Some grapes are just tougher than others to grow. While some varietals can do well in cold, moderate and hot climates (albeit with changing characteristics), other grapes are very finicky, and as such can be expensive to grow and heartbreaking when they don’t.

So it seemed a bit of a coincidence when I received my daily quiz from Crushpad today after having contacted a local winery to inquire about the harvest and to volunteer to help.

First the quiz:

Which grape/varietal is often referred to as the “Heartbreak Grape”?

• a. Pinot Noir
• b. Riesling
• c. Sauterne
• d. Tokaji

The answer of course  is a. Pinot Noir.

Here is the explanation:

“While all grape varietals present unique challenges, Pinot Noir has earned the nickname of the “Heartbreak Grape”. Pinot Noir possesses thin skins which easily break, making the varietal very susceptible to damage from fungus and mold.

Adding to the problem is that clusters tend to be tightly compact. Rains near / during the harvest season can cause the berries to swell and split. The tight clustersalso make it difficult for winds to dry clusters off.”

So it was with a bit of concern that I called Diamond Hill Vineyards, a small winery that produces Pinot Noir as well as several fruit wines (apple, peace, cranberry, blueberry), located in Northern Rhode Island. This winery has been owned and run by the Berntson family who planted their first grapes in 1976. 

 The reason for my concern?  Weather on the East Coast in 2009 has been rather unusual – lots of rain and cooler than normal temperatures. Exactly what is not good for growing and ripening Pinot Noir.

Unfortunately, my fears were well founded.  When I asked about the harvest I was told there won’t be one this year. This ‘Heartbreak Grape” has struck again. After all, this is an agricultural product and each vintage has its challenges, and this particular varietal has more than others.

So suffice it to say that Diamond Hill has been hit by a double whammy – the worst recession since the Great Depression and no Pinot Noir harvest this year. The only thing to be done is to drop the fruit and tend to the vines hoping for better luck next year.

My heart goes out to anyone that works the land and then finds the “fruit” of their labour is not forthcoming. I can say that when I spoke to the winery,  they had a very positive attitude and thanked me several times for calling and volunteering to help, looking instead to next years harvest.

If you are in the area, stop by… they still have plenty of wine from past vintages. This is one tasting room where the owner will greet you personally and gladly offer you a taste of their wines.

As for me, I give them my best wishes for a better than normal harvest in 2010, ….and I’ll call back to see if I can help bring it in.

Should you be in the area here is their information:

• Diamond Hill Vineyards
• 3145 Diamond Hill Road
• Cumberland, RI 02864
• (401) 333 – 2751