Oregon - Special Report: The Nation's Vineyards in 1990

The 1990 grape growing season began with a slightly early bud break due to above average temperatures in March and April. Cool, wet weather in May and June, however, delayed bloom to late June in the Willamette Valley. Fruit set was poor at some sites and in some cases influorescence necrosis was involved. For many vineyards this was the third year in a row of below average cluster weights and yields. July was dry and warmer than average. August was warmer than average but was also wetter than normal causing some sporadic problems with powdery mildew. Veraison began in early August in the Umpqua, Rogue and Columbia Valleys, and in late August in the Willamette Valley.

Pinot noir harvest began the end of the first week of September in eastern Oregon, the third week of September in the Rogue Valley, and the end of the first week of October in the Umpqua and the Willamette valleys. Chardonnay harvest began 7-10 days after Pinot noir. By mid-October most Pinot noir and Chardonnay were harvested with good maturity under dry weather conditions. Light frost occurred in the Umpqua and Willamette valleys at the end of the first week of October but did not affect fruit maturity; however, heavy frosts occurred in some southern Oregon vineyards. After mid-October the weather turned very cool with frequent rains. Riesling and some late Chardonnay were not harvested until the end of October. Fruit maturity for early and mid-season varieties was very good. Pinot noir was harvested at 22.0 to 24.0 degrees Brix, 6.5 to 9.0 g/L TA, and 3.1 to 3.3 pH; Chardonnay at 21.5 to 23. 0 Brix, 8. 0 to 11.0 g/L TA, and 3.0 to 3.3 pH; and Riesling at 21.0 to 22.5 Brix, 8.5 to 11.5 g/L TA, and 2.90 to 3.20 pH.

Although uneven ripening was a problem at some sites due to poor fruit set, fruit quality was very good to excellent for fruit harvested at full maturity. Overall, the vintage should produce distinctive, high-quality wines with good to excellent varietal character. 1990 saw a harvest of 7,000 tons, down from 1989's 7,450 tons. The decrease in yield was due to poor fruit set. Harvested acreage was up due to young vineyards moving into production and to vines damaged by the February, 1989 freeze also coming back into production. Pinot noir and Riesling yields were 23% and 41% lower than in 1989, respectively. Total planted acreage increased 8% in 1990 to 5,682. About 11% of the 1990 crop was sold out of state to Washington, California, the Midwest, Canada and Japan. Prices for most varieties were strong and similar to 1989. Pinot noir and Chardonnay prices ranged from $850 to $1,200 per ton.

Phylloxera infestations were discovered for the first time in several Willamette Valley vineyards last summer. Extensive aerial and ground surveys have confirmed the presence of Phylloxera.

COPYRIGHT 1991 Hiaring Company
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group