Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/111102
SOIL REMI COHEN & CELLAR to maintain records of the percent of missing vines within a block and deduct that percentage from the estimated yield per block. Average cluster counts per vine that are taken early in the season can be an indicator of vineyard yields; however, berry set and size will impact the cluster weight, and make large impacts on yield. Therefore, it is too early to get a reliable estimate. These early counts can be combined with average cluster weights taken over the blocks' prior history. It is helpful to use the prior three- or five-year average, which means that it is important to take cluster weights at harvest time every year. Using the cluster counts and average cluster weights, an early indication of yield can be generated. Cluster counts will need to be repeated after any significant thinning passes are completed. By walking vineyard blocks regularly, you can also get an idea of cluster morphology compared to other years. Longer, more branched clusters will also likely have aboveaverage weight, but again, it depends on berry set and berry weight, and the best indicators of crop yield will be determined after berry set and the first phase of berry growth. as berries are about half of their final weight. The first phase of rapid berry growth occurs immediately after set, during which berries grow through cell division and cell enlargement. Berries remain firm and green due to the presence of chlorophyll, have low sugar content, and experience an increase in concentration of organic acids. CONSIDER BERRY WEIGHT During the lag phase, berry growth The most reliable crop estislows as organic acid concentramates will include berry weights tion is at its highest. Berries remain taken within the season. To get the firm, but begin to lose chlorophyll, best estimate, we rely on the fact and Internal metabolic changes that berry growth occurs in two occur, including a hardening of the main phases, with a lag phase in seeds. At the end of the lag phase, between. Increases in berry weight the seeds are usually viable. The and/or volume are typically characphase lasts for two or three weeks terized by what is referred to as a in a given block, and this is usually double-sigmoid curve that results the best time to weigh clusters. from two consecutive stages of Seed hardening is usually a good growth separated by a phase of indicator that the block is in lag slow or little growth. This lag phase phase. To test for hardening, put a is the ideal time to Skolnik_Dir10_Jan10.qxd blade through berries and test weigh clusters, razor 10/19/09 10:04 AM Page 1 for resistance to slicing of the seed. "Carlsen & Associates was an easy choice for our initial winery crushpad package. The staff's commitment to client service gave us the confidence that we would be supported throughout our equipment's use. They have certainly not disappointed us." Kevin Doucet Dogpatch WineWorks San Francisco, CA Carlsen & Associates 707-431-2000 w w w. v w m media.com S TA I N L E S S S T E E L C O O P E R A G E Providing leading wine makers with stainless steel barrels of high quality, durability, and design. SKOLNIK INDUSTRIES, INC. 4900 SOUTH KILBOURN AVENUE CHICAGO IL 60632-4593 PHONE 773.735.0700 FAX 773.735.7257 TOLL FREE 1.800.441.8780 HTTP://WINEDRUM.SKOLNIK.COM EMAIL: SALES@SKOLNIK.COM M a r - A p r 2 0 13 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 35