Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62409
VINTAGE 2011 PennSylVAnIA The 2011 crop was average to slightly be- low average. Grapes came in with sugars and acids within target ranges. Weather: Weather was warm and ideal dur- ing the early season. As veraison approached, some cooler and wetter weather pushed har- vest back a bit, but we were ahead in degree- day accumulation for most of the season. Pests/Diseases: Bunch rot was a problem in the eastern part of the state due to the large amounts of rain that fell during Atlantic storm events in late August and early September. Technology/Techniques: More growers are turning to bulk harvesting systems rather than 1-ton bin systems. John F. Griggs Manager, Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center VIRGInIA Most sites and varieties had good fruit set, leading to high-potential crops. Some isolat- ed cases of poor weather during bloom for specific varieties severely depressed crop lev- els. Quality for white varieties ranged from excellent to average, and quality for reds was average due to late-season weather. Weather: The weather jumped from one extreme to another during the growing season. From bud break to bloom, we saw more rain than average. The whole state experienced higher than normal tem- peratures from bloom through post-verai- son. Some parts of the state experienced drought during this period and some endured frequent hail and rainstorms. Pests/Diseases: Unusually extensive bird damage took place right around veraison. High downy mildew pressure was seen on foliage, and bunch rot pressure was high late in the growing season. Supply/Demand: Potentially high crop levels kept fruit prices average prior to harvest. At some sites, late-season variet- ies required field sorting, which reduced the crop available for wineries. Technology/Techniques: Bird netting worked well to keep fruit intact. Solid canopy management and spray programs were essential for maintaining quality for late-season whites and reds. Varieties: Across the state shorter season varieties had excellent quality. Each site seemed to have a favorite red, which held up well against poor ripening conditions. Tremain Hatch Viticulture associate Virginia Tech Viticulture Resources Wine's First Perfect Closure VinPerfect high-performance screw cap liners allow consistent, discrete amounts of oxygen into the wine bottle over time, assuring optimal aging. We help ensure the wine your customer opens is defect-free and drinks as you intended. achieve precise post-bottling oxygen control VinPerfect's patent- pending technology allows us to target the narrow range of oxygen necessary to avoid reduction and get the shelf- life your customers expect. Read the science behind our approach at vinperfect.com/whitepaper. Laser-etched No minimum order VinPerfect offers laser decoration of the cap top in standard colors on orders as small as a single box. order now Request a quote online at vinperfect.com/order. Our team makes sure you are 100% satisfied with your choice to protect the quality of your wine. WINE'S FIRST PERFECT CLOSURE 2650 Napa Valley Corporate Drive Napa, CA 94558 707.252.2155 facebook.com/vinperfect f 707.252.2166 vinperfect.com Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012 131