Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62409
VINT A GE 2011 Galls began appearing in a 4-year-old vineyard in Washington last summer in the span of about 6 weeks. 80% of the 20-acre block was infected. While harvest was late, it benefited from dry, sunny days late into the harvest period. Weather: The growing season got off to a late start but made a dramatic recovery entering harvest. Mostly sunny, warm and dry weather led to an excellent harvest period that continued into November. Pests/Diseases: There were small amounts of Botrytis, but no serious incidents of disease and only modest issues with birds. Supply/Demand: Grape prices fell toward the end of harvest as some wineries were limited in their capacities and could not bring in the record-high yields. Technology/Techniques: There was some use of reverse osmo- sis to reduce water in the grapes and flash heating to rupture the skins. Logistics: The shortage of tank space was the only logistical issue. Varieties: Low Brix was the biggest challenge. Some late varieties Trust_Dir11.qxp 10/28/10 3:09 PM Page 1 faced challenges from ripening after frost in the Rogue Valley. It was a great year for whites. Charles Humble Director of marketing & communications, Oregon Wine Board WASHInGTon Thoughtful and experienced producers have the opportunity to produce some stellar wines. Outstanding color and textbook balance coupled with slightly lower than usual sugars have winemakers excited. The general feeling is that flavor develop- ment peaked at lower sugar levels, eliminating the problem of high alcohol at full ripeness. Yields were a mixed bag, as some areas produced better than normal yields, some none. Weather: We had glorious weather in October and into Novem- ber. Some areas had no hard frost through late November. The Alasco_Nov04 10/1/04 11:44 AM Page 1 ALASCO Rubber & Plastics ...for 20+ years the innovative leader in solid & fermentation barrel closures! DALCO DUALL • fermentation bung • solid bung • easy to use • easy to clean CARBOY DUALL • fits over outer neck • fits carboys & beer kegs SOLID BUNGS • custom colors • with or without grip • a size for every barrel full line of winery equipment • bottling line parts • tank gaskets & seals • custom molded parts QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1809 124 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012 • 805/543-3008 phone • 650/595-4100 phone • 805/543-5349 fax • www.alasco.com • email@alasco.com QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #931 Plus Contact Us! MICHELLE MOYER, WSU