Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/918844
January 2018 WINES&VINES 73 VINTAGE 2017 For your nearest dealer, contact: WIREVISE® Trellis & Fence Wire Anchor This trellis and fence wire anchor securely holds wires to end-posts. Insert the wire into and through the wirevise. It automatically locks onto the wire. No tools required. To tighten, just pull more wire through the vise. A release tool is available from AgFast for 12- 16 gauge wire. Toll-Free: 877-552-4828 909-464-1373 • Fax: 909-464-1603 www.agfast.com WinesVines WireVise AD.qxp_Layout 1 12/1/16 2:5 Labor shortage is a continuous lo- gistical issue facing the grape pro- ducers of this region. Riesling was reported to produce normal/high yield and fruit quality. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, Merlot and Cabernet Franc were reported to have relatively high yield and fruit quality, as they were allowed to hang on the vine longer than in past seasons. This increased time on the vine can improve flavor and color development important in red wine production in Michigan's cool-climate viticulture. MINNESOTA Drew Horton Enology specialist University of Minnesota Grape Breeding & Enology Project Minnesota is a vast area with many regions, but the following is based on our local area west of the Twin Cities and reports from around the state. The 2017 grape harvest in Minnesota was overall quite good, especially after the challenges of 2016, when the state received record amounts of summer rain that led to numerous problems including later ripening, dilution, widespread rachis necro- sis and skin breakdown and split- ting. In contrast to 2016, 2017 was notably better. In general, it was a vintage of lower pH levels, slightly lower Brix levels and slightly higher acidity levels, with reasonable and even improved yields throughout the state. We did not experience any late- spring frosts (which can occur as late as mid-May). A moderate sum- mer followed by an unusually cool August pushed back the beginning of harvest. We suspect this cool August was responsible for the low pH levels, with some varieties struggling to get above 3.05. Like- wise, a lack of early fall frost events allowed most varieties to mature to full ripeness, albeit later than usual. Hail was an issue but effects were unequal and rather hit and miss. Some areas received hail in June during bloom and fruit set, which led to some reductions in yield; others received some Sep- tember hail, which caused local- ized fruit damage. Disease pressure was low, but in- sect pest pressure was high, with a widespread moderate to severe infestation of Japanese beetles within 30 or 40 miles of the Twin Cities (they have not yet spread statewide). In addition, the ap- pearance of the spotted wing dro- sophila was noted but presented only moderate damage to certain How would you describe the average yields of the 2017 harvest? GRAPE YIELD Record crop Above average Somewhat reduced 0% - Little to no crop CENTRAL Average