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October 18, 2005
Winemakers Expect Vintage Year In Southern Oregon
It could be an excellent vintage year for Southern Oregon winemakers say due to cooler weather and a late harvest.
At vineyards in warmer spots in Jackson County, harvest began at the end of September, about three weeks later than last year, giving the fruit more time to develop flavor.
"The quality at the hot sites is going to be fantastic. It's going to be one of the best years," said Lee Mankin, president of the Rogue Valley Wine Growers Association.
The majority of the 125 vineyards in the Rogue Valley are considered "hot sites," experiencing higher temperatures than those located in cooler areas at higher elevations, said Mankin, who owns Carpenter Hill Vineyard southeast of Jacksonville.
RoxyAnn Winery, located in a warm span of east Medford, is about one-fourth of the way through its harvest. The winery began harvesting more than three weeks later than last year, allowing the grapes more time to mature on the vine.
The extra time allows sugars to slowly accumulate in the grapes, while the cooler weather adds acidity, key to the longevity of the wine.
"It gives you a more complex, balanced wine," said Michael Donovan, director of marketing for RoxyAnn.
The vintage is expected to contrast with the vintages of 2003 and 2004, when short, intense heat yielded wines that were generally high in alcohol content and flavor but lacking in longevity.
"If the fruit dissipates, what you taste is alcohol," Donovan said.
Source: katu.com-Associated Press; “Southern Oregon winemakers expect a vintage year,” AP, October 9, 2005
Posted by fortna at October 18, 2005 01:26 PM