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OCT OBER NEWS California Tests New Wine Types Field trial results announced; varieties suggested for San Joaquin Valley P arlier, Calif.—Petit Verdot, Tannat, Malbec and Durif (Petite Sirah) can produce high-quality grapes and wine in the San Joaquin Valley, according to a field trial of 20 red winegrape varieties at the University of California's Kearney Agricultural Re- search and Extension Center in Fresno County. Results of this Phase 1 variety trial, an update on a newer Phase 2 field trial with 55 varieties, and development and introduction of new nematode-resistant rootstocks were highlights of the biennial Kearney Grape Day held by UC Cooperative Extension. The program was organized and hosted by UC Davis extension specialist Dr. Matthew Fidelibus and Fresno County extension viticulture advisor Steve Vasquez. UC Davis Cooperative Extension viticulture specialist Dr. Jim winesandvines.com Learn more: Search keywords "Kearney Grape Day." Wolpert and viticulture research associate Dr. Mike Anderson established and conducted the field trials to evaluate winegrape At Kearney Grape Day, Peter Cousins discusses a field trial that pro- duced three new nematode-resistant rootstocks released in 2010. varieties for production in the San Joaquin Valley. The trials had two main purposes: First, evaluate characteristics such as color, tannin, acid and sugar content. What can these add to blends to differentiate brands and enhance competitiveness for California appellation varietal wines? Second: Identify newly available cultivars that grow well in the San Joaquin Valley, which could potentially stand on their own as varietal wines. The American Vineyard Foundation fund- ed the trials. The four best-performing varieties were identified based on economic, chemical and sensory considerations. Yields had to be a minimum of 8 tons per acre to be economically viable for growers. Sugar target for harvest was 24.0º Brix. In 2010, har- vest occurred from Sept. 9 to Oct. 20; 11 varieties were harvested within 0.5º Brix of the target. Good acidity and pH, color, tannin and phenolic content were also factors. —Jon Tourney The original, BOTTLE-MATIC-II 3 YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED Front and Back! $1800 for Wines & Vines Readers! Front & Back! Label any cylindrical container fast and accurately from ½" to 21 day trial MADE IN USA! DISPENSA-MATIC Label Dispensers 18 Wines & Vines OCTOBeR 2011 8" diameter, @ Speeds of 1200 Pcs. per hour. NOT A CHEAP, IMPORTED KNOCK-OFF! Wasting Time Labeling by Hand! STOP FAX:(573) 392-1757; E-mail: info@dispensamatic.com Web: http://www.bottle-labeler.com 28220 Playmor Beach Rd, Rocky Mount, MO 65072 Call Toll Free: 1 (800) 325-7303 or (573) 392-7684 Price subject to change without notice. 2/01/10 JON TOURNEY