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Petit Sirah, a clone developed by Dr. Durif,
ripen early attracting the attention of birds. |
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The Durif grapes, a clone of Petit Sirah,
are smaller than their cousins above
(as are the leaves), and almost ripe. |
As the Durif vines were the first to break bud it's not surprising they are the first to produce ripe grapes, yes even in July, and a game of cat & mouse with the birds has begun. Or, is it better described as a chess match? Birds move to Row 5 Vine #1 and take grapes. (This is not a frontal offensive, but rather a probe and they have found sweet sugar.) Vintner has Queen move nets from the top of the hill to end of Row 5: "Check."
Click here to see what happens next and to learn about the netting of the vines.
2 comments:
Birds launch probes on Row 3 Vine 12, Row 1 Vine 5 and Row 2, Vines 3 & 5. Queen hedges vines. Birds, which have flown to trees, observe. Queen says, "I now understand why vineyard workers want to drink beer in the morning. Get me a cold one and pick me a line." Score: Birds: 5 bunches ruined. Queen: 0 nets up (but 3 in process).
Birds have made a flanking move to the last Tempranillo row towards the top of the hill. Will net that row tomorrow in a defensive move. If birds attempt to swarm, will call in neighbor with shotgun to implement shock & awe.
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