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Fruit set in vineyards refers to a crucial stage in grapevine development where fertilized flowers begin to develop into berries. This process, influenced by factors like weather, soil health, and vineyard management practices, directly impacts grape yield and quality. At Dutton Estate vineyards, meticulous care during fruit set ensures optimal conditions for grape development, setting the stage for exceptional wines. 🍇🌿 #ViticultureInsights #DuttonEstate #SonomaWines #WineCountryEducation

Ribera del Duero is certainly historic – the Romans tended vineyards here, as evidenced by the 66-meter mosaic of Bacchus, the God of wine, that was unearthed relatively recently at Baños de Valdearados. Modern viticulture as we know it today arrived with the Benedictine monks from Cluny in the Burgundy region in the twelfth century. Our logo is a testament to the history of the region, featuring the crest of Cluny monks linked with the thyrsus of Bacchus. As our ancestors did before us, we farm the land in the most respectful way, allowing each vineyard to be our teacher, with us as the students. This ongoing process of listening to and learning from each site and every vintage enables us to discover and share what each site is capable of expressing. We are continually reminded of the simple principle that most of the vital work occurs in the vineyard. Ribera has significant plantings of old vines, with as much as 9% over 80 years old. Between 1999 and 2014, almost two-thirds of Ribera del Duero’s old vineyards were lost. Given that prices are the same for old and young vines, there aren't many wine growers working these old vines in a professional way, unfortunately. Our vineyards consist of the 1/5 of vines in the region that are above 75 years old, and about 40% of our main holdings are above 100 years old. We see ourselves as guardians of the old, gnarly vines that have so much history and so many stories to tell. It is our blessing to work with them and our destiny to protect their presence and future.

https:// italianwinecentral. com/chianti-classico-zonation-and-new-blend/ https://lnkd.in/d8DiVkmH Current Rules For several years, Chianti Classico has had its three levels: basic rosso (or annata), Riserva, and Gran Selezione. The rules specify different minimum alcohol levels (12% for Rosso, 12.5% for Riserva, and 13% for GS) and minimum aging times (a year for Rosso, 2 years for Riserva, and 2½ years for GS). The blending requirements are identical: 80% to 100% Sangiovese, with a long list of native and international red grape varieties that can make up any remainder. For Gran Selezione, however, there was the proviso that the grapes had to be harvested only from the winery’s own vineyards

Last week in the AWRI library, I came across this copy of a 1941-1942 survey of the grapes of South Australia performed by Francois de Castella (1867-1953). Francois was a prominent Victorian Viticulturist of Swiss heritage. In the document he discusses the grape varieties grown in South Australia at that time and provides advice for vineyard reconstitution based on his experiences in Victoria with the Phylloxera epidemic. Appendix 1 provides a breakdown of grape varieties/categories by district. South Australia was responsible for around 70% of Australian wine production then (Anderson and Aryal 2015, now 50% but of a larger overall industry). The Phylloxera Board who commissioned the study (now trading as Vinehealth Australia), recently celebrated their 125th Anniversary. Links to further reading in the comment.

The Niagara Bench region is a hidden gem in Ontario’s wine-growing landscape, offering a unique terroir perfect for viticulture. Nestled along the Niagara Escarpment, this area benefits from a combination of ideal soil conditions, climate, and topography. The escarpment’s limestone-rich soils provide excellent drainage and impart distinct mineral notes to the grapes. The moderating influence of Lake Ontario creates a microclimate that protects vines from extreme temperatures, extending the growing season and ensuring a slow, even ripening of the fruit. This balance of natural factors results in exceptional grape quality, contributing to the production of some of Ontario’s finest wines.

Soil in wine is a vital part of Terroir and some soil types are more special than others. One of those types is the Blue Clay. Merlot on Blue clay gives us two of the most outstanding wines in the world; Petrus and Masseto. Link to explore the Sons of Blue clay. https://lnkd.in/gnrRFQ9m

Old Vine Registry Surpasses 4,000 Entries: Vineyards Planted in 1990 Now Eligible The Old Vine Registry, recognized as the foremost global database dedicated to documenting old vine vineyards, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 4,000 entries. This accomplishment underscores the registry's ongoing commitment to cataloging historic vineyards, with entries now encompassing 39 countries. In addition, vineyards established in 1990 are now eligible for inclusion. The registry aims to expand its database to 10,000 vineyards by 2027, reflecting its dedication to preserving viticultural heritage. With the changing of the year, vineyards planted in 1990 are now 35 years old and are eligible for inclusion in the registry. Producers are encouraged to submit their vineyards at https://lnkd.in/g4dFBKGX. The OIV’s recently passed Resolution OIV-VITI 703-2024 “OIV definition and recommendations about old grapevines and old vineyards in the vitivinicultural sector” made the explicit recommendation to all wine regions around the world to “promote and encourage the cataloguing of old vineyards and old grapevines.” The Old Vine Registry was conceived expressly for that purpose, with the idea that to study, preserve, or support old vines around the world, you first need to know where they all are. The registry launched in June of 2023 with 2183 entries and has grown steadily over the last year and a half. “The recent OIV Resolution really validated what we’re doing,” says wine writer Alder Yarrow, who serves as the day-to-day manager of the registry. “I hope it will encourage both individual producers and whole regions to publish information about their old vines.” #OldVineRegistry #WineTrade #Viticulture #OldVines #WineIndustry #VineyardHeritage #HistoricVineyards #WineDatabase #VineyardDocumentation #WineCommunity #GlobalVineyards #WineHistory #VineyardPreservation #WineTradition #WineCulture #Winelovers #wine #winenews #vineyards #wineresearch

Old Vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa makes so many good wines: Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection

A real milestone. Protecting genetic heritage starts with knowing where it is.

Originating in the sun-drenched vineyards of southern Italy, particularly Campania and Sicily, Fiano has been cherished for centuries for its ability to craft wines that are both aromatic and full of character. When we introduced Fiano to Paso Robles, it was clear the grape had a natural affinity for the warmth of our region, where it can soak up the sunlight and develop those lush, tropical flavors that make it so distinctive. But it’s not just the climate that makes Paso special for Fiano—it’s our soils. The calcareous soils, rich in limestone, give our Fiano a backbone of minerality that you don’t often find. Just when you think you’ve got Fiano figured out, it reveals another layer—be it a hint of honey, a touch of spice, or that fresh acidity that ties everything together. It’s a wine that invites you to keep exploring, to keep learning, and to appreciate the way it captures both the essence of its Italian roots and the uniqueness of Paso Robles. For us, Fiano isn’t just a varietal; it’s a passion, and we’re thrilled to share that with you.