To the south, California’s Central Valley and eastern foothills experienced their worst frost in recent years, inflicting widespread damage. After a storm front blew through in the early morning hours of April 12, the dew point dropped and temperatures plummeted. “We were experiencing 90° F temperatures three days before,” said Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission.
Frost is a perennial threat to vineyards, but in recent years, the risk of damage to young buds and shoots has risen. A changing climate has led to warmer temperatures earlier in the year, waking vines from their winter slumber and triggering budbreak. Instead of still being dormant when sudden cold snaps bring frost, vines are in their most delicate stage.
This story is from the July 31, 2022 edition of Wine Spectator.
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This story is from the July 31, 2022 edition of Wine Spectator.
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