Wondering what goes on behind the scenes? Our winemaking team is here to answer your most pressing, obscure or unusual questions about wine.

Vineyards

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Title:  Young plants

Hi, I've noticed in passing several vineyards that many put milk cartons around their young plants. Is this for protection?


Yes, it protects the young, newly planted, or even one year old vines from rabbits and young deer that love to nibble on the succulent growing shoots.



Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Title:  Older Vines

Why are older Zinfandel vines known for producing better wines?


As the vines age, they begin to self regulate the quantity of fruit they produce each year. A vine that is 50 years old will typically produce less than 2.5 tons per acre, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality. Older vines will produce fruit with a color,
complexity and flavor concentration that younger vines can’t easily duplicate. Many of our estate Zinfandel vines at Kendall-Jackson are more than 80 years old!

—Winemaster Randy Ullom



Monday, June 29, 2009
Title:  Cover Crops

How are cover crops beneficial to vineyards and the environment?


Cover crops are used to prevent erosion during the winter rains, and they help to retain moisture during the spring. The cover crops also keep the soil near the vines cooler, which helps prevent a pre-mature bud break and subsequent frost risks. When the crops are disked under during the spring, the organic matter adds beneficial elements like nitrogen to the soil.

—Winemaster Randy Ullom

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