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  • White Wine Fermentation Process

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    A Healthier Way to Enjoy White Wine: Jessica’s Minimal Intervention Process

    At Mission Winery, our winemaker Jessica crafts wines that are not only delicious but also healthier for you. Her minimal intervention approach prioritizes purity and sustainability, creating wines that let the natural quality of the grapes shine through—without unnecessary additives.

    Jessica’s process ensures there’s no residual sugar and no added sugar in our white wines. By allowing the fruit’s natural flavors to take center stage, the result is a cleaner, more balanced wine. This means you can enjoy every sip knowing you’re indulging in a beverage free of excess sweetness and additives.

    Another perk? Many of our guests say they feel better the next day after enjoying our wines. That’s because the lack of added sugars and a careful fermentation process work together to create a wine that’s easier on your body.

    Jessica’s use of stainless steel tanks for fermentation preserves the wine’s fresh and vibrant characteristics. Depending on the vintage and varietal, she ages the wine in a thoughtful mix of stainless steel and neutral oak, enhancing its complexity without overwhelming the natural flavors.

    If you’re looking for a wine that’s clean, balanced, and crafted with care, Jessica’s white wines are the perfect choice. Cheers to wine that loves you back! 🍷✨

    #HealthierWine #NoAddedSugar #MissionWinery #MinimalIntervention #SustainableWinemaking #WhiteWine

  • Growing Sustainable Wine

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    Growing Sustainable Wine in New Mexico: A Commitment to Tradition and the Future

    New Mexico’s breathtaking landscapes are not just home to stunning sunsets and rugged beauty—they’re also the foundation of a growing wine industry that prioritizes sustainability. At Mission Winery, we’re proud to be part of this movement, blending centuries-old traditions with innovative practices to produce exceptional wines that respect both the environment and the heritage of our region.

    The Unique Challenges and Opportunities of New Mexico Viticulture

    New Mexico’s high desert climate offers a distinct environment for viticulture, with its sunny days, cool nights, and nutrient-rich soils. While these conditions are ideal for cultivating grape varieties like Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc, they also come with challenges. Water scarcity, extreme weather, and soil erosion are constant considerations for New Mexico winemakers.

    These challenges, however, also present an opportunity: to adopt sustainable practices that not only mitigate environmental impact but also enhance the resilience of our vineyards.

    Sustainable Practices in Our Vineyards

    At Mission Winery, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core value. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

    • Water Conservation: Water is a precious resource in the arid Southwest. We utilize drip irrigation systems to ensure every drop counts, delivering moisture directly to the roots of our vines. This targeted approach reduces water waste and helps the vines thrive even in dry conditions.
    • Soil Health: Healthy soil is the foundation of great wine. We prioritize cover cropping and organic composting to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. These practices also encourage biodiversity, creating a balanced ecosystem in our vineyards.
    • Renewable Energy: While we’re not fully solar-powered yet, we are actively working toward integrating solar energy into our operations. Harnessing New Mexico’s abundant sunshine is a natural step in reducing our carbon footprint and aligning with our sustainability goals.
    • Pest Management: Instead of relying on synthetic chemicals, we employ integrated pest management techniques. This includes introducing beneficial insects and using natural deterrents to protect our vines.

    The Role of Heritage in Sustainability

    Our commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in the heritage of our owners. As descendants of families who have lived on this land for generations, we understand the importance of preserving it for future generations. Our connection to New Mexico inspires us to honor its traditions while embracing modern practices that ensure the longevity of its vineyards.

    Wine That Tells a Story

    Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating wines that truly reflect their origins. By nurturing our land with care and intention, we produce wines that are as unique as the New Mexican landscape. Every bottle tells the story of the high desert sun, the cool mountain breezes, and the dedication of the people who make it all possible.

    A Toast to the Future

    As New Mexico’s wine industry continues to grow, the commitment to sustainability will play a pivotal role in its success. At Mission Winery, we’re excited to be part of a community of winemakers who prioritize environmental stewardship while crafting exceptional wines.

    Whether you’re sipping a glass of our bold Grenache, elegant Cabernet Franc, or refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, you’re not just tasting wine—you’re experiencing the legacy of sustainable winemaking in New Mexico. Here’s to a future where great wine and a thriving planet go hand in hand!

    Visit Us: Explore our sustainable wines and learn more about our practices by visiting Mission Winery. Let’s raise a glass to wine that cares for the land it comes from. 🍷

    #SustainableWine #NewMexicoWinery #MissionWinery #GreenVineyards #EcoFriendlyWine

  • Why Jessica Ferments Her Wines to FULL Dry

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    Why Great Winemakers Ferment to Fully Dry: Insights from Jessica at Mission Winery

    At Mission Winery, winemaker Jessica takes pride in crafting wines that are fermented to fully dry. But what does that mean, and why does it matter? Let’s explore why fermenting to dry is a hallmark of exceptional winemaking.

    What Does “Fermenting to Dry” Mean?

    When wine is fermented to dry, all the natural sugars in the grape juice are fully converted into alcohol during fermentation. This leaves no residual sugar in the finished wine, resulting in a cleaner, crisper profile that truly reflects the essence of the fruit.

    Why Do Great Winemakers Ferment to Dry?

    Fermenting to dry is a sign of precision and intention in the winemaking process. It offers several benefits:

    1. Showcases Authenticity
      Dry wines allow the true character of the grape and terroir to shine through without being masked by sweetness. Each sip tells the story of the vineyard and the season, offering a more authentic wine experience.
    2. Enhances Balance
      Fully dry wines have a refined balance of acidity, tannins, and alcohol, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels natural on the palate.
    3. Healthier Choice
      Without residual sugar, dry wines are lower in calories and have a cleaner finish. They’re also easier on the body, making them a better choice for those looking to enjoy wine without the lingering effects of added sweetness.
    4. Pairing Power
      Dry wines are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. Their clean, structured profiles complement a wide range of dishes without overwhelming delicate flavors.

    Jessica’s Commitment to Fully Dry Wines

    At Mission Winery, all of Jessica’s wines are fermented to fully dry. Her minimalist approach to winemaking, combined with sustainable practices, ensures that every bottle is crafted with care and precision. By focusing on quality and authenticity, Jessica creates wines that are a pure expression of the grape, vineyard, and vintage.

    Whether it’s a crisp white, a robust red, or a delicate rosé, Jessica’s dry wines promise a clean, sophisticated experience that wine enthusiasts can savor with confidence.

    Cheers to wine that’s honest, balanced, and crafted with care—cheers to Mission Winery! 🍷

    #FullyDryWines #MissionWinery #MinimalIntervention #SustainableWinemaking #AuthenticWine #HealthierWine

     

    Jessica testing the progress of her wines

  • When is a vineyard ready for harvest?

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    The Art of Harvest: How Sustainable Winemakers Monitor Brix Levels

    For a sustainable winemaker like Jessica at Mission Winery, deciding when to harvest is both a science and an art. It’s a delicate balance of understanding the chemistry of the grapes and connecting with the vineyard itself. One of the most critical tools in this process is monitoring Brix levels, but there’s much more to the story.

    What Are Brix Levels?

    Brix is a measure of the sugar content in grape juice, expressed as a percentage. It’s an essential indicator for winemakers, as sugar levels directly influence the wine’s potential alcohol content and overall balance.

    Jessica keeps a close eye on Brix as the grapes mature, but she knows that sugar is just one piece of the puzzle. Acidity, tannins, and phenolic ripeness (the development of flavors, aromas, and textures) all play crucial roles in deciding the perfect harvest time.

    Walking the Vineyards: Jessica’s Hands-On Approach

    For Jessica, understanding the vineyard is more than just a numbers game—it’s about experiencing the vines firsthand. That’s why she walks the vineyards daily (Often with her daughter Lyric & son Axel) during ripening, collecting berries from clusters across the field.

    • Sampling for Balance: Jessica selects grapes from all sides of the rows. The sunny side often ripens faster, with higher sugars and bolder flavors, while the shaded side retains more acidity and delicate nuances. Sampling from both ensures a true perspective of the entire block, helping her make informed decisions about when the fruit is ready to pick.
    • Tasting the Grapes: Beyond measuring Brix, Jessica tastes the berries, evaluating the development of flavors, seed ripeness, and tannin structure. This sensory connection to the vineyard allows her to gauge whether the grapes have reached their full potential.

    Timing the Harvest

    Jessica’s goal is to pick grapes at their peak, when sugar, acidity, and flavor are perfectly balanced. She carefully considers several factors:

    • Weather Conditions: A sudden heatwave or unexpected rain can impact grape quality. Jessica monitors the forecast to ensure the fruit isn’t compromised.
    • Ripeness Across the Block: By collecting samples from multiple rows and clusters, she ensures the entire vineyard is ready for harvest—not just isolated pockets of ripened grapes.
    • Sustainability Goals: Jessica’s sustainable practices mean she works with nature rather than against it. Harvest timing is chosen to minimize stress on the vines and preserve the health of the soil for future seasons.

    A Reflection of the Vineyard

    Jessica’s meticulous process ensures that each bottle of Mission Winery’s wine is a true reflection of the vineyard and the vintage. By combining sustainable practices with a hands-on, thoughtful approach to monitoring Brix and ripeness, she crafts wines that are not only delicious but also deeply connected to the land.

    The next time you enjoy a glass of Mission Winery wine, you’ll know it’s the result of careful observation, dedication, and Jessica’s unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. Cheers to wines that honor the vineyard, every step of the way! 🍇🍷

    #SustainableWinemaking #HarvestTime #MissionWinery #BrixMonitoring #WalkingTheVineyard #WinemakingArt

     

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  • What is “Natural” Wine

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    What Is Natural Wine and What Are the Risks and Benefits?

    In recent years, the natural wine movement has captured the attention of wine enthusiasts around the world. Touted as a return to traditional methods and a rejection of industrialized winemaking, natural wine has become a symbol of authenticity and simplicity in the bottle. But what exactly is natural wine, and are there risks to consider when making or consuming it? Let’s explore.

    What Is Natural Wine?

    Natural wine is made with minimal intervention, often fermented using wild, native yeasts, with little to no added sulfites or other additives. Advocates of natural wine believe that it represents a purer, more authentic expression of the grape and its environment, often championing organic or biodynamic farming practices.

    This movement has gained a loyal following for its ethos of sustainability, transparency, and connection to the land. However, the lack of industry-wide standards for what qualifies as “natural wine” has led to inconsistencies in quality and safety.

    Debunking the “No Sulfite” Myth

    One common misconception among natural wine enthusiasts is the belief that truly “natural” wine contains no sulfites. However, this isn’t accurate. Sulfites are a natural byproduct of fermentation, and all wines contain them to some degree. While conventional winemakers often add sulfites to stabilize and preserve wine, natural winemakers strive to keep additions minimal or nonexistent.

    It’s important to note that sulfites are not inherently bad—they play a crucial role in preventing spoilage and microbial growth. Without them, wine can be far less stable, which brings us to the risks associated with natural wine.

    The Risks of Natural Wine

    While natural wine has its appeal, the hands-off approach can lead to several challenges:

    1. Instability
      Without added sulfites or careful winemaking techniques, natural wines can spoil quickly, developing off-putting flavors or aromas due to uncontrolled microbial activity.
    2. Flaws in Flavor
      Common flaws like volatile acidity (a sharp vinegar-like taste), mousiness (a wet cardboard aftertaste), or excessive funkiness can overshadow the wine’s intended character. These flaws are often the result of minimal intervention without the skill to guide the wine safely through fermentation.
    3. Health Concerns
      Unstable natural wines may harbor unwanted bacteria or wild yeasts that could pose risks for those with sensitivities. Moreover, without the protective effects of sulfites, the wine can oxidize rapidly, resulting in inconsistent quality.

    Why Minimal Intervention Is a Better Approach

    At Mission Winery, we believe in a balanced approach to winemaking—what we call minimal intervention. This means we allow the grapes to express their natural character while using expert skill and careful judgment to ensure the wine remains healthy and high-quality.

    Key Benefits of Minimal Intervention

    • Controlled Fermentation: By monitoring the fermentation process, we avoid the common flaws seen in natural wines, creating a clean, vibrant final product.
    • Balanced Additions: While we keep additives to a bare minimum, small amounts of sulfites may be used when necessary to preserve the wine’s health, integrity and protect it from spoilage.
    • Healthy Wine: With no unnecessary chemicals or excessive manipulation, minimal intervention wines are a cleaner, healthier choice, free of residual or added sugar, microbial flaws and unbalanced flavors.
    • Consistency and Stability: Our wines are crafted to age gracefully and remain enjoyable from the first sip to the last, a reliability that natural wines often lack.

    The Verdict

    While natural wine has brought attention to important issues like sustainability and authenticity, its lack of structure and oversight can result in unpredictable and flawed wines. Minimal intervention winemaking, on the other hand, offers the best of both worlds: wines that honor the grape and terroir while benefiting from the expertise of a skilled winemaker to ensure quality, consistency, and safety.

    At Mission Winery, we’re proud to craft wines that balance purity with precision—wines you can enjoy with confidence, knowing they’ve been made with care, skill, and respect for both the land and your health.

    Cheers to thoughtful winemaking! 🍷

    #NaturalWine #MinimalIntervention #MissionWinery #HealthyWine #AuthenticWine #WinemakingInsights