According to regional
viticulturists of VinPro – the representative organisation for close to 3 500
wine grape producers and cellars – the harvest kicked off two weeks earlier
than normal.
“This was the earliest harvest
in decades, partially due to a warmer than usual August, followed by a hot, dry
and very windy summer, which required additional irrigation. However, ideal,
dry conditions during harvest time ensured healthy grapes with minimal occurrence
of disease or rot,” said Francois Viljoen, manager or VinPro’s Consultation
Service.
Cellars in most regions have
already received Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Chardonnay, with Sauvignon Blanc
gradually ripening and Merlot being harvested in the next two weeks.
A large tonnage of wine grapes
was harvested over a short time period in Stellenbosch, placing pressure on
cellar space at some cellars; however cooler weather in February brought relief
as ripening slowed down somewhat. Although the Little Karoo started harvesting
even more than two weeks earlier than normal in some areas, only 15% of the
total expected crop has been harvested up to date, as this region cultivates
much less of the traditional early cultivars.
A break in the channel
supplying water from Clanwilliam dam to the Olifants River area resulted in
water shortages for a week during January; however effective management has thus
far resulted in minimal losses.
On average, a lighter wine
grape harvest than the bumper 2014 crop is expected, and the viticulturists are
positive about exceptional colour and flavour in both white and red wines. All
cultivars that have been harvested thus far show great promise in terms of
quality – specifically Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. In Paarl and Malmesbury
smaller berries in especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc are
indicative of good quality, and in Stellenbosch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay stand
out.