Harvest 2012
09.07.12
Harvest 2012 will go down in history as a unique vintage for many reasons. Not only did Messina Hof process double the tonnage of Texas grapes from any previous year but we did it in half the time. Most vintages ripen earlier in the southern part of Texas and then roll north, but this vintage ripened all at thesame time in most parts of the state. The last truck of High Plains and Texoma grapes usually arrive at the winery in late September or early October. In 2012 most Messina Hof vineyards were harvested and processed before the end of August.
Messina Hof has 27 growers producing from 700 acres which is ¼ of total acres in the state. It is the finest quality and greatest quantity that the state has ever seen. This year brought exciting new varieties to Messina Hof of Blanc du Bois, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, and incredibly intense dark red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Mild winter temperatures, good spring rains, and milder summer temperatures contributed to early ripening in big sweet clusters of fruit with good chemistry and amazingly mature terpenes. The vines have never looked so green with continued new growth at this time of August. This should provide a healthy dormancy and preparation for a great 2013.