Stinky 2021 Marquette harvest

[wood1954]

Fortune smiled on me the other day. Last year’s harvest developed a nasty smell such that I thought I would have to toss it all. I opened a carboy yesterday and had a glass, it smelled good and had gone thru mlf as it was the smoothest vintage yet. I’m really happy I don’t have to toss 23 gallons of wine. Once again time and patience pays off in this hobby. Hope everyone else had a good vintage last year.

 

[ChuckD]

I’m curious, was it all Marquette or a field blend?

 

[wood1954]

All Marquette, it might have been the stinkbugs, I’d read their smell fades after a few months.

 

[ChuckD]

All Marquette, it might have been the stinkbugs, I’d read their smell fades after a few months.

Are they a problem with grapes? I have seen the odd one or two over the years but never any numbers… Asian lady bugs on the other hand and that’s one stinky bug when you smash em.

 

[Rice_Guy]

Chuck, Stink bugs are a problem.
Wood, I hadn’t known that the taste would go away. Lucky you!

 

[Vern]

Late spring frost, stink bugs, and the wine is good. What a hobby!!!

 

[wood1954]

Now that I know they are out there I’ll spray early and often. I’ll also shake the clusters as I harvest them to make them leave. Last year when I went to do the first punch down I noticed a lot bugs and tried picking them, out I lost count.