10.3 Viticulture Scenarios: Finger Lakes, New York state Flashcards
What is the climate?
- Deep lakes provide temperature moderation (V. vinifera would not be able to grow here without the effect of the lakes)
- Summers are still moderate
- Winters are extremely cold
Where are the vineyards planted?
located around the edges of the lakes
What black grape variety is planted on the edge of lakes? Why?
Cabernet Franc
- benefit from the slightly more moderate condition
- extends the period over which grape growing is viable, providing more chance for the tannins and aromas in these varieties to get ripe
What is the main grape variety? Why?
Riesling
- winter hardiness (survives harsh winters)
- late budding (protection from spring frost)
How do grape growers protect from winter freeze?
- hill up the soil so that it covers and protects the vine graft (part of the vine that is most at risk from winter freeze)
What are the soils like?
nutrient-rich
Are the vines vigorous?
Yes
- nutrient-rich soil
- plentiful rainfall
What type of vine training is used?
Scott-Henry trellising systems
- divide the vine canopies
- improve light interception in large canopies
- improve air circulation
What summer pruning technqiues are carried out? Why?
Leaf stripping
- enhance ripeness
What problems does this region face? Why?
- Fungal diseases can be a problem
- Rainfall in the growing season
What is typically done to combat fungal diseases?
- Trellising system to improve air circulation
- Spraying fungicides
Are the vineyards planted at high or low densities? Why?
Low (2800-3200 vines per hectare)
- large vines need sufficient space
Are grapes usually machine or hand-harvested?
Machine-harvested
- labour availability is low
- between-row spacing is typically high (to allow for mechanisation)
Are yields typically high or low?
High (50-60 hl/ha.)
- each vine can ripen a large crop
