Drought affects winemakers
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Drought affects winemakers

Date: September 6, 2012
By: Eric Stoyanov
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
The summer's drought is bittersweet for Missouri winemakers.
RunTime:  0:51
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Stone Hill Winery Vice President Jon Held says the lack of moisture has resulted in smaller berries. These small berries concentrate flavors and sugars that are important in wine production.

Held also says dryness has helped reduce winemakers stress over fungal diseases.

Actuality:  HELD01.WAV
Run Time:  00:16
Description: In a wet year, in a humid climate such as ours, you have to deal with alot of pressure from fungal diseases and there was absolutely no fungal disease anywhere this year since it was so hot and dry.
 
Unfortunately, winemakers are experiencing crop yields lower than previous years due to the drought. Michael Leonardelli, of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, says that the white wine harvest was running between 40 and 55 percent of normal production.
 
Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Eric Stoyanov.