Harvest Report 2004 continued...

Paarl

Production trends

The 2003/4 season will surely be remembered as one of the driest seasons over the past 15 years. A large crop was nevertheless harvested. The most recent figures show that the 2004 crop (130 639 tons) will be approximately 9% smaller than the record crop of 2003 (144 833 tons). Smaller crops of Chenin blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Merlot.

Climatic conditions and influence on vine growth

The 2004 season was a huge learning curve from a viticultural point of view. The winter rainfall of 2003 was practically two months late and much less than usual, and vineyards starting budding approximately 14 days late. Budding was uneven, especially in the case of Chenin blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The past season's temperatures were comparable to the long term average, although in Wellington and Northern Paarl it was moderately warmer than in 2003. 

Due to low winter and summer rainfall the level of dams in the Boland was much lower than at the beginning of the season. The amount and frequency of irrigation were adjusted downwards. After the initial delayed budding vineyards started to grow very well and dryland vines were surprisingly vigorous. As the canopies developed the unevenness that occurred during and shortly after budding disappeared (also aided by the correct tipping actions). Lots of bunches were removed to achieve even bunch ripeness in vineyards. 

Heatwaves did occur; namely on 4 January as well as 9 - 11 February. Late cultivars and blocks struggled to achieve the correct levels of ripeness and there was good reason to be thankful for the 10 mm of rain at the beginning of March. There was hardly any downy mildew, but oidium was widespread, especially after the good rains between Christmas and New Year (30 - 65 mm). Isolated instances of Botrytis occurred. Good spraying programmes in winter limited mealybug populations during the growing season. 

Grape and wine quality 

Winemakers are optimistic about the wines of 2004. Fermentation happened without a hitch and malolatic fermentation in particular was completed in most cases without any problems. In most instances bunch samples rather than berry samples gave a better indication of the degree of ripeness of a block. Here and there higher pH and lower acid concentrations occurred at the same sugar levels as in 2003. The analyses are largely ascribed to the dry and moderately warmer conditions. 

Chenin blanc - Delightful fruity wines. Chardonnay - Very fruity wines. Full ripeness was achieved at lower sugar levels (± 24°B). Sauvignon blanc - Slightly less flavour than in 2003, but the quality at present is good. 

Pinotage - Quality is good. Numerous rosé and Blanc de noir wines were made this year from press juice that was drawn off Pinotage. Merlot - The grapes were mostly crushed after the 8 - 11 February heatwave and had high sugar levels, but not always the desired cultivar character. Shiraz - An excellent season. Wines have good colour and flavour. Cabernet Sauvignon - Very good grapes and wines from blocks that were harvested early. 

Swartland

Production trends

The past season will be remembered as one of the driest in many years. Despite the fact that the 2004 crop (102 571 tons) is approximately 6% smaller than the record crop of 2003, it is approximately 28% bigger than in 2002. Chenin blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon crops were smaller. 

Climatic conditions and influence on vine growth 

Budding in vineyards occurred up to 14 days later than usual. This is mainly because winter rainfall only started in the region towards the end of July. Late cold and wet conditions caused uneven budding especially in Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. Temperatures were moderately cooler than in 2003. Winter and summer rainfall was considerably lower than the long term average. Dryland as well as irrigated vineyards kicked off with a much lower soil moisture status. Even so the vineyards experienced vigorous growth. Lots of bunches were removed to obtain even bunch ripeness. Very welcome summer rainfall occurred throughout the region between Christmas and New Year (30 - 60 mm) and saved the crop. Heatwaves occurred on 4 January as well as 9 - 11 February. Late cultivars and blocks struggled to achieve the desired levels of ripeness and everyone was grateful for the 10 mm rainfall at the beginning of March. There was hardly any downy mildew, but oidium was widespread, especially after the good rainfall between Christmas and New Year (30 - 65 mm). There were isolated cases of Botrytis. Good spraying programmes in winter limited mealybug populations during the growing season. 

Grape and wine quality 

In most instances bunch samples rather than berry samples gave a better indication of the degree of ripeness of a block. Here and there higher pH and lower acid concentrations occurred at the same sugar levels as in 2003. The analyses are largely ascribed to the dry and moderately warmer conditions. 

Chenin blanc - Delightful fruity wines, especially from the early blocks. Chardonnay - Very fruity wines. Full ripeness was achieved at lower sugar levels (± 24°B). Sauvignon blanc - Slightly less flavour than in 2003, but the quality at present is good. 

Pinotage - Quality is good. Numerous rosé and Blanc de noir wines were made this year from press juice that was drawn off Pinotage. Merlot - The majority of the grapes were crushed after the 8 - 11 February heatwave and had high sugar levels, but not always the desired cultivar character. Shiraz - An excellent season. Wines have good colour and flavour. Cabernet Sauvignon - Very good grapes and wines from blocks that were harvested early. 

Information supplied by SAWIS & VinPro

Compiled and written by: Romi Boom
romi@intekom.co.za