![]() ![]() For the most part, all are planted the same way: 8-by-5-foot spacing on VSP. “We know clones bring different attributes that can contribute to different wines,” Cotta said, adding that despite the challenges, clones offer another tool to improve quality and gain an edge on the competition.Ĭlones planted at the site include 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 21, 33, 169, 412 and 685. Of that, 132 acres are in Cabernet clones, according to vineyard manager Joe Cotta. Michelle Wine Estates’ Cold Creek Vineyard, first planted in 1973 near Mattawa, Washington, underwent a 184-acre expansion from 2007 to 2014. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)Ĭhateau Ste. “I think these clones have their place.” Wahluke SlopeĬabernet Sauvignon grapes are mechanically harvested at Cold Creek Vineyard south of Mattawa, Washington on October 1, 2015. “All of these clones, they make the vineyard more interesting and they also make the wine more interesting,” he said. It has the shortest growing period from veraison to harvest, he said, but it’s always the first Cabernet picked. It seems hard to set and produces small berries and loose clusters. That’s the clone Edwards said poses the most struggles in the vineyard. Clone 2, too, produces small berry and cluster size compared to all other clones, but has good set when compared to Clone 169. More average production comes from Clone 191/33 in Warden silt loam and Hezel loamy fine sand, with good set but small berry and cluster size, he said. The vines have medium vigor and good set, producing good berries and cluster size. He also leaves more buds and spurs due to different soil types in a block of Clone 4, which sits in Warden silt loam and Hezel loamy fine sand. The vines are color thinned.Įdwards leaves more buds and spurs to reach desired crop levels on Clone 21, planted in Warden silt loam, which produces small to average berry clusters and also has a color-thinning pass. The vines have medium to good vigor and good production with good berry and cluster size, he said. Marshall Edwards, vineyard operations manager of Quintessence Vineyards in West Richland, Washington, oversees more than 300 acres of Cabernet, most of them planted on Clone 8 in Warden silt loam, Hezel loamy fine sand and Starbuck loam. And, despite the differences between clones, perhaps the bigger factor is soil and climate. Their overall takeaway: Clone 8 produces the most consistent yields and fruit. The clone also can impart different characteristics to the grapes and wine, whether it’s fruit size, acidity or tolerance to heat or cold.Īs some wineries turn to naming the clone as part of their marketing plans, grape growers are examining the benefits and detriments of different clones in the vineyard.Ī panel of growers from four Washington wine grape growing regions shared their experiences with different Cabernet clones at the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers conference in Kennewick, Washington, in February. Clonal selection is key to viral resistance and yield. Some are aiming to stand out by returning to their roots. The trend is driving winemakers to seek new ways to differentiate their wines in a crowded marketplace. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower)Ĭonsumers want variety, and wine consumers are growing increasingly sophisticated. “We know clones bring different attributes that can contribute to different wines,” says vineyard manager Joe Cotta. The vineyard has 132 acres in Cabernet clones. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are ready for harvest at Cold Creek Vineyard in 2015. ![]()
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