Crop yield, fruit quality, and winter injury of 12 red-fruited wine grape cultivars in northern Virginia

• Author(s): Miller, M.; Wolf, T.;
• Abstract: Charbono, Fer, Limberger, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Refosco, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Valdepenasi, and clones FPMS; #6 and #7 of Cabernet Sauvignon were evaluated at Winchester, Virginia for components of crop yield, fruit chemistry, and dormant bud cold hardiness over seven crop years. All cultivars were trained to bi-lateral cordons and spur-pruned, except that spur-pruning and cane-pruning were compared with Nebbiolo in the last four years. Based on consistent, high fruit quality, and on cold hardiness at least comparable to Cabernet Sauvignon the cultivars Fer, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, and Tannat were recommended for commercial consideration in Virginia. Very high crops (+/- 10 kg/vine, or 12.8 t/ha) were achieved with Charbono, Limberger, Refosco, and Sangiovese, all of which were associated with large ( 2.0 g/berry) berries, and relatively dilute soluble solids concentration (SSC) and flavors. Nebbiolo fruit averaged 23 degrees Brix, but fruit color intensity and flavors were mediocre. Syrah and Valdepenas fruit quality were occasionally good, but not consistently so. All cultivars produced more vegetative growth ( 0.5 kg cane prunings per in of canopy) than desirable, and all would be considered cold-tender in northern Virginia.
• Publication Date: Oct 2001
• Journal: Journal American Pomological Society