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2008 vintage report for South Burnett (Queensland)

By Peter Stewart
Clovely Estate
On behalf of the South Burnett wine region

Like many wine regions of Australia the South Burnett not only had to deal with the trials and tribulations of vintage
but also had to contend with a feisty Mother Nature.

The continuing pressure from the drought seriously impacted on water availability, with yields and vine health suffering accordingly. Compounding this problem was the cool, showery weather that prevailed throughout vintage.

The high number of rain days coincided with very little sunshine hours which slowed ripening and eventually led to some dilution events.

Verdelho took all the above in its stride and flourished in the cooler conditions. Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Semillon all achieved good quality outcomes, especially if canopies provided airflow to quickly dry fruit after a rain event.

Clovely Estate and leading regional contract winemaker Luke Fitzpatrick said, “Cooler than usual temperatures allowed the white varieties to maintain high levels of natural acidity and corresponding low pH values. Strong primary fruit characters were maintained to harvest producing some exceptional quality Verdelho and Chardonnay”.

The reds suffered more simply because they spent more time in the adverse weather than the whites. The tough-skinned Barbera and Petit Verdot varieties performed well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot struggled to reach phenological ripeness but, once again, if canopy management was good, fruit quality was sound and flavour profiles were acceptable.

Shiraz was severely tested by the frequent rain. Bunches stayed wet for long periods and skin condition deteriorated over time, forcing growers to pick early or not at all.

The bonus of this difficult season has been the performance of the double pruned fruit, especially the Shiraz. Moisture provided through January and February has helped create the ideal growing conditions for this variety. Strong yields coupled with healthy canopies have seen this concept continue to flourish.

Fruit was harvested throughout May with idyllic ripening conditions; day time temperatures between 25-30°C, night time temperatures between 10-15°C and plentiful sunshine.

It could be quite ironic that, in what was an extremely difficult 2008 vintage, some exceptional wines should come to the fore.