Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/66152
WineEast n the first part of this series ("Grape Varieties for Cold Cli- mates," Wines & Vines, August 2011 issue), we discussed how cool or cold climates can be defined and looked at some of the varietals that can be grown in these challenging areas. This article will address some of the problems faced by grapegrowers in cold climates. I Winter injury and frost damage In cold areas, winter injury gets the most attention because of the threat of vine injury or death. This is a well-placed concern, but frost damage should be hard on its heels. Frost risk should be ac- curately assessed and every possible passive prevention measure employed, most of them related to site characteristics. As frost becomes a greater concern, so does the date of bud break for all varieties. If frost is a regular threat, varieties with later bud break become the more obvious choice. Chardonnay, for example, is frequently implicated by growers to be at high risk for frost damage. • ask for or the be Overcoming Cold-Climate Challenges Part II of a series about short-season viticulture in cool to cold climates By Mark Chien Wine East HIGHLIGHTS: • • This article addresses specific challenges faced by winegrape growers in cool to cold climates. The author discusses how to avoid winter injury and frost dam- age, and he outlines the wine quality-related issues of soil and soil moisture. This article covers methods to delay bud break via rootstock selection and pruning. Clean plant materials are vital to avoid crown gall and other diseases. Grapegrowing The economic, viticultural and wine quality complications raised by the loss of primary shoots are very significant and the cause for much anxiety—not to mention loss of sleep. While nature has de- signed a vine with multiple safeguards (the compound bud) against You make the best wines... as esst eq pmenequuipment Tanks Variable capacity, closed top, combined tanks built to your requirements Equipment • Presses • Crusher destemmer • Pumps and more. plus a variety of tanks in stock. Get a quote online now at www.raynoxinc.com 1148 St-Michel street, St-Cesaire, QC, Canada, J0L 1T0 Phone (450) 469-4822 Toll Free 1 866 469-4181 46 Wines & Vines sePTeMBeR 2011