The Wine Knows

I checked my backyard Sangiovese vines this morning, and the buds are swelling and look ready to burst. Bud break marks the beginning of the new vintage, which will last through October.

Usually, bud break occurs around April 15 in Washington's Columbia Valley. Winter and spring have been relatively cool, so I suspect most varieties will stay on that schedule.

Bud break typically is earlier for Sangiovese than more traditional Washington varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling. Thus, if I see bud break this week, I won't be surprised.

My Sangiovese is ready to start its fifth year, a year that marks a vine's third year of fruit and first year of full maturity. Since the roots are well established, I plan to back off on water this year until June, unless we have a particularly dry spring. Because I'm in a residential neighborhood, even minimal runoff from neighbors should suffice for my vines.

Last year, I planted Riesling vines, which still need to become established. I also hope to plant a little Petite Sirah this spring. After that, my wife will likely put a stop to any viticultural expansion in the backyard.