MONDAY IN THE VINEYARD SERIES
Understanding the Causes of Millerandage and its Intriguing Impact on Wine Quality and Viticulture Practices
You might find this article useful if you are a curious wine enthusiast or if you are currently preparing for your WSET Diploma D1 or WSET 3 examination. In that case, don't forget to check out our FLASHCARDS as well.
If you are a wine enthusiast or a grape grower, you might have come across the term "Millerandage" at some point. This intriguing phenomenon, though not widely known, plays a crucial role in grape development and has a significant impact on wine production. In this article, we'll uncork the mystery behind Millerandage and delve into its implications on the world of viticulture.
What is Millerandage?
Millerandage (pronounced mil-ler-an-dahj) is a peculiar condition that affects grape clusters during their development. Also known as "hens and chicks," the term refers to the uneven size and ripening of berries within a single cluster.
While most berries in a grape cluster have seeds and are of normal size, some are seedless, remain much smaller, and underripe, resembling the size of a bird's eye (hence the term "chicks"). In contrast, the larger, fully developed berries are often referred to as "hens."
Causes of Millerandage?
The occurrence of Millerandage can be attributed to various factors, with weather and environmental conditions being the primary influencers. Some of the key reasons behind Millerandage include:
Cold Weather During Flowering: Unseasonably cold, windy, or frosty weather during the flowering stage can disrupt the pollination process, leading to incomplete fertilization of grape flowers. This incomplete fertilization results in the formation of smaller, seedless berries.
Drought Stress: Prolonged periods of drought during the growing season can limit the water and nutrient supply to the grapevine, causing inconsistent berry development.
Shade and Poor Aeration: Grape clusters shaded by leaves or overcrowded canopies might receive less sunlight and inadequate airflow, affecting berry development.
Pest and Disease Pressure: Attacks by certain pests or diseases during the early stages of grape development can also result in Millerandage.
Impacts on Vineyard and Wine Production
While Millerandage can be considered an irregularity, it is not necessarily a negative occurrence. In fact, it can bring about some benefits, as well as challenges, in the world of viticulture and wine production.
Quality and Complexity: Although millerandage inevitably results in decreased yield, its influence on wine quality differs, especially concerning the grape variety. Certain varieties, such as Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and Gewürztraminer, which are susceptible to uneven ripening within clusters, may experience adverse effects from millerandage due to the presence of "green flavors" arising from potentially under ripe grapes concealed within the cluster. On the other hand, grape varieties like Pinot Noir could potentially benefit from millerandage as it leads to smaller berries overall and a higher skin-to-juice ratio, potentially improving the wine's quality.
Inconsistent Ripening: The uneven development of grapes within a cluster poses challenges during harvest. Winemakers must carefully time the picking to ensure both the "hens" and "chicks" reach optimal ripeness, which may vary significantly.
Yield Reduction: On the downside, Millerandage can lead to reduced overall grape yields. The underdeveloped berries contribute less juice during the pressing process, resulting in fewer litres of wine produced per hectare.
Vineyard Management Challenges: Managing vineyards with Millerandage requires careful attention. Growers may need to implement different pruning techniques, canopy management, and irrigation practices to address the issue and achieve optimal grape development.
Millerandage, the intriguing phenomenon of unequal grape development, adds an exciting dimension to the world of viticulture and winemaking. While it can pose challenges to grape growers and winemakers, the unique attributes it imparts to wines can be a delightful surprise for wine enthusiasts. Understanding the causes and impacts of Millerandage can help vineyard managers and winemakers make informed decisions to harness its potential and create exceptional wines that stand out from the crowd.
I hope you found this article both useful and insightful. If you enjoyed it, make sure to stay tuned for my next article. Join me next Monday for more fascinating insights!
Have a happy week and happy studying,
Nicky