Winemaking & Vineyards

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We at the Renault Winery are pleased to offer quarterly updates from the vineyard manager and the winemaker to highlight important concepts in understanding the basic steps towards making award-winning wines. This quarter, we would like to highlight the processes of RACKING and AGING.
- RACKING - This is the removal of sediment (also known as Lees) from the bottom of the existing wine container, post fermentation. This period is a very simple process and can be thought of as a quality control procedure in winemaking typically done after the wine has had time to settle in the barrel or container/tank. The sediment is mainly composed of the dead yeast cells as a by-product of the fermentation (yeast and nutrients eating the sugar cells causing a reaction yielding alcohol and CO2). It is necessary to remove the sediment (racking) before any decomposition in the cells occurs, which would allow a bitter taste to formulate. We also run a few tests at this time to initially adjust the acid and SO2 levels for future balancing of the wine.
- AGING - The process of maturing wine so it can be allowed too improve. The wines that benefit from aging become less harsh, less tannic, smoother, and more complex. Once wines complete fermentation, they begin to change as a result of not only air, wood or container contact, but also because the natural components of the young wine begin to interact with one-another. Aging is necessary for wines to reach their full potential in many areas such as: aroma, taste, aftertaste, body, and balance. Our Port and Heavier Reds are evidence of this!
Winery Data Sheet
- Our winery has been in existence for over 140 years.
- We currently grow thirteen different types of grapes on site consisting of several Varietals and American Hybrids:
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Whites
Reisling
Chardonnay
Cayuga
Pinot Grigio
Vidal Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Gewürztraminer
Noah
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Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Norton (Cynthiana)
Baco Noir
Merlot
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- The winery also has two adjacent sites for its own “blueberries” that are set along an area within the golf course.
- Our vineyard personnel have recently completed the planting of several thousands of propagation cuttings.
- The different cuttings are from various trimmed vines and they will be typically used to increase our existing vineyards in the upcoming years.
- Renault’s vineyards were originally located here because of the climate that is close to the ocean and the sand-laiden soil that produced excellent drainage.
- Our vineyards continue to thrive at our location, with some Noah vines currently well over forty years old. The vineyards are spread across over eight locations on the property. The entire Renault site encompasses over 1500 acres.
- Our tour guide staff conducts winery tours 364 days a year. Renault’s history is reviewed and you will visit our antique winemaking equipment room, our press and bottling areas, and our tasting room to sample our wines made on the premesis.
- Two acres of Reisling were added in 2006 (1,600 vines) and approximately three additional acres per year (for a total of 18), of various grapes will be added over the next several seasons bringing our total over 50 acres.
- We participate in the IPM program at our site. This Integrated Pest Management program eliminates only harmful insects on the premises.
- The winery annually harvests over 45 tons of grapes each season, of which 100 percent are hand picked.
Additional Renault sites to visit
- Our Tuscany House Hotel creates an old world atmosphere infused with European style. Marble, tile and old woods invite you into our complete hotel for a relaxing stay in one of our fifty individually decorated rooms. Enjoy our old world décor on your way to Joseph’s Restaurant for an exquisitely prepared and elegantly served Mediterranean themed breakfast, lunch or dinner any day. Select from a complete a la carte menu of European and other worldly cuisines and enjoy a drink from our full service bar. Allow us to provide you elegant service for your next special event in one of our many uniquely decorated banquet facilities.
- Our Gourmet Restaurant first leads you to the second floor of the Winery through old wine casks for a truly memorable dining experience infused with old world style and graceful service. Enjoy an elegantly prepared six-course dinner; taste an appetizer, pasta, homemade soup, sorbet intermezzo and fresh salad after selecting from one of eight exquisitely prepared entrees. Taste two appropriately selected wines to complement your dinner as well. This unique culinary experience is not complete without indulging in a freshly prepared dessert and stepping out on the dance floor. Also, join us for Champagne Brunch Sunday mornings for a lavishly prepared cold buffet including desserts, a chef attended carving station and pasta stations, champagne punches and fresh fruit juices, and more, as well as your hot entrée selection prepared exactly to your liking.
- Our Gift Shop offers a complete selection of our wines and champagnes. Find the perfect gift for the wine enthusiast in your family from our unique selection of gift baskets, stemware, carafes, and more. Experience our history and learn secrets of our Master Vintner by taking our Winery Tour and enjoy samplings from our tasting room.
- Our Resort boasts Vineyard Golf at Renault; a unique 7,200-yard Championship Golf Course featuring majestic views of the vineyards and orchards as it meanders subtly through the Pinelands. Strategic elements create risk and reward opportunities on every meticulously maintained tee, fairway, green and pond, as the course exemplifies Renault Craftsmanship.
We hope you enjoy your visit to our Renault Winery Resort.
Come back and visit us again at Renault Winery Resort and Golf.
For further information, please call us at 609-965-2111 or 877-4-RENAULT (877-473-6285).
Thank You.
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