SA Harvest Report continued...

Olifants River

Production trends

The total crop will probably amount to just over 180 000 tons, that is approximately 12% less than the 2003 crop. This decrease is ascribed mainly to Colombar, Chenin blanc and especially Hanepoot and Chardonnay which produced much lighter crops this year. The past season's drought and the water restrictions limited producers to less than half their allocated volumes of water per hectare, with an accompanying decrease in bunch masses compared to last year. Although the yield per hectare of almost all red wine blocks is restricted, the percentage red grapes nevertheless increased from 17% in 2003 to 19%. This year at least 8 000 tons of grapes were delivered to cellars in the Boland, approximately 5 000 tons of which were red grapes, once again confirming the region's potential to cultivate premium quality red grapes. 

Climatic conditions and influence on vine growth

There were only two exceptionally hot days in January and February. The average February temperature this year was almost the same as in 2003, i.e. 22.5°C, with averages of below 19°C measured closer to the coast. The cooler ripening period meant that cultivars ripened more slowly and over a longer period, resulting in much less pressure on the cellars. Bunch masses of red grapes were considerably lighter this year, especially with regard to Shiraz and certain Pinotage blocks. The very compact bunches of Pinotage complicated correct sampling. The season was particularly disease-free with only isolated instances of downy mildew and rot. Mealybug infestations occurred late in the season. 

Grape and wine quality

As it did last year, the quality of the red and the early white cultivars is very promising. The 2004 harvest was handled with relative ease by the cellars and should produce wines of above average quality.

Orange River

Production trends 

The 2004 crop is a record, with 16,6% more wine grapes than the previous biggest crop (2002) being crushed. Large volumes of Sultanas and table grapes were crushed after the inclement rain which fell in the area from 6 January onwards, as well as the low price of raisins. The wine grape cultivars fared exceptionally well and younger plantings also came into full production.

Climatic conditions and influence on vine growth 

After the 2003 harvest there was hardly any rain and the vineyards remained very healthy. Light frost occurred on 26 May and heavy frost on 6 and 7 June. The vineyards retained their leaves right to the end and the shoots were therefore properly ripened. The winter was characterised by cold nights and average to warm days, with abnormal heat early in August. It then remained cool until the beginning of October, with rainshowers in September. Budding was 10 days later and flowering 3 days later. On the whole budding was excellent, although delayed budding and growth arrest did occur in places. Monday morning 22 September will be remembered as a Black Monday since extensive and serious black frost occurred in the area. Hundreds of hectares, sultanas in particular, were severely damaged by the frost. At that stage only very slight budding of the wine grapes had occurred (only at the starting phase of budding) and frost damage was therefore minimal. At the end of October hail caused serious damage to some areas. Irrigation water was ample throughout. During the post-harvest period downy mildew and oidium occurred. 

Grape and wine quality

It was a long pressing season and the large intake put great pressure on cellar facilities. Even though the sugars and the quality of grapes delivered to the cellars were good despite the rain, the quality of the wines might not be as good as last year. 

Information supplied by SAWIS and VinPro

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