Parker Carlson began making wines and hard ciders at his home as a hobby more than 30 years ago. He then honed his winemaking skills at the University of California at Davis. An “institution” on the Colorado wine scene, Parker’s easy wit, engaging manner and wealth of knowledge make him a favorite speaker at wine events throughout the state.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers:
How long does it take to make wine?
Anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.
How long will wine keep after it is opened?
Once wine is opened, it is in contact with air, which starts oxidation, so flavors and aromas will start to change in a day or two. There are ways to preserve wine by using a wine saver or other products that are available.
What does the term "dry" wine mean?
Dry is a term used to describe wines which have no perceptible sweetness. High acidity in a wine can mask higher sweetness levels. Most red wines are dry, while white, sparkling, and fortified wines can be bone dry, dry, medium dry, medium sweet,or sweet.
Is fruit wine grape wine with fruit flavoring?
Sometimes wineries will use fruit essence or some other flavoring in grape wine. At Carlson Vineyards all of our fruit wines are 100% of the fruit stated on the label.
Does wine get better with age?
Most wines today are designed to drink within a couple years. Some wines are designed for more bottle age.
What does the term "Table Wine" mean?
Any wine 2.7% to 14% alcohol can be table wine.
Do all wines contain sulfites?
No, but most do. If the label says "Contains Sulfites" then there are over 10ppm sulfites in the wine.
Submit a question.
How long does it take to make wine?
Anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.
How long will wine keep after it is opened?
Once wine is opened, it is in contact with air, which starts oxidation, so flavors and aromas will start to change in a day or two. There are ways to preserve wine by using a wine saver or other products that are available.
What does the term "dry" wine mean?
Dry is a term used to describe wines which have no perceptible sweetness. High acidity in a wine can mask higher sweetness levels. Most red wines are dry, while white, sparkling, and fortified wines can be bone dry, dry, medium dry, medium sweet,or sweet.
Is fruit wine grape wine with fruit flavoring?
Sometimes wineries will use fruit essence or some other flavoring in grape wine. At Carlson Vineyards all of our fruit wines are 100% of the fruit stated on the label.
Does wine get better with age?
Most wines today are designed to drink within a couple years. Some wines are designed for more bottle age.
What does the term "Table Wine" mean?
Any wine 2.7% to 14% alcohol can be table wine.
Do all wines contain sulfites?
No, but most do. If the label says "Contains Sulfites" then there are over 10ppm sulfites in the wine.
Submit a question.