site impact on chardonnay flavor glenn mcgourty, winegrowing advisor ucce mendocino and lake...
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Site ImpactOn Chardonnay Flavor
Glenn McGourty, Winegrowing Advisor
UCCE Mendocino and Lake Counties
*Ft. Bragg
*Ukiah
*Philo
*Mendocino
*Boonville
The Four Seasons In Mendocino County
Mediterranean California Meets the Pacific Northwest:
“Baja Oregon”Klamath Bioregion
Distance from the Ocean Determines Relative Warmth
Microclimates of Northern California
Distance from the Pacific Ocean is key Climates range from maritime to
continental Topography is rugged Geology is highly variable Elevation, slope and aspect vary greatly Vines start growth late, ripen late Stratification of air at night Convection by day, breezy
Climate and Sun Light Energy
Above the FogAbove the Fog In the FogIn the Fog Beyond the FogBeyond the Fog
Ways to Select Varieties
Winkler Heat Summation
Heat Summation: Hours above 50 degrees F A useful quick way to estimate suitability
of a climate for grape growing Five regions, four for wine grapes
The International Varieties
Cabernet sauvignon Chardonnay Sauvignon blanc
Pinot noir Merlot
International Varieties Native to Northern France (above latitude 44 Native to Northern France (above latitude 44
degrees Northdegrees North Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions
I and II)I and II) Long history of quality and export, especially to Long history of quality and export, especially to
the United Kingdomthe United Kingdom Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in
the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie Barra, other early believers)Barra, other early believers)
Chardonnay, Mendocino County’s Most Widely Planted Wine Grape 4,680 acres Planted in virtually all regions Productive Numerous clones Average price per ton: $1200 Production in 2010: 14, 28
Approximate Degree Summation
Location ∑ 10°C WinklerWinkler
RegionRegion
Dijon, France: Chardonnay, Pinots 2400 I
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France: Syrah, Viogner, Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne
2800 II
Bordeaux, France: Cabernet sauvingon, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc
2800 II
Yorkville, Mendocino County 2900 II+
UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, Mendocino County
3150 III
Red Hills Vineyard, Lake County 3600 IV
Place Distance from Pacific Ocean in kilometers
Winkler Region
Philo 23 I, II
Boonville 29 II, low III
Yorkville 39 II, low III
Ukiah 43 III
Hopland 50 III
Big Valley 61 high II, low III
Red Hills 71 High III
High Valley
77 high III, low IV
Distance from Pacific Ocean
and Winkler Regions (Latitude 39 degrees)
A few caveats: “On the edge of adaptation you may find
brilliance” “Look for the warm spot in the cool place” In cool places, best sites face south, west Higher elevation sites best in cool and
humid climates, not valley floors
Environmental Cues for Plants Photoperiod or Day Length Air Temperature Soil Temperature
Soils Matter Heavy soils delay bud break and ripening,
and cause excessive growth, large crops and berry size. Okay for whites, not so good for reds
Lighter soils help with vine balance, but can also stress vines if not irrigated
Anderson Valley: Region One: To 2200 Hours One of California’s Coolest Area North end is very cool and often foggy
Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
South end can grow all of those varieties, plus Sauvignon blanc
Not a great place for other reds
Region 2: 2200-2800 hours Low summation: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay High summation: Sauvignon Blanc,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah (these can be tricky in cool, wet years)
Elevation, slope, aspect, soils very important
Yorkville Highlands
Yorkville Highlands Headwaters of the Navarro and Dry Creek
Watersheds Cooler sites (lower areas) good for Pinot
noir, Chardonnay Warmer sites (upper areas) are producing
excellent Cabernet sauvignon and Syrah Not as hot as interior Mendocino County
Region III: Interior Mendocino County 2800 to 3500 hours Great region for Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,
Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
In deep soils, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne