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WineEast People often ask me what effect climate change is having on vineyards in Pennsylvania. My unscientific perspective tells me that we are having longer frost seasons and more dramatic frost events like the Easter freeze in 2007. Seasons and weather events appear to be more extreme, such as the difference between 2009 and 2010 vintages. All of this further complicates the challenge of growing grapes in areas with marginal climate characteristics. In cool/cold wine regions there are two primary viticultural goals: to get fruit to full maturity so it can make the best possible wine, and to have the vines survive the winter so they have a chance to make wine. We begin with the elemental truth that the best wines are made from fully mature grapes—this is truest for reds but also applicable to whites. Thoughtful planning, expert viticulture and a lot of luck are necessary to achieve consistently high-quality wines under these conditions. It begins by making every effort to compress the vegetative cycle of the vine, which increases the chances that the fruit will fully ripen and, hopefully, be less exposed to harvest hazards such as rain, frost, birds, bunch rots, etc. Fortunately, all of the design and viticulture that promotes fruit ripening also enhances cold hardi- ness in vines, such as creating a balanced vine, not over-cropping, removing crop with enough time before the first hard frost for the wood to achieve maximum cold hardiness, etc. In most cases I would argue for a balanced vine of small to me- dium size to achieve these objectives. Smaller vines carry less fruit and tend to ripen their grapes earlier than bigger vines with more ATTENTION SHIPPERS, GROWERS, & WINERIES M&M WINE GRAPE CO. juicegrape.com The Sourcing & Transportation of Premium Wine Grapes is Our Specialty GRAPE SOURCING • by Variety • by Appellation • by Specification From premium grape growing areas including: Amador, Mendocino, Napa, Suisun Valley, Clements Hills, Lodi, Central Valley, WA State, Chile S.A. and others WINERY SUPPLY All Equipment & Supplies necessary for all phases of winemaking. Combine with your grape purchase and save $$$ TRANSPORTATION • logistical network operating daily from coast to coast • over 20 years experience in moving product from point A to point B Grapegrowing PENNSYLVANIA Growing degree days <2,000 2,000-2,500 2,500-3,000 Heat accumulation above 50ºF from April 1 to Oct. 31. substantial crops. High-density winegrowing in Germany, Austria, Burgundy, Champagne and Ontario seems to bear out this truth, but with little evidence of any impact on cold hardiness. Matching variety to climate Cool- and cold-climate viticulture is all about matching variety to climate. In order to do so, accurate knowledge of the climate of the vineyard site is needed. Thirty-year climate data can be interpolated from weather stations to give an accurate account of the climate history of a property almost anywhere. The key variables are length of growing season from the last spring frost to the first fall frost, growing degree-days and low winter temperature where it is a threat to vine health and survival. Since everything is done in the service of the wine, knowing what type and style of wine the grapes are intended to make is essential. A $10 bottle of Concord has a very different requirement than a $25 Riesling. Once climate and wine are identified, a process of Chemdet_Nov07 10/2/07 4:18 PM Page 1 TANK CLEANING EQUIPMENT Chemdet has over 35 years experience supplying a full line of quality equipment to clean the interiors of open or closed, large or small containers, tanks & process vessels. • Portable Tank Washers • Clean-in-Place Tank Washers • Drum and Barrel Washers • High Impact Tank Washers • Fixed and Rotating Spray Balls When your crop is down, your demand increased, or you're just starting out... M&M Wine Grape Co. is your source for quality products including fresh grapes, juice, and bulk wine. M&M Wine Grape Co. 101 Reserve Road Hartford, CT 06114 (877) 812-1137 sales@juicegrape.com 52 Wines & Vines AUGUsT 201 1 Member of: mmwinefamily.com Toll-Free 800-645-1510 • Tel: 772-388-2755 Fax: 772-388-8813 e-mail: info@chemdet.com • www.chemdet.com Chemdet, Inc • 730 D Commerce Center Drive Sebastian, FL 32958 3,000-3,500 >3,500 Pa. county boundary