Sultaniye

A seedless variety and the most planted grape variety in the world. Alas, the vast majority of it is planted for table grapes and raisins, not for wine. Named after the Ottoman (Turkish) sultans for whom it was widely grown. Its origin is unclear but Turkey, Greece, Iran, and Afghanistan have all been suggested. In California, it is called Thompson Seedless.

How often can cork bark be harvested from cork oak trees?

A. Every year, just like grapes

B. Once every 50 years

C. Once every 3 years

D. Once every 9 years

Cork oak trees can be harvested for the first time for cork bark after about 25 years. Thereafter, the tree bark is harvested every 9 years. A cork tree will be “stripped,” on average, sixteen times in its 150 to 200 life. There is a saying in Portugal (where most of the world’s cork oak forests exist) that: Nature got it wrong–there should be a cork harvest every year, but women should have babies just once every nine years.

I feel that wine is the most intimate and profound thing. You can share it with friends, or sit alone and contemplate it. It represents a sustainable cycle. And it can be kind of fun, too.

–Tim Carl, Huge Bear Winery, Sonoma County

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