Mar 28, 2018 - Eden Valley Riesling is also off the vine, with harvest of Eden Valley Shiraz beginning last week and lik
2018 Barossa vintage update Wednesday 28 March 2018
Busy Easter for Barossa growers and winemakers The 2018 Barossa harvest is over the halfway hump, with most Barossa Valley Shiraz quietly fermenting or being pressed, growers and winemakers will still be busy over Easter. With available fermentation space now limited in most Barossa wineries, the last couple of weeks have seen a slow intake of Barossa Valley Shiraz, and some Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Eden Valley Riesling is also off the vine, with harvest of Eden Valley Shiraz beginning last week and likely to continue until late April. After reasonable winter and spring rainfall, soil moisture was adequate during the growing season and Barossa’s vineyards were exhibiting healthy canopies heading into summer. January and February were warm and dry, with very warm temperatures in February slowing down the pace of ripening. Growers with access to water, soil moisture monitoring, good irrigation management and healthy soils have experienced less stress – and subsequently delivered sound fruit and consistent yields. Reports from the Barossa VitiTech Group indicate 2018 will be a high-quality vintage, with highlights being Eden Valley Riesling and Barossa Valley Grenache. Barossa Valley Shiraz has fantastic colour and tannin density, and Cabernet Sauvignon is also reported to be of high quality with “very small berries and concentrated flavours”. While there is variation being reported across Barossa, Shiraz yields, at this stage, are tracking lower than last year; generally around 10-20% below the long-term average – but higher than the (very low yielding) five years prior to 2017. The crop level of Cabernet Sauvignon is reported to be average to 15-20% down on the long-term average. Chardonnay and Semillon, now in tank or barrel for the past month or so, are “looking great”, with feedback from winemakers being very positive about quality. Yields are reported to be 10-20% down on average for these two varieties.
For more information please contact: Nicki Robins Viticultural Development Officer Barossa Grape & Wine Association Tel: 08 8563 0650 Email:
[email protected] Web: barossawine.com
