11-14 FB Warm Wine 7

Summer Heat, Longer Growing Season Spurs Successful Harvest For Idaho Wineries

More than 50 of Idaho’s wineries are celebrating the conclusion of the 2012 harvest season, which featured near-perfect growing conditions that will add more momentum to Idaho’s notoriety for producing great wines. Known as the most critical step in winemaking, harvesting the grapes at the perfect time defines a successful wine season. An early frost or significant rainfall can decimate an entire crop, however the Idaho climate and growing season proved perfect for winemakers across the state. According to Melanie Krause, owner of Cinder Wines, “Thanks to the hot temperatures in July and August it allowed Idaho harvest to begin three weeks earlier than last year, putting us in-line with the Snake River Valley 20 year average”. 

     Due to the longer harvest season, the 2012 wines will have more complete phenological ripening, translating into more developed aromas and flavors. As a result, acid levels will be slightly lower than the last two years which will lead to more approachable wines all around. 

Here’s Moya Shatz Dolsby, Executive Director of the Idaho Wine Commission: “The wines coming out of Idaho, when I came over here I knew they were good, but it is just amazing how they are honing their skills.”