(SHATTER-cane)

Where did we get our name?

Shatter, or as the French call it Coulure (pronounced coo-LYUR) is the term used for the vulnerable period shortly after the vine’s “bud-break”, when inclement weather causes grapes to undergo an adverse metabolic reaction. This ‘shatter’ can result in smaller/undeveloped grapes or fruit loss. Although this is feared by wine growers for production loss, the shatter often creates a more beautiful, healthy, strong wine.

Cane is the most critical part of the grape vine making it possible to spread fruit and form new leaves, grape clusters, and shoots. Cane is the new growth which is vital to the grape harvest. All harvestable fruit comes from the cane. Vines grow aggressively and create many non-producing shoots which compete with the vine for resources necessary for the grape clusters. It’s so important to manage and prune the unproductive shoots as they compete with the vine for resources. Bottom line, no cane, no fruit.

While investigating an unknown plant on a property the winemaker was purchasing, the University of Nebraska Agricultural department advised her that it was an annual grass called “Shattercane”. The description of shattercane included “resilient & graceful”, “prevalent in the Midwest”, “virulent but living symbiotically with other species”, “flourishes”, “located around the world”. She felt like it was describing her. At that point, ShatterCane was her winery name!

A bit of detail about the logo design. The winemaker comes from a large, “deeply rooted” family in the Midwest. She is the 3rd of 6 siblings all represented in birth order by the six vine roots in the logo. As the 3rd root, (most deeply grounded) she has 2 children also represented by the sub-roots under hers. The logo is a family tree so to speak.

Finally, on a far-reaching personal note, Shatter + Cane, is also an important life story for the winemaker as she experienced a medical and personal life changing scenario. Those of us having experienced “shattering” situations, will renew & grow like the canes producing many more amazing “vintages”.