15 articles found
Compiled by SAWIS (PDF file)
The Stellenbosch region experienced a cold, wet winter which gave the vines a good start
Harvest in Darling and Robertson is practically over, but Constantia and Vredendal wineries still have a way to go, writes Kim Maxwell.
As remaining cellars reach their halfway mark many positively report physiological ripeness at lower temperatures, hence lower alcohol wines.
While a surplus at wine cellars gave rise to a 'wine lake' theory three years ago, it now seems that a large wine drought is imminent.
Kim Maxwell reports on extensive fire damage of premium Southern Cape vineyards in late January and finds that early February temperatures are giving impetus to harvesting momentum.
Kim Maxwell does a random check of cellars and finds that a few more are easing into action, but many haven�t wet their tanks yet.
Recent electricity power cuts affecting the Western Cape have had an adverse knock-on effect on the 2006 harvest. Kim Maxwell used laptop battery power to file this report on Wednesday, but WineNews web postings were delayed by a day as outages continue.
Press Release by SAWIS
Cellars in Paarl, Malmesbury and Calitzdorp have moved into reds, but white varieties are still dominating receiving bins elsewhere.
Press Release by SAWIS
Stellenbosch and neighbouring areas aren't harvesting aside from a sprinkling of sparkling wine batches. But Kim Maxwell reports that many Robertson farms are bringing in MCC grapes and Sauvignon Blanc already.
As the Cape 2006 harvest trickles into action, attention remains focused on blocking the spread of Boland fires, writes Kim Maxwell.
South Africa, Australia and California are notoriously prone to wildfires. Fire is a feature of the environment and often essential to maintain the natural ecosystem. But fire and wine don't mix, writes Frank Smith from Australia, where research on 'smoke taint' is underway.
South Africa�s harvest 2006 kicks off as viticulturists predict the outcome