The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-09-27
CALIFORNIA WINES.


from she San Francisco Alta Sept. 1871
Our market HAS been wei supplied with grapes
commenced in most OF the warmer districts; and In
the cooler valleys. IKE Sonoma, few OF the vine
presses Will DO at E0rx before the middle OF next
the state will be small One OF the vino growers or
Sonoiaa estimates the average yield Of the vineyards
which have been several years In bearing at 300
gallons per acre. Some Of she Vineyards wil not
produce more than forty per cent OF the crop OF 1858,
winch was very large. 1t is Thought, however that
the quality Of the vintage OF 1860 Will DO superior.
In Sonoms and the lower part OF Napa, portions
OF santa Clara ana other districts exposed to the
direct influence OF the ocean winds the maturity OF
the grapes 10 ret yet complete though 1t Is sufficient
for either the table or for light wines. Grapes IN
and sent to press in the earlier STAGES OF rpeness;
those intended ior sweet wiaes such 10 port and
sherry and for angelica and brandy. should be al
lowed 10 reach the highest potS OF ripenes previous
to the time when their juices begin to dry up. In
q season IKE the present the grapes ct a dis
tancc OF thirty miles or more from the ocean
are ripe IN The beginning OF September. and
very little difference IN their external ap-
4 they arc left on ne Vines bs Ell s time tey
continue TO get sweeter, and some OF the sugar In
certain varieties. especially the MISSION turns to
spirit so that alter eating large bunch or 0Verrpe
grapes from q very warm distriot-LOs Angeles for
insiancean exharation similar to that produced by
Before the highest stage OF sweetness has boon
reached the quantity Juice begins to decrease, and
ponds to considerable degree upon the time se!ccted
Tor pressing the grapes. The manufacturers OF the
better brands OF sparkling wine are very care
ful 10 have the grapes picked as soon as they
are In the early stage OF ripenoss; without
tnat precaution they cannot succeed. 1t may
be that hereafter situations more exposed to
the ocean winds and a little cooler than any now
occupied Dy vineyards in our State VIII DC found to
produce good crops OF grapes; and, If 3d. those
places viii probably become valuable for the lighter
vines Experiments to flnd such situations should
be made within ten or fifteen miles OF tle ocean. from
santa Barbara TO Bodega, and especially on the hills
iii the vicinity OF Francisco and san Pablo bays. In
all larger vineyards the grapes rpen earlier and
are sweeter than the Bordeaux Champagne and
Rhine districts, where II Is not rare event for
them TO iah 70 rlpen for want of heat; but
pensatiOn for that they nave the tai tnesS and light
ness the lack Of which Is one OF the chief OBSTACLES
TO high success In the production OF dinner wine.
The strong, sweet wines similar TO those OF Portu
gal, are made In California OF excellent quality.
some OF the brands need nothing but few years
more OF age to command favor elsewhere. In the
braad,cs there Is great inequality, and all or them
lack age But all the productions OF our vineyards
are at disadvantage In the market on account OF
the names OF which are OOi OF the quality OF the
article sold. Large quantities OF miserable stuff
have been thrown on the market as Californian wiae
and brandy. and some purchasers not Knowing how
to distinguish between the brands have acquired
prejudice that works seriously to our disadvantages.
1t Is by brands with regulations gained III the course
of manv years that European wines are sold, and we
shall in time get large trade In The same way.
nt o U% nrn nave es s msak Of
selling bad as well as good stun and putting their
name on all alike.
BOSTON SHOE AND LEATHER MARGET.-In the
boot and shoe market trade continues active, and
with continuance OF low freight charges all our
principal railroad lines, the sliOment5 to all points
OF the interior are heavy. The volume OF business
thus far during the month OF September has been
very large, and considerably In excess Of that o. the
corresponding Time last year. The Southern demand
Is now ut its heights aud the call from the Vest holds
out much better tnan expected. Many BUYERS from
that section here for the second tme aud report
q steady improvement ia their distributing trade, as
well as more prompt collections Small buyers
from the here In considerable force and
are also sending fair amount OF orders The stocks
OF both manufacturers and jobbers are well sold up.
ana prices OF all well made seasOnaDle goods are
flrmer. The New England trade are looking through
the market for supplies and business in the prlncl-
pal shoe making towns where fine work Ii turned
out il quite active. The leather market has eXhtb-
iLed a little more tone during the past week, with
hides rmer and the stocks Of boot and shoe makers
running low. There is q slightly improved demand
both for sole and uppe .ud heavy weights or the
former are shade better. In rough and finished
upper there Is no qu0table change, but stronger
feeling among holders who are looking for good
SSDt. 3D.