Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62516
GRAPE GRO WING dertaken in an attempt to achieve uniform maturity at harvest. Some growers will remove clusters in excess of one cluster per shoot. This process is gaining favor among some ultra-premium producers of Caber- net Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and certain other varieties. Growers understand that thinning early, while the berries are in the growth phase, will increase the size of the remain- ing berries. For this reason almost all growers wait to thin until veraison. Winemaker demands for concentrated flavor and supple tannins at harvest have led to the practice of leaving grapes on the vine for days or weeks after the traditional harvest date. This practice is commonly referred to as "hang time." This requires continued maintenance irrigation to keep leaves green until just before harvest. Viticulturists in Napa Valley are divid- ed on the effects that yield (expressed as tons per acre) has on wine quality. Under- cropping (too few clusters) can lead a vine to excessive vegetative growth, vegetative wine flavors and high total pH. At the op- posite extreme, overcropping (too many clusters) a vine can lead to low alcohol and light, poor-quality wines. A majority A "T" trellis in this drip-irrigated Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard is spaced 10 feet by 7 feet. of growers believe that precision farm- ing for small yields produces the highest quality ultra-premium wines. The success of these growers makes it difficult to argue with this position. Another group, CASEGOODS • PROCESSING • STRATEGIC PLANNING • Unmatched expertise in long-term contracts Fast response to client needs • market information and research Publishers of • for a S trategic Avnae Te Tretn h urnie Outlook: S datg • Reputation for integrity from 38 years of service • Over $1.5 billion in grape and wine sales in the last 10 years • Proven long-term strategies from exclusive and superior trategies & Forecasts Steve Fredricks: President / Domestic & International Bulk Wine Brian Clements: Vice President / North Coast Grapes Michael Robichaud: Senior Broker / Bulk Wine Erica Moyer: Interior & Monterey County Grapes Steve Robertson: Bulk Wine Our Team of Brokers: Matt Turrentine: SLO & Santa Barbara Grapes Stephens Moody: Bulk Wine Audra Cooper: North Coast Grapes Marc Cuneo: North Coast Bulk Wine www.turrentinebrokerage.com 415.209.9463 417-741-1230 • info@powerflexfence.com Wines & Vines nOVeMBeR 2011 37 Strategic Advisors GRAPES • WINES IN BULK • GLOBAL SOURCING Trusted and however, believes that precision farming for balanced capacity and vine vigor is the best avenue to produce ultra-premium wines. Whichever approach is correct depends ultimately on a multitude of fac- www.powerflexfence.com Premium Products at affordable prices... • Hi-Tensile Wire (40 year life) • Wire Dispenser • Crimp Tools & Sleeves • Tensioners • Knipex Tools • Gripples & Torq Tool Professionals Prefer PowerFlex