The winter of 2012-2013 was average in terms of cold temperatures and the Finger Lakes did not experience any significant negative extremes. Overall bud damage was very limited (10% and under).
Bud break was close to normal and occurred from the end of April to the beginning of May. Warming occurred slowly with no spring frosts. Conditions were somewhat cloudy and rainy during bloom and fruit set but did not seem to impact fruit set. On average, the growing season was wetter than normal (+15%). These circumstances encouraged shoot growth and increased disease pressure (downy mildew, botrytis).
The excellent conditions during the 2012 vintage encouraged buds leading to a very large crop in 2013. Crop size & weather combined with full canopies meant that producers had to maintain accurate spray programs – but nothing close to the challenges of 2011.
At the end of August the season pivoted and was much drier than normal through early October, the heart of the ripening period – ensuring a sound vintage. The 2013 vintage experienced 2575 GGDs (growing degree days) – just a tad cooler than a ten-year average (2629).
With good vineyard practices the norm, and with some sorting in the field and crush pad, the vintage has produced expressive wines that are medium bodied, balanced with moderate alcohol and good Finger Lakes typicity.
With thanks and acknowledgement to the Finger Lakes Grape Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension.