The 2013 wine vintage can be expected to be ‘outstanding‘, especially for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, says Distell’s Callie van Niekerk, according to Cape Business News.
The harvest yield increased by 8% relative to the year before, despite wind damage late last year. Van Niekerk highlighted that grapes had delivered ‘excellent varietal expression of flavour’ across the Winelands, both red and white grapes having lower sugar levels. The excellent weather this past summer, supported by good viticultural practices and well-trained staff, led to improved quality as well as increased output. The harvest started up to ten days later than usual. He added that moderate summer temperatures, with a few heat waves, and strongly contrasting day and night temperatures, had led to ‘controlled ripening with good colour and flavour concentration’. The heavy rains in February had not been a deterrent, and helped to add moisture to the soil. The heavy winter rains and low temperatures last year had allowed proper dormancy of the vines, and good moisture reserves.
The 2013 vintage white wines have an excellent balance of acidity and sugar, while the red wines have ‘intense colour, great flavours and generally smooth and soft tannins‘. The lower sugar levels means that the wines are refined and elegant. The international trend is to making wines that are refreshing, well-balanced and food-friendly, Van Niekerk said. Distell’s viticulture practices have allowed the winemakers to better express the terroir in their wines, to balance the fruit and sugar levels better, and to reduce water usage.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Porfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter: @WhaleCottage
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