Besides getting exposed to the next phase in the growth cycle of the vine, “budbreak” , we also planted some Riesling today. It seems that we are becoming the “two row crew”. In February we pruned two rows of the Cabernet Franc and today we planted two rows of Riesling.
This time of the year is exciting and challenging, but a lot of things can go wrong, because of the temperature changes you might have to deal with. Atlanta and especially Clayton normally gets a few limited frost days in the second half of April that could damage the vines, and last week we had a few of those nights. Sonny doesn't really relax until we are into the middle of May and the risk of having to deal with a killing freeze in North Georgia are worries of the past.
A few elements Sonny has in his defense against frosts is a frost-protection fan system, with which you blow cold air that has pooled in a low-lying area up, allowing it to be replaced by the warmer air that may be just a few feet above. At the same time placing burners throughout the vineyard will keep the area a few degrees warmer.
The following are activities that take place within the vine that are important or the production of grapes:
Photosynthesis = Is the process by which chlorophyl in the leaves uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into sugar and oxygen (O2). Photosynthesis is slowed at temperatures less than 50 F or greater than 95 F (ideal is 68 - 86 F)
Transpiration = a process by which water evaporates through the stomata (openings on the underside of the grape leaf). Purpose is cooling. The stomata will close if there is not enough water brought in through the roots to meet the transpirational demand. As these openings also control the intake of CO2, a shutdown will also stop the Photosynthetic process.
Respiration = the process by which sugars are broken down and used by the vine as energy source.
Translocation - is the process by which materials are moved from one area of the plant to another. Sugars, for example, are moved from the leaf to the grape clusters.
Today we also planted some new Riesling. The Riesling selected was crafted on a 101-14 rootstock. The 101-14 rootstock is suited to deep soils of low lime content, not drought tolerant, creates a low to moderate growth, the resistance to phylloxera is good and advances the maturity of late varieties.
Wines tasted:
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2007 Riesling -
2007 Seyval Blanc
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2006 Cabernet Franc
