Hit 20 Brix yesterday, time to cut watering?

[v8rx7guy]

I'm in year 3 with my Regent grapes in NW washington. I have been monitoring the brix through the month of August, just hit 20 yesterday, I'm using ghetto pH strips and I think I'm somewhere around 3.3-3.4. I am shooting for 24 brix and a pH of 3.5 before harvest. I often hear wine grape growers talking about cutting the water prior to harvest. What exactly is the purpose of this? I am assuming that it lowers the water content of the grapes thus increasing the brix? How does cutting the watering affect total acids & pH?

 

[dbeck]

Yes, cutting the water will increase the brix

 

[mgmarty]

It's a science and a guess. Keep very close records this year, and the next. In a few years you wil know what works best for you. Every thing is relative, crop size, weather, when you harvest. Have fun!

 

[dking193]

This is one of the best references for watering your vines.

http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/a_horticulture/fruits-trees/grapes/presentations-powerpoint/PPT_Grape_WATER_REQUIRE.ppt

 

[v8rx7guy]

Very helpful info... thanks for the responses!