20100805

Early Harvest for Virginia Wine?

I was out at Loudoun Valley Vineyards today (more on that soon) and Cameron mentioned that their Pinot Noir is in the process of being harvested. I can't recall an earlier harvest any time in the recent past, but this coincides with what I have been hearing from other wineries.

This is not too surprising, this summer in Virginia has been HOT:
This hasn't been the hottest summer on record for Washington, D.C., but it's been far more harsh than 2009, said weather service meteorologist Heather Sheffield. Last year, there were 22 days where temperatures hit 90 or higher. There already have been 45 days where temperatures hit at least 90 degrees this year, Sheffield said.

If, in fact, harvest happens significantly earlier than usual (significantly being a matter of weeks) it should produce some great wines. The only danger with an early ripening/harvest is that these conditions tend to produce wines that are higher in alcohol (in the area of 15%) and have less finesse.

What have you all heard from Virginia wineries? Are they all expecting early harvests?

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