The problem of mildew and fungal investation will become more severe in the future. I rejected Frankenthaler because of that problem. In glashouses, where climate can be controled Alvarinho may do well, but I don't expect it to be grown under glass. Rain and damp are becoming more of a problem in Portugal and Spain, so the Alvanrinho vineyard may suffer mildew and fungal conditions. Also in America the climate becomes more humid and therefore, I would choose mildew resistant varieties. Besides this, more extreme climatic conditions may bring periods of frost where there previously never was significant frost. This year I had -7 degrees Centigrate in the middle of May, destroying some stonefruits like plums and cherries. I lost many vines to frost this year, mostly newly planted vines. My apples and pears I allow to grow above the frostline in my garden: 2 meters and higher. Snow and hail become a problems, storms become a problem. Growing grapes, the sky is the limit. We have to think differently if we want to grow grapes and other fruits. Think now or cry later. In Europe and America, climate change brings extremes that we never saw before. Grow vines with disasters in mind unless you don't mind disasters. ( I love writing poetry) Alvarinho? Rejected!
Yes, the weather is changing all over the planet. In some places it is getting warmer, like in Reno, NV, where it was too cold to grow grapes, but now we can. Other places are getting cooler, such as along the California coast. The hot interior (central valley) pulls the fog in along the coast, thus cooling it off. What is most clear is that global warming is causing more extreme and unexpected weather. Agriculture/viticulture has always been a risky profession. All the more reason to know what you are doing!
The problem of mildew and fungal investation will become more severe in the future. I rejected Frankenthaler because of that problem. In glashouses, where climate can be controled Alvarinho may do well, but I don't expect it to be grown under glass. Rain and damp are becoming more of a problem in Portugal and Spain, so the Alvanrinho vineyard may suffer mildew and fungal conditions. Also in America the climate becomes more humid and therefore, I would choose mildew resistant varieties. Besides this, more extreme climatic conditions may bring periods of frost where there previously never was significant frost. This year I had -7 degrees Centigrate in the middle of May, destroying some stonefruits like plums and cherries. I lost many vines to frost this year, mostly newly planted vines. My apples and pears I allow to grow above the frostline in my garden: 2 meters and higher. Snow and hail become a problems, storms become a problem. Growing grapes, the sky is the limit. We have to think differently if we want to grow grapes and other fruits. Think now or cry later. In Europe and America, climate change brings extremes that we never saw before. Grow vines with disasters in mind unless you don't mind disasters. ( I love writing poetry) Alvarinho? Rejected!
Yes, the weather is changing all over the planet. In some places it is getting warmer, like in Reno, NV, where it was too cold to grow grapes, but now we can. Other places are getting cooler, such as along the California coast. The hot interior (central valley) pulls the fog in along the coast, thus cooling it off. What is most clear is that global warming is causing more extreme and unexpected weather. Agriculture/viticulture has always been a risky profession. All the more reason to know what you are doing!