A Good Year...
We started pruning in late winter, finish early spring and had a great start to 2013 with a decent amount of moisture in the spring of which we missed out on in 2012, with little rainfall in the summer, good for vineyards - they don't like wet feet! and this also reduces disease/fungal pressure. We spent many hours in the vineyard thinning flower buds and shoots to the amount we thought the plant could ripen the grapes to their full potential. Combing, combing, combing... We also took time to position the growth of the top growing wire downward which allows for better sun penetration to the foliage and fruit, air circulation, easier harvest, and in the end, easier to prune - still looking forward to that. ;) Weeds... It is starting to become easier to keep the row free of "weeds" as the vines continue to have a hardier, more woody trunk.
We allowed our half acre of Brianna, half acre of Frontenac Gris, and acre of Frontenac to have a full crop, leaving most of the flower buds but keeping the amount per plant to 72ish flower buds giving us 72ish grape clusters, ideally. Because of the issues we had in the Marquette and La Crescent vineyard in 2012 spring, we kept those to half a crop, removing half of the flower buds.
Brianna
La Crescent
*2012 tasting notes... LA CRESCENT dry / juicy Zesty lime aromas are first to emerge from the nose of our 2012 La Crescent, followed by nectarine and lemongrass tones. The palate is fresh and focused with citrus and green apple. Our La Crescent is a delicious partner to white meats including Chicken, Pork Chop and Turkey. Fish including Tilapia, Sea Bass, Perch, Sole, Haddock, Trout, Cod, Redfish, Halibut, Snapper, Mussels, Crab, Lobster, and Clams- pair with a heavier textured dish so that the acidity of the wine shines through and for a simple wine and cheese night, pair with goat cheese. |
Frontenac Gris
Marquette
*2012 tasting notes. A grape related to Pinot Noir, Marquette exhibits aromas of irresistible vanilla, intriguing red cherry and strawberry seduces your palate and leads to tastes of black pepper, subtle spice and cloves. Marquette finishes with earthy notes and charms the palate with a finial touch of acidity. This versatile wine pairs with everything from rich, unique dishes, to barbecue or weeknight take out! |
Frontenac
*2012 tasting notes. Aged in Oak for 8 months, our Frontenac embodies pepper and oak aromas with a lingering berry finish. Perfect for enjoyment before or after your meal and for pairing with red meat, pasta dishes and grilled foods. |