Vintage 2003 looms with anticipation

As vintage 2003 looms, there is much anticipation regarding the resultant quality yield and financial return. It is also the largest vintage for Vitiwise to date, with an estimated 1750 tonnes to be harvested from clients’ vineyards.

This season has already seen considerable movement in wine grape contacts and pricing, as the industry settles down from the massive growth rates of the mid to late 90’s. As the major companies get larger, the smaller and mid-sized wineries are finding it increasingly difficult to hold market share. Equally the large companies are jostling for position in market shelves with wines from countries such as Chile, Southern France, USA and Italy.
This issue has seen the smaller wineries downsize and consolidate the asset growth they have just invested in.

Never before has the supply/demand ratios been so important. Wineries will only commit to purchase fruit for designated products bound either for export or domestic markets. It appears from all industry figures, comments and research that the 2004 onward period will bring some growth, however a much steadier rate to sustain the industry through to 2010. This particular McLaren Vale vintage has been difficult in a sense that winter rains were below average, causing vineyards to set smaller and less flower clusters.

Wind factors along with little spring rain has resulted in small berries which will lower the net bunch weights.

All this goes well for quality this vintage, however grower returns will be minimised as winery prices for wine grapes reduce.
Currently wineries have plenty of fruit to choose from which ultimately drives prices down.
There has been no disease to speak of so far this season as warm to hot conditions have ceased sporolation within the canopy. Of course there has been no rain through the critical periods to result in Downy Mildew and Botrytis.

This season has also seen an adoption of unit canopy row measurement within our spray technology.

Measurements of chemical, along with label rates costed out per 100 litres, has seen some confusion among growers, particularly when concentration rates are taken into consideration.

I believe that next season this area will be fine-tuned as the industry adopts a universal method of spray management and recording.

Overall there is much to look forward to this vintage, along with plenty that has been learnt throughout the season.

Good luck for vintage 2003.