Thursday, February 27, 2014

Eek, a bud!

It's that time of year again.  Actually, it's not, it's a little bit earlier than last year.  But try telling that to the Orange muscat vines, there is no denying that bud-swell is upon us.  Can we say over-achievers?  Calm down little buddies!
I finished pruning the Pinot grigio vines today, but I only have about 25% of the canes tied down (thanks to Vinomaker).  It's forecast to rain tomorrow, but I can still tie-down in the rain.  Then, on to the Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

4 comments:

Thomas said...

Just last night talking with a few FLakes winemakers I learned that thus far, the 2014 is at least 50% short of its buds.

This has been the coldest and longest winter in decades. The roller coaster from zero to the 40s wreaks havoc as the vines try to adapt--with each temperature plunge, the vines are thrown into confusion.

If we were to experience bud break weather for a stretch and then go back to winter, the crop would be a total loss.

Vinogirl said...

Tomasso: How are the vines "50% short" of their buds? I can't imagine them just falling off, even in freezing weather, when the vines are dormant. I'm intrigued.

Thomas said...

A length of cane, and then some buds are visibly frozen to death in place--a final assessment of the damage is possible in spring.

Vinogirl said...

Tomasso: Well, Vitis vinifera is not as cold tolerant as American grape species. I heard in some places in the NE they bend vines down and cover them with straw. Have you ever seen that?