ISSUED BY DKC (DE KOCK COMMUNICATIONS) FOR DISTELL
GROUP LIMITED
This year is expected
to be a great vintage not only for reds, but also for Chardonnay and Chenin
blanc wines, according to Distell.
Commenting on the 2014
harvest, group GM for grape and wine supply, Erhard Wolf, said it had been one
of the best vintages experienced by the company in recent years. "Measured
in terms of our ability to bring in grapes at optimal sugar levels with well-balanced
ripeness, this vintage stands out for exceptional quality."
He also confirmed that
Distell's yields were 11% up on last
year, compared with the industry average of 5% higher for comparable
wine-growing areas. "Although as a whole, the South African grape
wine harvest is expected to be about 2% down on last year."
Callie van Niekerk,
who heads the winemaking teams said the harvest had delivered excellent colour
for reds and outstanding flavour all round, with excellent fruit sugar and acid
balance.
Drikus Heyns, chief
viticulturist said a cold winter with good rains had resulted in
well-conditioned vines. Bud break had been pretty even, while a cooler January,
with maximum temperatures at least 1°C lower than average, and a cooler March
had helped to slow ripening.
"The cooler
January meant the harvest began between 10 to 14 days later than usual,"
said Heyns, "but we were very fortunate in that by the time of the
March rains, about 80% to 85% of our grapes had been picked, so fruit was
largely unaffected by the difficult weather at that point."
Rainfall levels were
amongst the highest over the past five to seven years and had substantially
reduced the need for irrigation during ripening, he added.
He said that by
following an open canopy management approach for enhanced light and air
penetration, it had been possible to achieve a favourable micro-climate around
grape bunches to promote optimal ripening.
Van Niekerk said the
practice had resulted in outstanding quality crops. "We are again spoilt
for choice with excellent fruit sourced from across the Cape."
Wolf said the company
had invested extensively in researching ways to achieve optimal ripeness and to
streamline grape intake and was now successfully implementing its findings.
"The role of our
viticultural team is to prepare the vineyards to deliver the best possible
results given the prevailing vintage conditions, while ensuring the best
possible management of water resources and then to allow for optimal handling
of the fruit by improving planning and processes for delivery.
"Improved yields,
matched by an ongoing rise in quality, means we have the very best fruit at our
disposal this year."
