 Greetings fellow 2Plankers, We are in the midst of a very exciting time at 2Plank Vineyards! As we transition into warmer summer months, we are already starting to see little red berries in our Grenache and Syrah blocks. What does this mean for us? It means it’s time to start gearing up for harvest! Every year before harvest, grapevines undergo a final physiological change called Véraison. Just like bud break, véraison occurs over a long period, usually 100 days, but timing ultimately depends on the grape variety and the micro-environment of a particular vineyard site. “Véraison is a critical stage that marks a turning point where the grapes go from green and sour to plump and sweet” says Dr. David Bridgeman, co-owner and winemaker at 2Plank. “During this time, carbohydrate reserves stored in leaves and other green tissues are translocated into the fruit, along with the development of various phenolic compounds that add flavor and mouth feel to the wine.”  This year in San Diego County we’re seeing a very early arrival of véraison. Historically, grapevines in California don’t begin this stage until mid-summer. However with abnormally warm spring temperatures, coupled with the eminent drought in California, Mother Nature has put a little extra stress on the vines which has initiated this ripening process. 2Plank assistant winemaker Mike Szymczak says, "In the case of high quality wine production, plant stress is a good thing. I like to describes it as analogous to studying for a college exam. When under a fair amount of stress, students will usually find more efficient and effective way of studying, which generally results in greater productivity. Similarly, when a grapevine is stressed just right, it stimulates a set of regulatory hormones within the plant that increases the rate of sugar accumulation and color and causes the fruit to become more concentrated and delicious.” If temperatures stay relatively consistent, we project harvesting our white varietals as early as July 30th, with the red grapes starting August 7th. Currently, all weather factors indicate that California vintners can expect another juicy and fabulous vintage from the 2015 crop. If you’re a wine club member and you're comfortable getting your hands dirty, come help harvest grapes this year! Also, if you'd like to be involved with the winemaking this year, please let us know.  Copyright © June 2015 2Plank Vineyards, All rights reserved.
Questions? Please reach out to us: Email: Mike@2plankvineyards.com Phone: 858-500-7757 Our mailing address is: 6242 Ferris Square, San Diego CA. 92121 e |
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Mike Szymczak |
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