News> South African Wine Harvest Report 2003 - June 25 2003 SAWIS

STELLENBOSCH

Production trends
The crop is currently estimated at about 112 200 tons, which is 45.72% bigger than in 2002. All cultivars, Merlot, Pinotage and Chardonnay in particular, produced much bigger crops, with the exception of Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter being subject to rot in late ripening blocks.

Climatic conditions and influence on vine growth
The 2002 post-harvest period was characterised by high temperatures. May 2002 was particularly cold, with high rainfall. The spring of the 2002 growing season was cool with low rainfall and good budding occurred.

The chilly spring and cool soils resulted in uneven shoot growth, causing uneven ripening in certain cultivars. November temperatures were below average, causing uneven flowering and set in late cultivars. December was particularly hot and strong shoot growth occurred. However, the average temperature for the four months December to March 2003 was 21,34°C, compared to 27,67°C for the same period last year. Radiation during October was lower than usual with a lot more cloudy days. This, combined with the cooler ripening season and drier summer, resulted in smaller berries.

In January and February, the latter with the exception of a short heatwave, temperatures were cool, with hardly any rainfall. By mid-February, drought symptoms were already prevalent in certain dryland vineyards. Dry conditions kept rot and mildew at bay.

Although ripening and harvest temperatures were cool, above-average rainfall occurred towards the end of March. The rain, combined with dewy nights, caused Botrytis and rot in various cultivars, especially late Cabernet Sauvignon. In most cases, however, the March rains provided the extra time needed for the grapes to ripen sufficiently in the vineyards.

Grape and wine quality
Flavours are good and quality-wise, 2003 may be considered a good year, except for the variable quality of late ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Smaller berries, with excellent skin to pulp ratios, gave good colour to this year's reds. However, the smaller berry set has resulted in a drop in the average recovery per ton from 750 - 800 litres to around 700 - 750 litres.

The ripening of all cultivars was slow and evenly distributed due to the cooler ripening climate. In most cases sugars reached the ideal, with high acids and pHs, probably due to the presence of malic acid.


OTHER REGIONS:

Paarl: Production increased by more than 45% in one of the healthiest wine grape seasons in years. Grapes reached optimum ripeness at lower sugar levels, which should result in lower alcohol levels. Full-bodied wines with lots of fruit.

Swartland: The biggest wine grape crop in 15 years. Cool weather, good budding percentages and even growth characterised the growing season. Good viticultural practice, e.g. regular bunch counts and crop control, resulted in high quality wines.

Robertson: A lot of young red grape vineyards came into full production in one of the healthiest growing seasons ever. Very heavy rain with widespread flood damage on 23 and 24 March. Full-bodied and fruity wines.

Worcester: A much larger red wine crop was produced. Vineyards received specialised attention and grapes were exceptionally healthy. Investments in cellar technology are now paying off. Flavourful wines.

Klein Karoo: Drought conditions resulted in a smaller crop. Flood damage to low-lying vineyards was caused by the heavy rains on 22 and 23 March. Wine quality looks very promising, the reds in particular showing intense colour.

Olifants River: The 2003 crop was the biggest ever. The region's potential for the cultivation of quality red grapes was confirmed by the substantial percentage of the crop being delivered to cellars in the Boland.

Orange River: The area was practically disease-free. Healthy grapes with good sugars were produced. Promising Colombar and Chenin Blanc. The red cultivars, although limited in volume, should be very good.


VINTAGE GUIDE

The number of wine regions, their geographic distance and climatological diversity defy generalisation, but the overall characteristics of the previous five vintages may be summarised as follows:

2002: Pay attention to individual cellars, rather than general trends. Downy mildew caused widespread havoc. Good Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinotage and new clone Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

2001: The summer was very hot and dry with few diseases. Wines were high in alcohol, with very concentrated flavours.

2000: The crop was small. Some excellent red wines that will keep well. Big, alcoholic white wines.

1999: Large crop, warm summer. Excellent ripening conditions. Reds high in alcohol, will develop in time. Fruity whites.

1998: Small crop. Both the ripening season and the harvest were characterised by hot weather. Powerful red wines with lots of fruit and tannins. Will last well. Whites less aromatic.

Issued by: Yvette van der Merwe, Manager: Information Services - SAWIS (SA Wine Industry Information & Systems)

Tel: +27 (0) 21 807-5719
Email: yvette@sawis.co.za
Web: www.sawis.co.za

-- Compiled and written by Romi Boom