On Thu, 13 May 2004 09:12:19 +0100, David Rance said:

] On Wed, 12 May 2004, James Fidell wrote:
][]
] Interesting that the opposite often applies when growing grapes for
] wine-making, in Europe at least. IIRC, irrigation is not allowed if the
] vines are to be used for a "quality" wine (eg. Appellation Controlle or
] VDQS as opposed to Vin de Pays or Vin de Table, in France) with a few
] rare exceptions (experimental vineyards being one).
]
] I wonder if it's something to do with limited yields?
]
] No, it's to do with the concentration of the juice.
]

That's right of course: stressed vines produce smaller grapes with more
sugar content. Same as with old vines, which is why the INAO (governs
french AOCs) doesn't allow very young wines in most appellations.

However in many climates, e.g. California or Oz, watering is required to
produce fruit. It's just too hot, otherwise.

-E

--
Emery Davis
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