Site Impact On 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 Fog In the Fog Beyond 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 sauvignonChardonnaySauvignon blanc Pinot noir Merlot

International Varieties Native to Northern France (above latitude 44 degrees North Native to Northern France (above latitude 44 degrees North Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions I and II) Relatively cool growing season (Winkler Regions I and II) Long history of quality and export, especially to the United Kingdom Long history of quality and export, especially to the United Kingdom Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie Barra, other early believers) Relatively recent arrival and/or commercial use in the New World (thanks, Robert Mondavi, Charlie 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 Winkler ∑ 10°C Winkler Region Region Dijon, France: Chardonnay, Pinots2400 I Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France: Syrah, Viogner, Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne 2800 II Bordeaux, France: Cabernet sauvingon, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc 2800 II Yorkville, Mendocino County2900 II+ UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, Mendocino County 3150 III Red Hills Vineyard, Lake County3600 IV

PlaceDistance from Pacific Ocean in kilometers Winkler Region Philo23I, II Boonville29II, low III Yorkville39II, low III Ukiah43III Hopland50III Big Valley61high II, low III Red Hills71High III High Valley77high 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: 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

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