Norton first harvest

[Dennis Griffith]

Well, I'm in the middle of harvest and getting ready to pick the Nortons. They look ready and I've test brix this afternoon when I start picking again. I only have 4 vines for now, but I think I'll expand them out next spring, They appear to be fairly resistant to fungi pressures here, which important due to my location. Do they look healthy to those of you experienced with Norton? The berries are smaller with tight bunches.

 

[VinesnBines]

They look good but double check your numbers. The Norton harvest in Virginia I was involved in was early October.

 

[salcoco]

Norton is very heavy in malic acid. many growers let it hang for a long period to reduce the malic acid. test if possible before picking.

 

[Dennis Griffith]

what should the ph be for these?

 

[VinesnBines]

There is a Winemaker Mag (free) article on Norton. Google making wine from Norton grapes. Shoot for 23-24 brix. Ph below 3.7 and fully ripe, brown stems and seeds and soft skin.

 

[wood1954]

If you’re going to let them hang you might want to pick out all the rotten berries now to keep the wasps away.

 

[fermenter]

We are in Eastern Ks, the same zone you are in, 6a, and our Norton grapes do well. Not much disease trouble and decent harvest. Your picture could be from my vines.