Good Quality Harvest Predicted for 2005 Vintage

The autumn is well and truly upon us, and a number of vineyards have already started harvesting, some as early as mid-September.  Early reports indicate that despite the rather unpredictable summer, many vineyards expect a good quality harvest of reasonable quantity. 

A few vineyards were unfortunately hit by late frosts, which reduced the final anticipated crop, and some also experienced difficulties at flowering due to the then inclement weather.  This is not a widespread occurrence, and overall, reports are positive, with many vineyards very pleased with the overall quality and quantity of their crop.

As has been the case now for at least the last four years, the warm late summer/early autumn weather is ensuring good ripening, with some vineyards starting their harvests earlier than normal, with their early ripening, Germanic varieties such as Siegerrebe.  However the recent dank, humid days and warm nights are also proving somewhat of a challenge with some mildew occurring, although this is by no means a widespread phenomenon.

 All in all, 2005 will produce another good crop, though not record-breaking on quantity (2004 was one of our largest ever).  Sugar levels are looking moderate to high.  Reports from some vineyards are that acids are a little low.   The sparkling wine producers are looking at picking their traditional varieties mid to end of October, and predictions at this stage are that the grapes are ripening well and set to produce a good quality crop.