We live in Sacramento and have 27 vitis viniferas, 14 Cabernet S and 13 Merlot. It has gotten very hot this summer, upwards of 110 degrees, and thus - our wine grapes have already began to turn from green to a light reddish color. We are concerned that the grapes are ruined for this season, and wondering if anyone could shed some light on the subject. I know that grapes ripen based on the amount of heat, not just the sun, and it can get HOT in this area!
We're a little concerned about the balance of the grapes because of the heat. They are realistically very small still, and very bitter, so I know they're not fully ripened.
Is there anything that I should be concerned about? Or, is it just that I'll have an early harvest, because of the heat?
I'm curious if others in this area keep a log and monitor the heat each day/week/month to determine the estimated time of harvest?
Thanks much for your help - I'm new to this, so information is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kevin
We're a little concerned about the balance of the grapes because of the heat. They are realistically very small still, and very bitter, so I know they're not fully ripened.
Is there anything that I should be concerned about? Or, is it just that I'll have an early harvest, because of the heat?
I'm curious if others in this area keep a log and monitor the heat each day/week/month to determine the estimated time of harvest?
Thanks much for your help - I'm new to this, so information is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kevin