The South African 2013 harvest has started in all earnest and I had a look at the growing conditions and early expectations for this vintage.
With an exceptional cold and wet winter and 35% more winter rain than the long term average, this year water should not be a problem.
That said, the Cape Doctor blew us apart in November, December and even in January, which would have caused a lot of moisture loss. With underground water replenished and dam levels high, supplementary irrigation is a solution. Dry land vineyards might struggle however.
A cold winter and cool spring ensured enough cold units and proportionate budding. Some very hot spells in the beginning of summer did however have an effect. While the initial slow start to summer was expected to delay harvest, the December heat (according to VinPro the highest average temperatures in December in 48 years!) boost ripening and the season is now only slightly later than usual.
The exceptionally strong South Eastern winds caused damage to shoots and vines but also prevented disease and in general crops are healthy.
Quality predictions are therefore exceptional and while volumes have initially been expected to show a slight increase on 2012, SAWIS’s research now indicates it to be 0.4% lower, largely caused by the strong winds.
Best of luck to all the wineries bringing in the 2013 crop – looking forward to an extraordinary vintage!