Texas Vintage 2007 report
The following article was published in Wines and Vines magazine and can be found at http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=features&content=52162
Excerpt:
TEXAS
By Ed Hellman
Texas Cooperative Extension
- April freeze, summer rains caused widespread losses
- Acreage grew 5-15%; same predicted for 2008
Unfavorable weather had a major impact on the 2007 winegrape crop in Texas. Winter temperatures were uneventful, but frost on Apr. 7-8 killed or severely damaged shoots of early to mid-season bud break varieties in a broad area of West Texas and a small northern portion of the Hill Country in Central Texas. Crop loss estimates ranged from 50-60% in West Texas, while Hill Country losses from frost were minimal; sprinkler irrigation was successfully used to protect some acreage. In West Texas, a few varieties with later bud break escaped injury and produced full crops, including Mourvèdre, Roussanne, and to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon. Some varieties, including Grenache, Viognier, Zinfandel and Merlot, were surprisingly fruitful on secondaries, basal buds and even some latent buds, and produced nearly full crops.
Summer brought above average rainfall throughout the state, long periods of persistent rains in the Hill Country, and localized very heavy rainfall in portions of the Hill Country and the Gulf Coast. Abundant rain stimulated highly vigorous canopies, increased disease problems, and interfered with spray applications. Downy mildew was problematic in North Texas, the Hill Country and the Gulf Coast regions, resulting in partial defoliation where persistent rains precluded timely fungicide applications. Heavy rainfall before harvest caused berry splitting and subsequent rot, especially on white grape varieties in the Hill Country and Gulf Coast.
Rainfall, cooler temperatures, and cloudy weather led to harvest delays of as much as a month in all regions. Fruit quality ranged from fair to very good; quality was especially high for late season red varieties in West Texas.
The Texas wine industry continues its rapid growth, with more than 120 wineries now operating. Continued growth in 2008 and beyond is expected. Many established wineries have also increased production over the past few years, some very significantly. Grape acreage continues to lag behind demand, although new acres increased by 5-15% in 2007; plans are similar for 2008. Grape prices remain stable and strong in response to high demand.