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VINTAGE 2011 Supply/Demand: Grape prices remain stable. Demand continues to grow, mostly due to the increasing number of wineries, now num- bering more than 50. (Read about a new state winery in "Com- munity-Based Direct Marketing" on page 154.) Most reliable varieties include hybrids Seyval, Vidal and Chambourcin, along with vinifera varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Jack Johnston Maryland Grapevine editor, Maryland Grape Growers Alliance neW yoRk—FInGeR lAkeS Yields were above average for most varieties this year due to high bud fruitfulness and set. Sugar levels were low in many cases, as was acidity. Wet conditions close to harvest resulted in heavy Botrytis pressure in hybrid and vinifera varieties, which led to a lot of fruit being dropped or sorted out at the crush pad. Overall quality is still good, but everyone is glad this one is over. Weather: After unusually warm and dry conditions in June, July and early August, rain became almost continuous in September and October, driving up disease pressure. Pests/Diseases: Botrytis became difficult to control in some cases due to many days with some rainfall as well as heavy rain events that resulted in fruit cracking. Supply/Demand: Yields were higher than normal overall. Bulk hybrid and native varieties were 50% above average or more in many cases. Technology/Techniques: Canopy manipulation in hybrid and vinifera blocks often had a significant impact on disease develop- ment at harvest. Varieties: Evidence of bunch rot infections were found in varieties that normally aren't considered susceptible to them (e.g., Vidal Blanc, Lemberger). Hans Walter-Peterson Viticulture extension specialist, Cornell University neW yoRk—lonG ISlAnd Persistence and hard work were the hallmarks of 2011. Weather: A rainy June led to minor outbreaks of downy mildew during bloom, affecting both clusters and canopy. This was mostly inconsequential as vines set large numbers of clusters this year. July was very warm and dry, propelling vine phenol- ogy. The region experienced abundant rainfall from August through October. A hurricane at the end of August weakened by the time it reached Long Island, morphing into Tropical Storm Irene. Most blocks endured the high winds and rain; ironically, over-the-row bird netting helped out a lot. However, within a week, the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee marched through the eastern U.S. The wet conditions precipitated cluster rot in white varieties—mainly sour rot with a little Botrytis. This led many growers to hand-harvest, allowing more careful sorting of fruit. Varieties: Red varieties such as Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon were resilient through the challenging weather. Growers were able to hang fruit until fully ripe, though sort- ing was again necessary in some blocks. Brix and acids were moderate for both reds and whites, presenting fruit chemistry that was somewhat unfamiliar. However, flavors were well QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #2614 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012 129