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CENTRAL Michigan VINTAGE 2012 Michigan Other Regional Designations: Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula; Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Antrim counties The 2012 vintage from the Grand Traverse region should end up being a good one, as we had a relatively long and warm growing season that helped express varietal characteristics in the fruit. Caryn Chachulski/2 Lad s Wi nery Loading the press at 2 Lads Winery in Traverse City, Mich. Weather: Our vines and crops narrowly escaped several hard freezing events in April. The summer was warm and droughty, but it changed to cool and rainy in September, which slowed ripening significantly. �� Pests/diseases: It was a light-pressure year for insects and diseases; a few areas had to deal with problems from powdery mildew.��Losses to birds were heavy. Our bird pressure may have been significantly increased because a of a very short crop load of other fruits. This left the vineyards as the only source of fruit for birds. Grower estimates of damage varied quite a bit, which is typical because bird damage is usually spotty and unpredictable. Supply/demand: Yields were very good for most varieties. Many vineyards re- quired fruit thinning to achieve optimal crop maturity. Prices were average. Logistics: The droughty summer really tested the irrigation capabilities in our area. Varieties: Poor late-season conditions kept our Rieslings from reaching ideal maturity levels, but the flavor components and sugar/acid balance came out fine. Duke Elsner Small fruit educator, Michigan State University Extension Michigan Other Regional Designations: Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville; Berrien, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties With a particularly long growing season, a dry summer and good weather for harvest, growers were able to pick grapes at the optimum time for flavor, acidity, pH and sugars. Reds have excellent color. Both reds and whites are of very high quality. Some early season varieties were subject to freeze injury, resulting in lighter supply. Overall, quantity is normal to above normal. Weather: Southwest Michigan had a mild winter, with 80��F temperatures in March, FIVE MODELS OF FILLERS FINE LABELSTOCK FOR FINE WINES Come visit us at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento January 30 & 31, 2013 Booth #1715 www.upmraflatac.com SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1737 118 W in e s & V i ne s JANUARY 20 13 SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1715