Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/63937
WineEast EasternWineLab_Mar09.qxp 1/22/09 9:47 AM Page 1 Grapegrowing EASTERN WINE LABS Serving the Analytical needs of East Coast Wineries WWW.EASTERNWINELABS.COM Ph 609-859-4302 Cell 609-668-2854 chemist@easternwinelabs.com AOAC Member which indicates that appropriate site selection further improves the ability to extend ripening of Lenoir for table wine production. Although Lenoir tolerates PD, it is still susceptible to a wide range of foliar and fruit diseases found in the southeast including anthrac- nose, black rot, downy mildew and phomopsis. Powdery mildew, however, has not been documented on either fruit or green tissue. Susceptibility to downy mildew appears to be more problematic in wet spring conditions leading into bloom. Lenoir is susceptible to Phymatotrichum root rot, which is a problem on calcareous soil with high clay content found in some areas of Texas. The most common insect pests in Texas are grape leaffolders and grape berry moth. As with the other PD-tolerant hybrids, Lenoir is productive even if infected with PD. It acts as a host of the bacterium and will show leaf scorch symptoms typical of PD if vines become stressed. Because Lenoir and most other PD-tolerant varieties can act as symptomless hosts of Pierce's disease, it is not recommended to plant this variety alongside susceptible grape varieties. Wildlife Control • Bird netting • Side Applied Netting • BirdGard • Scare Devices • Deer Fence & Deterrents Trellis Supplies • Notched Metal Post, Wood • Anchors • Wire • Tools • Gripples • Dura-Line Training & Tying Supplies •Tree-fix • Wire ties • AgLoc • Klip-on • Grow Tubes • Training Stakes • Tying Products Spring Pruning and Tying Supplies FINGER LAKES TRELLIS SUPPLY BUY ONLINE! www.fingerlakestrellissupply.com info@fingerlakestrellissupply.com 315-904-4007 4041A Railroad Ave. Williamson, NY 14589 PACKAGING For the best quality! HAUSER spirits and beer bottles on the east coast! Give us a try! We are the largest importer of wine, Toll free (888) 600-2671 www.hauserpack.com 96 Wines & Vines MAY 2012 Lenoir in the winery Texas winemakers have found that Lenoir is adapted to many wine styles. Fruit harvested early in the season can be made into light- bodied rosés or off-dry red wines during years when extended ripen- ing is not possible due to rain or the onset of rots. Historically, dry red table wine has been the most common style for the Lenoir grape, but the growing season must allow for ideal ripening and softening of acids in the fruit for table wines to be balanced and showcase varietal character. For more than a decade, winemakers have played on the Lenoir grape's complex earthy character, strong acid backbone and nuances of chocolate and cherry in the production of Port-style wines, which are now considered a signature style for this variety. Recent efforts to improve winemaking practices for dry table wine production have led to increased quality. The introduction of oak, en- zymes and enological tannins during primary fermentation has shown good potential to improve the structure and mouthfeel of Lenoir wines. Winemakers are also becoming increasingly aware of the importance of removing green seeds and stems from earlier harvested fruit to reduce vegetative character in finished wines. Co-fermentation with small amounts of vinifera or blending finished wines with small amounts of vinifera to impart additional tannin and fruit character has been key to producing wines that are more approachable to consumers not yet familiar with the varietal character of Lenoir. Typical blending partners from Texas fruit include Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. In an industry where vinifera is king, it is remarkable to see the success of several Texas wineries that have embraced the Lenoir grape for producing signature wines. The Bonarrigo family of Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas, has been producing its flagship Ports from Lenoir since the early 1980s. The ruby, tawny and signature "Paulo Porto" Port-style wines continue to be best-sellers at Messina Hof, and recently production was increased to support a new line of rosé wines from its 15-acre Lenoir vineyard. Raymond Haak of Haak Winery in Santa Fe, Texas, also produces Port from Lenoir and branched into the production of Madeira-style wines in 2003 using their in-house "estufa," or heated barrel-aging room. In the Texas Hill Country, wineries such as Dry Comal Creek and Chisholm Trail have been producing signature dry table wines from Lenoir for more