Much of the US had a very wet winter in 2009/2010. Record snow falls were reported; cold spells lasted longer, particularly along the East Coast and in the South. Records are now being set by the heat spells of consecutive 100 degree days and lack of rainfall.
Wells and water supplies in the Southwest, South and along the Atlantic coast states are revealing lower than normal water levels and drought ratings are ranging from moderate to severe, depending on the areas. The National Weather Service provides reporting that farmers, including grape growers are avidly following.
Rainfall's Impact on Wine
As with any crop, there is a fine line between too little or too much rain. Too much rain and grapes can become moldy and fungus afflicted, destroying a harvest. But what is the impact of too little rain? Actually, reduced rainfall can help the grapes mature earlier, creating very good wine grapes.
The 2002 lack of rain in Virginia (the 5th largest grape and wine producing state in the US) resulted in a very good harvest. The lack of rainfall may leave wells dry, but as long as the drought isn't severe enough to completely dehydrate vines, it can result in some very good vintages. Virginia’s red grapes are growing and adjusting well with the intemperate weather, better than varieties of white grapes.
What will the 2010 Vintages be like in the Virginia?
East coast wines, much like French wines are heavily affected by terroir. Unlike the moderate and temperate wine growing areas along the West coast, Virginia wines will vary in taste based on climate and rainfall. These variances in taste are the reason that vintage is so important in East coast wines.
The term, "vintage" refers to the year that the grapes were harvested. Each vintage is unique, blending the climate, the vine and the winemaker’s skill. Estate classified vintages will reference the year of the harvest on the bottle. While wine is a result of the processing of grapes, relying on the winemaker’s skill to influence the grape’s production into wine, a good quality grape is still the biggest factor!
It is the skill of the viticulturalist (grape grower) and winemaker, working in concert with the grape’s natural traits, that creates exceptional vintages and taste. The soil, heat, cold, and moisture combine with the grape’s natural characteristics to create a worthy wine grape. It is then the winemaker‘s investment of skill and knowledge that create a the final work of art for the palate.
If rainfall levels remain below average, then wine drinkers in the US may need to follow European traditions since wine can’t be changed to water. After all, it was the European habit of drinking wine in place of water at most meals that inspired the saying: "A meal without wine is called breakfast.”
The current drought conditions are moderate enough not to create drinking water shortages, but have presented vineyard owners a challenge in deciding on the appropriate vine care this year. If the 2002 wines hold any indication then wine drinkers may have plenty of good wines to sample from the 2010 vintage.
Margo Dillard - Margot has finally had her second book published, Life By The Glassful. Both her new book and her first one, Wine and Sweet Words are ...
