Yesterday, as we finished up our shoot positioning task in the Chardonnay row, we saw the start of bloom in the vineyard. From previous experience, we believe that our Chardonnay is the first to bloom. I had calculated that we should be in bloom on June 19th, because in previous years (only 2 data points), the period between budburst and bloom was 50 days in 2015 and 51 days in 2016. Here is what our Chardonnay looked like on Monday, June 12th.
Four days later, this is what we are seeing:
This is just the beginning stages of bloom, but the above photo shows how the
calyptra or cap, which are really modified petals that are covering the pistil and anther, seem to pop off. This year, my husband wants me to take more specific notes regarding full bloom for each of our grape varieties including Auxerrois, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.
I have blogged a few times about bloom. For more technical treatment of what bloom entails, please see this post:
Perilous Journey to Fruitset
Two really good references are provided below.
References:
1. Nick K. Dokoozlian,
Grape Berry Growth and Development.
2. Ed Hellman,
Grapevine Structure and Function.
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