Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62409
VINTAGE 2011 2011 vintage proved once again that no two are alike and reaffirms why we do this crazy thing. Logistics: Later than normal harvest meant a short time frame for picking and tight fermentor space. Vicky Scharlau Executive director, Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers because of the extremely hot and dry weather. Late-season varieties were af- fected the most. Weather: The growing season was a struggle. Lack of rain from the southwest to the northeast, with record heat of 112°F-plus made bringing the grapes to harvest difficult. Supply/Demand: Price was up by a small percentage with low yields creating high demand. Technology/Techniques: With the lack of rain, irrigation was a must. This may af- fect 2012 crop. Varieties: Somerset Ridge Winery became the first winery in the nation to release Crimson Cabernet wine. Kansas has sev- eral acres of this winegrape planted. Terry d. Turner Member, Kansas Grape Growers & Winemakers mICHIGAn Vineyards produced high quantities, and several wineries left grapes on the vine to harvest later for ice wine. Early indications point to exceptional quality, Central IndIAnA Wine grape quality was excellent this year due to minimal disease problems and great weather during ripening and harvest. Growers had the luxury of letting the grapes hang as long as they needed to develop their full potential. Managing bird predation was the biggest challenge for some growers. The warm 2011 grow- ing season will produce some outstanding wines, especially reds. Weather: The Midwest experienced a warm spring with above-average rainfall, then a much drier summer with record heat. The ripening period was warm with lower than normal rainfall, allowing long hang times. Pests/Diseases: Anthracnose (leaf blight) has been more common in recent years, perhaps due to warmer temperatures. Supply/Demand: Grape supply cannot meet winery demand, resulting in good prices. Yields were down for some growers who had difficulty controlling bird depredation. Logistics: Labor availability is always a problem at harvest. Varieties: Traminette continues to live up to its reputation as Indiana's signature wine. More acres have been planted, and wineries report record sales. Bruce Bordelon Professor, Purdue University kAnSAS Grape quality for 2011 ranged from very high to low. Quantity was down QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #942 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012 125