Transcript An Introduction To Mendocino and Its Winegrowing

Site Impact
On Chardonnay Flavor
Glenn McGourty, Winegrowing Advisor
UCCE Mendocino and Lake Counties
*Ft. Bragg
*Mendocino
*Ukiah
*Philo
*Boonville
The Four Seasons In
Mendocino County
Mediterranean California Meets
the Pacific Northwest:
“Baja Oregon”
Klamath Bioregion
Distance from the Ocean Determines
Relative Warmth
Microclimates of
Northern California
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Distance from the Pacific Ocean is key
Climates range from maritime to continental
Topography is rugged
Geology is highly variable
Elevation, slope and aspect vary greatly
Vines start growth late, ripen late
Stratification of air at night
Convection by day, breezy
Climate and Sun Light Energy
Above the Fog
In the Fog
Beyond the Fog
Ways to Select Varieties
Winkler Heat Summation
Heat Summation:
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Hours above 50 degrees F
A useful quick way to estimate suitability
of a climate for grape growing
Five regions, four for wine grapes
The International Varieties
Cabernet sauvignon
Chardonnay
Pinot noir
Sauvignon blanc
Merlot
International Varieties
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Native to Northern France (above latitude 44
degrees North
Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions
I and II)
Long history of quality and export, especially to
the United Kingdom
Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in
the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie
Barra, other early believers)
Chardonnay,
Mendocino County’s Most
Widely Planted Wine Grape
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4,680 acres
Planted in virtually all regions
Productive
Numerous clones
Average price per ton: $1200
Production in 2010: 14, 28
Approximate Degree Summation
Location
∑ 10°C
Winkler
Region
Dijon, France: Chardonnay, Pinots
2400
I
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France: Syrah, Viogner, 2800
Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne
II
Bordeaux, France: Cabernet sauvingon,
Merlot, Sauvignon blanc
2800
II
Yorkville, Mendocino County
2900
II+
UC Hopland Research and Extension Center,
Mendocino County
3150
III
Red Hills Vineyard, Lake County
3600
IV
Distance from Pacific Ocean
and Winkler Regions (Latitude 39 degrees)
Place
Distance from Pacific
Ocean in kilometers
Winkler Region
Philo
23
I, II
Boonville
29
II, low III
Yorkville
39
II, low III
Ukiah
43
III
Hopland
50
III
Big Valley
61
high II,
low III
Red Hills
71
High III
High Valley
77
high III, low IV
A few caveats:
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“On the edge of adaptation you may find
brilliance”
“Look for the warm spot in the cool place”
In cool places, best sites face south, west
Higher elevation sites best in cool and
humid climates, not valley floors
Environmental Cues for Plants
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Photoperiod or Day Length
Air Temperature
Soil Temperature
Soils Matter
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Heavy soils delay bud break and ripening,
and cause excessive growth, large crops
and berry size. Okay for whites, not so
good for reds
Lighter soils help with vine balance, but
can also stress vines if not irrigated
Anderson Valley: Region One: To
2200 Hours
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One of California’s Coolest Area
North end is very cool and often foggy
Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris,
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
South end can grow all of those varieties,
plus Sauvignon blanc
Not a great place for other reds
Region 2: 2200-2800 hours
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Low summation: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
High summation: Sauvignon Blanc,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah (these can be
tricky in cool, wet years)
Elevation, slope, aspect, soils very
important
Yorkville Highlands
Yorkville Highlands
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Headwaters of the Navarro and Dry Creek
Watersheds
Cooler sites (lower areas) good for Pinot
noir, Chardonnay
Warmer sites (upper areas) are producing
excellent Cabernet sauvignon and Syrah
Not as hot as interior Mendocino County
Region III:
Interior Mendocino County
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2800 to 3500 hours
Great region for Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,
Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Merlot,
Cabernet Sauvignon
In deep soils, Chardonnay and Sauvignon
blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne