Laser planting
Johnson Estate’s decision to plant a new Riesling vineyard exemplifies the collaboration amongst owners, winemaker, and vineyard manager in site and grape selection. In the spring of 2009, Ron Guzzetta, their former vineyard manager, supervised the planting of 3.2 acres of Riesling vines on grafted root stock number 3309, selected for it strength and vigor, that permits it to grow to the top of 100 foot pine trees in its native habitat.. The site, formerly an Aurora vineyard, is at the crest of our hills, and so has good drainage and air flow, making it a premium site for these premium grapes.
Johnson's Estate Winemaker
Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Johnson Estate
At a chateau or estate winery, there is a special collaboration between the winemaker and the vineyard manager – which begins with the selection of the grapes to be grown and includes siting, pruning methods, fertilizing and sustainability programs, and pre-harvest decisions including de-leafing and de-fruiting to optimize fruit flavors. It is the winemaker who tests the acidity, Brix(sugar content) levels, and flavor profile of the fruit to determine when it should be harvested. Once the fruit is delivered to the winemaker, it is made into wine, whose myriad decisions, including fermentation, blending, and use of oak, result in the ultimate expression of the grapes.
Jeff Murphy, Winemaker, Johnson Estate Winery, Westfield, New York.
Jeff Murphy, Winemaker, Johnson Estate Winery, Westfield, New York. Jeff is a graduate of Penn State with a degree in Food Science. He has worked at Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes, and helped start Arrowhead Cellars in North East, PA. Jeff has been Johnson Estate’s winemaker since 2003 and has introduced seven new wines during his tenure there. Many of these wines have won gold medals in international competitions including Traminette (Best buy 89 points from the Beverage Testing Institute), Chancellor, Ice Wines both Vidal and Chambourcin, along with numerous silver and bronze medals. Jeff enjoys making wines that are approachable, food friendly and elegant.