Springtime in the Vineyard

Now that spring is here, the work has really picked up in the vineyard. We have 20 acres of grapes planted in 3 varieties. Roussanne is a French variety and is white. Aglianico and Montepulciano are both Italian reds.

In 2008, we planted 2.3 acres of Roussanne and 2.8 acres of Aglianico. This year, these are what is called "third leaf".

In 2009, we planted 5 acres each of Roussanne, Aglianico and Montepulciano. These are now "second leaf". As you can see if you compare the pictures, there is a big difference in growth between the second and third leaf plants. Lord willing, we will have a small harvest off the second leaf plants and a larger one off the third leaf ones.

Also, that is rye you see in-between the rows. We planted it last fall as a cover crop to stop the wind erosion and crowd out the weeds. It has been cut once (see the straw) and should be cut again soon to minimize the water it takes from the ground. The little as you see there really helps. In 30 mph winds (with 50 mph gusts) there is very little blowing sand in the vineyard - which means we can still work (pruning and training) comfortably.

PS. Also if you are interested, you can buy decent imported selections of each of these wine varieties at World Market.