Leave it to Oregon to not get the memo about global warming. Rather than joining the rest of the planet by setting record summer temperatures, Oregon chose to chill. Western Oregon has posted the coolest growing season in 50 years, on pace for the coldest on record. Normally, I'm all about enjoying a greener planet and a chilled out attitude, but not in this case. There's only two things that I enjoy about Oregon, hot hippie chicks and tasty Pinot Noir. And it looks like the weather down there is helping me with neither.
Cold temps is a killer for hippie chicks. When there free loving, let's get naked style is cramped by cold weather, they tend to allow body hair to become another layer of insulation. In that same regard, cold temps hold back the beauty of the Pinot Noir grape.
Ever since that movie turned the wine industry sideways, Pinot has been the favorite grape of many Americans. And those in the know, know Oregon grows the best Pinot Noir in the world; normally. However with this unseasonably cold year in Oregon wine country, grapes have suffered, especially the delicate Pinot Noir grape. The result will be less fruit, lower brix and all around lower quality wine. For the wine drinker I suggest, start hording your favorite Pinots now. And for the Oregon wine maker, with less to work with, I have some advice,... time to "Step Your Game Up".
No comments:
Post a Comment