Chilean Sauvignon Blanc juice from Presque Isle Wine Cellars, be sure to also make space for a batch of Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg or a Sonoma Merlot.
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Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must
Product will arrive partially frozen.
Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California
Brix: 25.2, pH: 3.55, TA: 4.4g/L, YAN: 70 mg/ L
(Full Lab Report in photos)
Clone 400, 1616
Harvested October 3rd, 2023
Sustainably farmed
“Alexander Valley’s landscape gradually rises on the east into gradual benchland slopes, where soils change to gravelly, sandy loam, balanced in nutrients and organic matter—the result of mountain soils gradually eroding downhill over millennia to deposit layers of rich soils in the benchlands. Primarily Yolo and Cortina, are well-drained due to their sloping elevation and minimal amount of clay; they also possess the ideal calcium magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character. The valley’s first bench snakes along the west side of Highway 128 with its gentle slopes barely noticeable as it rolls into the second bench. These two benchlands create long, lingering swaths of vineyard slopes with soils that elicit soft tannins and intense aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
80% of the Alexander Valley vineyard parcels are grown in the valley’s benchlands and the majority of which are clustered in the middle of the valley at the base of the Mayacama Mountains planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality comes not from the slope of the vineyard, but directly from the soil’s depth and composition.
Weathering, erosion, gravity, and water movement have further moved and settled things into a hodgepodge of soils that require testing and experience to match the right variety, rootstock, amendments and irrigation schemes to each site.”
Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must
Product will arrive partially frozen.
Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California
Brix: 23.0, pH: 3.73 TA: 3.71g/L, YAN: 75 mg/ L (full lab report in photos)
Clone 9, 1616C
Harvested October 3rd, 2023
Sustainably farmed
“Alexander Valley’s landscape gradually rises on the east into gradual benchland slopes, where soils change to gravelly, sandy loam, balanced in nutrients and organic matter—the result of mountain soils gradually eroding downhill over millennia to deposit layers of rich soils in the benchlands. Primarily Yolo and Cortina, are well-drained due to their sloping elevation and minimal amount of clay; they also possess the ideal calcium magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character. The valley’s first bench snakes along the west side of Highway 128 with its gentle slopes barely noticeable as it rolls into the second bench. These two benchlands create long, lingering swaths of vineyard slopes with soils that elicit soft tannins and intense aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
80% of the Alexander Valley vineyard parcels are grown in the valley’s benchlands and the majority of which are clustered in the middle of the valley at the base of the Mayacama Mountains planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality comes not from the slope of the vineyard, but directly from the soil’s depth and composition.
Weathering, erosion, gravity, and water movement have further moved and settled things into a hodgepodge of soils that require testing and experience to match the right variety, rootstock, amendments and irrigation schemes to each site.”
Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must
Product will arrive partially frozen.
Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California
Brix 25.5, pH 3.78, TA: 3.4 g/L, YAN 99 mg/L
(Full Lab for both clones in photos)
Harvested October 3rd, 2023
Sustainably farmed
“Alexander Valley’s landscape gradually rises on the east into gradual benchland slopes, where soils change to gravelly, sandy loam, balanced in nutrients and organic matter—the result of mountain soils gradually eroding downhill over millennia to deposit layers of rich soils in the benchlands. Primarily Yolo and Cortina, are well-drained due to their sloping elevation and minimal amount of clay; they also possess the ideal calcium magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character. The valley’s first bench snakes along the west side of Highway 128 with its gentle slopes barely noticeable as it rolls into the second bench. These two benchlands create long, lingering swaths of vineyard slopes with soils that elicit soft tannins and intense aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
80% of the Alexander Valley vineyard parcels are grown in the valley’s benchlands and the majority of which are clustered in the middle of the valley at the base of the Mayacama Mountains planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality comes not from the slope of the vineyard, but directly from the soil’s depth and composition.
Weathering, erosion, gravity, and water movement have further moved and settled things into a hodgepodge of soils that require testing and experience to match the right variety, rootstock, amendments and irrigation schemes to each site.”
Each pail includes five and quarter gallons of grape juice. Product will arrive partially frozen.
Lodi, CA
Brix: 23.4, pH: 4.19, TA: 5.7 g/L
Harvested September 18th, 2022
Malbec seems an unlikely hero for a sparkling or dry blush choice, but when you want your rosé to show some real color and character, then Malbec is the way to go. Whether your final wine is crisp and dry or round and sweet, the lovely strawberry, apple, and rhubarb flavors and aromas are a delight either way.
Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”
Each pail includes five and quarter gallons of grape juice. Product will arrive partially frozen.
Lodi, CA
Brix: 22.4, pH: 3.95, TA: 3.5 g/L (full juice panel in photos)
Harvested September 20th, 2022
Each pail includes five and quarter gallons of grape juice. Product will arrive partially frozen.
These ancient vines have remained in production since being planted in 1906 (15 years before prohibition!). The property was acquired by the Van Ruiten family in the 1980’s with an agreement that the vines not be ripped out to make way for the expanding housing developments. The Van Ruitens are third-generation Lodi grape growers and one of the top wine destinations in Lodi.
Carignan is most prominent in the warm climates of Southern France and Northern Spain, where it also goes by the names Carinena and Mazuelo. Carignan usually displays medium tannin, medium alcohol, and medium acidity; making it a very a well-balanced wine ideally suited for food pairings.
“Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”
Wine Grapes Direct is proud to offer pails from Brehm Vineyards. Peter Brehm has over 40 years experience selecting and freezing premium grapes for producing fine wines.
Each pail includes five gal. of grape must (juice, skins, seeds)
San Giordano Vineyard, Carneros AVA, Sonoma County
Brix: 24.2 , pH: 3.13 , TA: 9 g/L , YAN: 203
Primitivo is very similar to Zinfandel as both are clones of the Crljenak grape that originated in Croatia. Primitivo was named for its early ripening ability which is well suited for this warm patch on the West side of Santo Giordano Vineyard in the Carneros AVA.
The vines are cooled by morning fog and the influx of afternoon marine air. Located in the Carneros AVA next to San Pablo Bay, across Arnold Drive from the Gloria Ferrer Vineyard.
This Tedeschi Family Winery in Napa has been making Primitivo from this vineyard for years. Here are thier notes from 2018:
“Our 2018 Primitivo came from the cool windswept Santa Giordano Vineyard in the Sonoma Los Carneros region. We gently punched down the grapes by hand twice, sometimes three times, daily until the wine was dry. At that point we gently pressed the grapes directly to barrel, 20% of which was new Hungarian and 20% of which was American oak. Over the course of 15 months, we racked the wine twice, to clarify and develop the body. We gently filtered before bottling a very limited 105 cases.
Tasting Notes :
Pronounced notes of ripe boysenberry, Kirsch liquor, cream soda, caramel, maple syrup, and hints of blackberry, allspice, black licorice, and tangerine. Opens with notes of candied boysenberry, spiced citrus, cola spices, and dark chocolate truffles. A complex palate continues to unfold over time revealing even more dark stone fruit and baking spices. Our 2018 Primitivo will age and gain in complexity over the coming 7 to 10 years. Chemistry at Bottling
Bottled: February 21, 2020 Alcohol : 14.2% pH : 3.34 Acid : 7.3 g/L Residual Sugar : 0 % dry
Each pail includes five gallons of grape must. Product will arrive partially frozen.
Livermore Valley, California
Brix 25.7, pH 3.7, TA .59
Harvested October 11th, 2019
This vineyard site in the historic Southwestern corner of the Livermore Valley was part of the original Ruby Hill Winery planted in 1885 by John Crellin. The vineyard and winery remained operational through a series of owners and even through Prohibition. More recently the vineyard was leased and managed by Wente who replanted it to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese in 2000. The Ruby Hill District of Livermore sits at 800 feet elevation and consists mainly of fine, gravelly sand loam, and sedimentary silt loam soils. These soils are very well-draining and average over 50 inches deep. The area is slightly cooler than the rest of the valley and experiences later harvest and longer hang time.The climate of the Livermore Valley is almost exactly the same as that of the St. Helena and Calistoga in the Northern Napa Valley. Morning fog, cold nights, and winds coming off the Bay temper the hot days and allow the grapes to preserve acidity while still achieving ripeness. The Livermore Valley is California's only wine growing region with an East-West orientation.
Wine Grapes Direct is proud to offer pails from Brehm Vineyards. Peter Brehm has over 40 years experience selecting and freezing premium grapes for producing fine wines.
Each pail includes five gal. of grape must (juice, skins, seeds)
Ivy Glenn Vineyard Sonoma Mountain, California
Brix: 27-30 , pH: 3.76 , TA: 5.5 g/L , Malic: 5.0 g/L, Yan: 227
***Hillside Vineyard that has more variation pail to pail
“The 2,400-foot Sonoma Mountain range begins to rise above the town of Glen Ellen at the western edge of the Valley of the Moon. Found here are high-altitude, steep-sloped vineyards, with eastern exposures to catch the fog-free morning sun. These vineyards fall within the larger Sonoma Valley AVA. However, due to the unique hillside terroir, they are entitled to use the more specific designation of the Sonoma Mountain AVA..”
“The Ivy Glen Vineyard was planted about sixty years ago on an east facing slope of Sonoma Mountain, about 800 feet above Sonoma Valley. The old, head pruned and weathered vines produce exceptionally flavorful grapes that make this wine spectacular.
This wine has dense, concentrated flavors of dark berries, spice, and earth that dance on the palate and tantalize the senses. It will knock your socks off.”
Each pail includes 5 gallons or 4.25 gallons of grape must (selection further below).
Notice: For the lowest shipping rates available, we recommend purchasing 4.25 gallon pails separately from 5 gallon pails.
Product will arrive partially frozen.
Lodi, California
Brix 24.3: , pH:3.79 , TA: 5.96 g/L
Harvested October 1st, 2021
Old Vine Zinfandel
Our 2017 Lodi Zin won Best of Class-Double Gold at the California State Fair!
We jumped at the opportunity to source Zinfandel from one of the best growers in the AVA, The Van Ruiten Family Winery. Known for growing great Zinfandel, the Van Ruitens have carefully tended their vineyards since the 1950s to produce Zinfandel with rich fruit flavors.
The Old Vine Zinfandel (Costamanga Clone) was planted in 1972 and wines from this vineyard usually express those rustic old vine flavors of dried plum, sage, and star anise. The Costamanga Clone is known for its relatively small and flavorful berries compared to other Zinfandel variants. These small berries with concentrated flavors have a tendency to produce wines that are well-structured.
“Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."
“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”
Each pail includes 5 gallons of grape must
Product will arrive partially frozen.
Lodi, California
Brix: 24.3 , pH:3.60 , TA: 5.8 g/ L, YAN: 216 mg/ L
Full ETS Lab Report in Photos
Harvested October 3rd , 2023
Planted in 1906
After almost a decade of working with the Van Ruiten family, they’ve finally let us have a few tons of fruit from their oldest Zinfandel planting. This Ancient Vine Zinfandel was planted in 1906. It’s dry farmed, self rooted and yielding less than 1 ton per acre. Wines from this vineyard usually express those rustic old vine flavors of dried plum, sage, and star anise.
“Lying directly east of the largest gap in California’s Coast Ranges – the San Francisco Bay – Lodi experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During the growing season, warm, sunny days allow for optimal ripening of winegrapes. By contrast, cool winds off the Pacific Ocean which travel inland over a network of waterways act a natural air conditioner for the region, helping winegrapes maintain racy acidity. Together, geography and climate provide Lodi the unique ability to grow an unusually diverse range of winegrapes. Though Lodi is sometimes perceived as a hot-climate region, in reality, average temperatures are comparable to or even lower than other well-known regions like Healdsburg (Sonoma), St. Helena (Napa Valley), and Paso Robles."
“Lodi’s diverse soils were formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters. Two major rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada–the Mokelumne and Cosumnes—have brought soils rich in granitic-based minerals that complement the fine sandy loam soils surrounding the community of Lodi. Recent expansion has driven vineyards into previously undeveloped areas along the eastern edge of the appellation where a range of older lower fertility soils are found; these ideal winegrowing soils range from heavier clay-based soils in the south to well-drained stony soils in the north. A few of the more dominant soils in the region include Tokay Fine Sandy Loam, Tuscan Stony Loam, San Joaquin Loam, and Archerdale Clay Loam. The fine, well-draining Tokay Sandy Loam is home to the majority of Lodi's fifty- to one hundred-year-old Zinfandel vines.”