044: Philippe Melka, Meghan Zoebeck, and Native Fermentation Management

This episode features Philippe Melka, one of the most renowned winemakers in California.  Joining us is Meghan Zoebeck, who is one of the winemakers that make up the small Atelier Melka workshop, which is responsible for the consultation to some of Napa's leading wineries.  I have received many requests for a discussion of managing native fermentations and I felt Philippe's experience would be ideal for this topic.  After Philippe shares the mishap of feeding red pomace to the winery cows at Seavey Vineyard back in 1995 we get right into the thick of fermentation management including both philosophical and technical aspects.  This episode gets deep into the weeds of red wine fermentations and we also cover the practice of extended macerations.  We wrap up with a discussion of Philippe and Meghan's recent forays into Pinot Noir winemaking.  I had a great time recording this episode and I'm excited to share it with all the Inside Winemaking listeners.  

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Atelier Melka
• Melka Wines, Napa Valley
• Seavey Vineyard, Napa Valley
• Philippe on Wine Library TV back in 2006
• SO2 podcast from Inside Winemaking featuring Zeke Neeley
• Dominus Estate, Napa Valley
• Lail Vineyards, Napa Valley
• Vineyard 29, Napa Valley
• Dana Estates, Napa Valley
• Constant Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley

I'm hoping to put together an episode where I answer listener questions about grapegrowing and winemaking.  Please email what's on your mind   [e-mail]

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