Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/1007939
76 WINES&VINES August 2018 WINEMAKING WINE EAST SUPPORT RESEARCH & WINE INDUSTRY NEEDS THROUGH THE A M E R I C A N V I N EYA R D FOUN D AT I O N c o o p e r at i v e a p p r oac h e s t o v i n e h e a l t h m a nag e m e n t Dr. McRoberts has developed a method for growers and/or grapevine nurseries to determine the appropriate sample size for evaluating the presence or absence of virus in a vineyard block. Also, Dr. McRoberts is crafting a grower presentation to share survey information addressing vine health, the clean plant program and the spread of virus in California vineyards. For more information, visit AVF.org or contact Dr. McRoberts @ nmcroberts@ucdavis.edu. For a wealth of useful viticulture and enology research and information, visit AVF.org, ngr.ucdavis.edu, asev.org, iv.ucdavis.edu or ngwi.org Finding Solutions Through Research Finding Solutions Through Research AMERICAN VINEYARD FOUNDATION • P.O. Box 5779, Napa, CA, 94581 • tel (707) 252-6911 Visit our Web site at www.avf.org for information on funding and current research projects AMERICAN VINEYARD FOUNDATION • P.O. Box 5779, Napa, CA, 94581 • tel (707) 252-6911 Visit our Web site at www.avf.org for information on funding and current research projects the summer, those grapes can ripen well even in the coolest parts of the state. Serious producers plant Cabernet Sauvignon on the warmest, least water-retentive and steepest slopes. Cabernet Franc: This grape has similar, but not as exacting, site preferences as Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine quality of Cabernet Sauvi- gnon will fail miserably when planted in a high-capacity soil. In that same soil, Cabernet Franc has a chance of making a fresh, herbal and easy-drinking wine. The dif- ference in styles of a Saint-Émilion wine versus one from the Loire Val- ley is reflected in the chameleon- like qualities of Cabernet Franc grown in Virginia. On warm slopes with restrictive soils, these grapes can trend toward high alcohol and overripe characteristics. It needs cooler slopes with just a bit more water availability than Cabernet Sauvignon. Blocks with a diversity of soils can be problematic during harvest, as Cabernet Franc ripen- ing times can be greatly influenced by soil differences. Petit Verdot: Petit Verdot has become the latest darling in Vir- ginia viticulture. Similar to Cab- ernet Franc, it is a "goldilocks" variety that likes the middle ground. On restrictive, warm sites it trends toward high alcohol and overripe characteristics. However, it is late-ripening and, consequently, more clay-based, cooler slopes will challenge its ability to fully ripen. Grown on the middle ground, Petit Verdot is capable of producing a wine with some restraint, balance and nuance. Rocks are always a good omen when planting Cabernet Sauvignon as they improve drainage and decrease soil water-holding capacity. PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDEN VINEYARDS