Site ImpactOn Chardonnay Flavor

Glenn McGourty, Winegrowing Advisor

UCCE Mendocino and Lake Counties

*Ft. Bragg

*Ukiah

*Philo

*Mendocino

*Boonville

The Four Seasons In Mendocino County

Mediterranean California Meets the Pacific Northwest:

“Baja Oregon”Klamath Bioregion

Distance from the Ocean Determines Relative Warmth

Microclimates of Northern California

Distance from the Pacific Ocean is key Climates range from maritime to

continental Topography is rugged Geology is highly variable Elevation, slope and aspect vary greatly Vines start growth late, ripen late Stratification of air at night Convection by day, breezy

Climate and Sun Light Energy

Above the FogAbove the Fog In the FogIn the Fog Beyond the FogBeyond the Fog

Ways to Select Varieties

Winkler Heat Summation

Heat Summation: Hours above 50 degrees F A useful quick way to estimate suitability

of a climate for grape growing Five regions, four for wine grapes

The International Varieties

Cabernet sauvignon Chardonnay Sauvignon blanc

Pinot noir Merlot

International Varieties Native to Northern France (above latitude 44 Native to Northern France (above latitude 44

degrees Northdegrees North Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions

I and II)I and II) Long history of quality and export, especially to Long history of quality and export, especially to

the United Kingdomthe United Kingdom Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in

the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie Barra, other early believers)Barra, other early believers)

Chardonnay, Mendocino County’s Most Widely Planted Wine Grape 4,680 acres Planted in virtually all regions Productive Numerous clones Average price per ton: $1200 Production in 2010: 14, 28

Approximate Degree Summation

Location ∑ 10°C WinklerWinkler

RegionRegion

Dijon, France: Chardonnay, Pinots 2400 I

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France: Syrah, Viogner, Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne

2800 II

Bordeaux, France: Cabernet sauvingon, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc

2800 II

Yorkville, Mendocino County 2900 II+

UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, Mendocino County

3150 III

Red Hills Vineyard, Lake County 3600 IV

Place Distance from Pacific Ocean in kilometers

Winkler Region

Philo 23 I, II

Boonville 29 II, low III

Yorkville 39 II, low III

Ukiah 43 III

Hopland 50 III

Big Valley 61 high II, low III

Red Hills 71 High III

High Valley

77 high III, low IV

Distance from Pacific Ocean

and Winkler Regions (Latitude 39 degrees)

A few caveats: “On the edge of adaptation you may find

brilliance” “Look for the warm spot in the cool place” In cool places, best sites face south, west Higher elevation sites best in cool and

humid climates, not valley floors

Environmental Cues for Plants Photoperiod or Day Length Air Temperature Soil Temperature

Soils Matter Heavy soils delay bud break and ripening,

and cause excessive growth, large crops and berry size. Okay for whites, not so good for reds

Lighter soils help with vine balance, but can also stress vines if not irrigated

Anderson Valley: Region One: To 2200 Hours One of California’s Coolest Area North end is very cool and often foggy

Gewurtztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

South end can grow all of those varieties, plus Sauvignon blanc

Not a great place for other reds

Region 2: 2200-2800 hours Low summation: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay High summation: Sauvignon Blanc,

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah (these can be tricky in cool, wet years)

Elevation, slope, aspect, soils very important

Yorkville Highlands

Yorkville Highlands Headwaters of the Navarro and Dry Creek

Watersheds Cooler sites (lower areas) good for Pinot

noir, Chardonnay Warmer sites (upper areas) are producing

excellent Cabernet sauvignon and Syrah Not as hot as interior Mendocino County

Region III: Interior Mendocino County 2800 to 3500 hours Great region for Zinfandel, Petite Sirah,

Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

In deep soils, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne