South African Wine: Harvest Report 2014

Despite a challenging season characterised by high, and in some instances untimely rainfall, the South African wine industry expects an average sized, good quality wine grape harvest, with exceptional harvests in especially the coastal regions.

Despite a challenging season characterised by high, and in some instances untimely rainfall, the South African wine industry expects an average sized, good quality wine grape harvest, with exceptional harvests in especially the coastal regions. This according to VinPro, the representative organisation for close to 3 600 South African wine producers and cellars.

The harvest commenced one to two weeks later than normal, due to late, cold winter conditions and a cooler spring. High rainfall mid-November and in January led to producers having to irrigate much less, but applying stricter disease control measures at higher input costs to limit losses.

Above average yields of exceptional quality were specifically obtained in the coastal regions, while irrigated areas also achieved good crops despite loss due to rot. The effect of a greater drive from producers to increase production and enhance profitability is evident from increased crop levels.

However, the Orange River experienced the greatest frost damage in years, which had a substantial effect on the harvest.

The total harvest will be approximately 2.6% smaller than the record harvest in 2013 and consumers can look forward to high quality wines from the 2014 harvest year.

Crop size** – The 2014 wine grape crop is expected to reach 1 459 636 tons according to the latest estimate (30 April) of the SA Wine Industry Information and Systems (Sawis). It is 2.6% smaller than the record harvest in 2013 by 2.6%.

The 2014 wine harvest – including juice and concentrate for non-alcoholic purposes, wine for brandy and distilling wine – is expected to amount to 1 130.5  million litres, calculated at an average recovery of 774 litres per ton of grapes.

2013/14 Growing season – A very good cold and wet winter filled water supplies to capacity, ensuring even bud burst.

Initial vineyard growth was slow due to late cold fronts in August, followed by cool, wet weather at the beginning of the growing season. This led to a high incidence of disease, and rainfall mid-November further hampered effective disease control by creating challenging spraying conditions and limiting access to vineyards. As a result, downy mildew resulted in crop losses early on in the season in some areas.

The climate was favourable for flowering thereafter, and good berry set was obtained. However, after the high rainfall mid-November, vigorous growth ensued, requiring extra input to ensure high grape quality and disease prevention via good canopy aeration and sunlight exposure.

Widespread rainfall at the beginning of January – more than 150 mm in the course of four days in the Breede River Valley – increased pressure due to disease and rot even further, while the coastal regions weren’t affected as severely by the rain.

Ideal dry, moderate conditions reigned during ripening in January and mid-February, after which a warm period accelerated ripening and resulted in great pressure on intakes in some areas.

Cooler weather in March enhanced colour formation and flavour retention in later red cultivars. Regular rainfall at the end of March delayed ripening again and extended the harvest to mid-April.

Wine potential – Producers, viticulturists and winemakers look forward to a promising harvest with regard to quality. Moderate climate conditions during the harvest season contributed to intense colour, exceptional flavour and good structure in the red cultivars. White wines are expected to be particularly fruity and tropical, with fresh characteristics.

Breedekloof – An ideal year with exceptional quality and size; good colour in the red wines.

Klein Karoo – A good, but smaller harvest than the record harvest in 2013, with outstanding Shiraz, Chardonnay and Merlot.

Malmesbury – Higher yield of remarkable quality due to good soil moisture conditions in this mainly dryland area.

Olifants River – A somewhat smaller harvest due to rot challenges, but with promising white and red wine quality.

Orange River – Great frost damage resulted in a substantially lower yield; Colombar, Chenin Blanc and muscadel wines show good potential.

Paarl – An exceptional year, with much higher yields – especially in dryland areas – and the promise of very high quality wines.

Robertson – A late and challenging year, with good quality and average production.

Stellenbosch – One of the wettest seasons in years has coincided with an outstanding harvest with regard to crop size and quality.

Worcester – Despite a very challenging season, above average yields were obtained, with exceptional Chenin Blanc quality.

* An agricultural/viticultural report
** Crop sizes are based on the Sawis estimate of 30 April 2014.

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ISSUED BY VINPRO.
Enquiries:
Jana Loots
VinPro Communications Manager
Tel: 021 863 1047 / 082 853 4029 
E-mail: jana@vinpro.co.za

Francois Viljoen
Manager: VinPro Consultation Service
Tel: 021 807 3033 
E-mail: viljoenf@vinpro.co.za