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EAST New York (Finger Lakes) VINTAGE 2012 New York���Finger Lakes The growing season in the Finger Lakes was exceptional, except when it came to yields in certain varieties. Early spring frosts significantly reduced yields for Concord, Catawba and other native varieties. Hybrids and vinifera varieties had closer to average yields. Harvest for most varieties was two to three weeks earlier than normal, and winemakers are extremely pleased with fruit quality. Bud break arrived three to four weeks early in Virginia. Weather: Growers saw near-record warmth and dry conditions during the growing season. An early spring warm up got the season going ahead of time, and warm temperatures continued throughout the growing season, contributing to an early harvest. Pests/diseases: Disease pressure was very low this year, thanks to dry weather early in the season. Low botrytis pressure continued until the very end of harvest��� even after rains. Supply/demand: Average prices for most varieties increased in 2012, after several years of flat or falling prices. Riesling increased by 8.4% and was in high demand. Varieties: Acidity in Concord grapes was much lower than normal this year, more so than for other varieties. There is potential for very high quality wine from red vinifera varieties. Hans Walter-Peterson Viticulture extension specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension North Carolina Quantity of grapes from Vitis vinifera, French-American and American hybrid cultivars was down due to the spring frost, while there was an oversupply of Muscadine cultivars. Quality of 2012 grapes was average. Weather: The industry was concerned by a very mild winter in relation to Pierce���s disease. Two spring frosts and scattered hail reduced crop levels in western Piedmont and the mountains. Rainfall was normal to above normal. Pests/diseases: Somewhat higher downy mildew pressure resulted from the return of average rainfall amounts. Supply/demand: Prices remained static, and some Muscadine grapes went unsold. Logistics: Drought issues of recent years were relieved by seasonal rains in 2012. Varieties: Raffaldini took the ���best of show��� prize at the North Carolina State Now all print subscribers get free digital access View this issue on your computer or any mobile device. 444 Laguna Vista Road Santa Rosa, CA 95401 e-mail: vickitec@aol.com www.transitionequipment.com Tel: (707) 537-7787 Fax: (707) 537-7174 Cell: (707) 484-8776 SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #421 124 W in es & V i ne s JANUARY 20 13 DIGITAL EDITION winesandvines.com/digitaledition SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #315