Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/235941
VINTAGE 2013 The Texas High Plains, which is the leading production region, suffered an unprecedented series of late frosts that reduced yields between 80% and 90%. Frost injury was less widespread in the Texas Hill Country, but hailstorms in May severely damaged several vineyards. EAST Weather: The weather was iffy through mid-summer, with lots of rain and cold temperatures, but cleared up after that. A killing frost in May took out a lot of fruit in some locations. Weather: Other than the major frost and hail events, growing-season weather was generally favorable, and ripening conditions were good. Pests/diseases: Disease and insect pressure were about average in 2013. Reporting from: • Maryland • Ontario Supply/demand: Grape demand remained strong and prices stayed high due to continued expansion of wineries. The supply and demand situation was exacerbated by major crop losses. • New York • Pennsylvania • New Jersey • Virginia Varieties: Varieties with late bud break, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre, generally produced more crop than earlier varieties. Ed Hellman Viticulture extension specialist, Texas A&M University See us at Unified booth #128 season, and sugars a tad low, but both improved as the fruit matured. One might wish for a bit more in terms of crop size, but quality is more important than quantity. • North Carolina Maryland Fruit quality in 2013 was uniformly high. Extensive berry sampling after véraison evidenced some very tasty fruit, and the numbers were right on the mark. Acids seemed a bit high earlier in the Pests/diseases: The season was unusually disease free, with the standard culprit powdery mildew virtually absent. Some fruit rots were detected early but dried up soon. Supply/demand: All fairly stable. Technology/techniques: Industry-related matters such as demand, costs and technology all remained fairly stable. Varieties: Varietal preferences were largely standard, although lesser known varieties such as Albariño, Petit Manseng and Blaufrankish are becoming more common. Jack Johnston Editor, Maryland Grape Growers Association newsletter Win es & Vin es ja n ua ry 20 14 127