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Cook Vineyard Weekly Newsletter 9.10.12

Over the weekend you could feel the signs of fall. The brisk cold wind in the morning followed by some warmth as the day progressed. This is what we call hanging weather.  The grape clusters are almost ready for harvest. This weather is allowing a slow ripening that helps introduce great flavors into the wine grapes.
 

Our chardonnay is hanging at 22 brix with a projected harvesting brix of 23 to 24. (Brix is a measurement of sugar)

So how many brix can wine grapes gain in a week can be answered easily by “It depends on the weather. We plan on the wine grapes gaining one brix per week, but in weather over 90 degrees it could gain 2 brix per week. Sometimes when we get some cool weather the brix level can actually go down.

So this weather has been great for us in the vineyards. Due to our warm summer we are ahead in the ripening stages, so cool weather now will allow some much needed hang time without interfering with the upcoming rainy season.

So far I would rate this growing year a 10, based on 10 being the highest. 2011 was a 5 along with 2010.

This week we will be harvesting some more Chardonnay with the Pinot Noirs set for next week.

If anyone wants to visit us in the vineyards to learn more about the world of viticulture, please call us at 707.490.8921. Also check our website  www.cvmgrapes.com.