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2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 2006 Vintage Reports (Source:
Winebiz.com.au) Due to a volume of winegrapes being unfortunately left on the vine or harvested to the ground, the 2006 Australian winegrape intake was 4.1% less than the 2005 vintage, says the Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA). This year's annual grape crush came in at 1.846 million tones, dropping 79,000 tonnes on the previous harvest. WFA chief executive, Stephen Strachan says this figure is indicative of the excess supply in the wine sector. "Although slightly down, this vintage is likely to continue to place pressure on inventory levels and highlights the importance of continued efforts to grow both domestic and export opportunities to address current surpluses," Strachan said. Data from the WFA Vintage Report show reduction in the grape crush in most red varietals and also in white. Red grape intake decreased 5.6% to 1.005 million litres, and white grape intake decreased only 2.3% to 841,000 tonnes. Only Chardonnay did not experience a reduction in volume. Key findings of the Report include:
The slowing in the rate of new plantings will ensure a reasonably flat outlook for future production of winegrapes, according to Strachan. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) forecasts show minimal change in production levels between now and 2011. (Source winebiz.com.au)
The Adelaide Hills wine region enjoyed exceptional early growing season rainfall, which continued during the growing season with many observers commenting on some of the largest and healthiest canopies seen for many years. A cruel black-frost in mid October touched parts of many vineyards that have not been frosted before. The extent of this setback on the tiny flowers and crop was masked by how well the vines recovered and only really showed up on the weighbridge at vintage when yields for some frosted blocks were much lower than forecast. Rain in early November and around Christmas followed by steady ongoing rain proved to be quite challenging for disease prevention and control systems. Vintage started in late February and peaked at about the end of March and in early May there were only a few reds left to pick. Yields this vintage have been generally below average for all varieties, certainly relative to the last two large vintages. While Sauvignon Blanc continues to champion the whites there are some excellent parcels of Chardonnay and rapidly rising interest in Pinot Gris and Riesling. Red varieties grew and set well too and wine will also be very good this year showing great colour and flavour. The wines show excellent complexity including pepper and spice characters in the Shiraz, which shone through late in vintage when the fruit was very ripe. Some small parcels of fruit were left unharvested or picked straight onto the ground this vintage, as prices for winegrapes remain depressed. (Source winebiz.com.au)
A mild and relatively wet spring encouraged good early season growth resulting in well-balanced canopies. Regular rainfall reduced the need for irrigation with most growers not commencing irrigation until late November, early December 2005. Disease pressure was a little increased in comparison to other years however growers with well-timed spray programs emerged relatively unscathed. Vines generally survived the extreme temperatures in January well with only minor reductions in yields. Many growers took proactive measures to manage yields in accordance with tonnage caps imposed by wineries. Picking of fruit for sparkling base began in the first week of February, with whites for table wine commencing mid to late February and reds from late February onwards. Figures are currently being compiled but it is expected that tonnages of Chardonnay may be slightly below average, Shiraz about average and Cabernet Sauvignon slightly below average. The star performer of the vintage appears to be Cabernet Sauvignon with some excellent Malbec and Shiraz. Amongst the whites Verdelho proved to be of exceptional quality. Small berry size, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon, has produced good concentration of colour and flavours. Not all fruit from the region found a market this vintage and parcels of uncontracted fruit attracted little demand and in some instances were sold at prices well below the cost of production. (Source winebiz.com.au)
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