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2001 vintage report for Adelaide Plains (South Australia)

For the third year in a row yields have been below average in the Adelaide Plains region. The decrease this year was 5-10%, due to the hottest summer ever. Joe Grilli, president of the Adelaide Plains Winemakers’ Association, said the region had enjoyed a lovely wet winter followed by virtually no rain right through the growing season. ‘A bit too much sunshine’ Joe said. ‘No amount of irrigation could save some “shrinking” of the crop.’ This was exacerbated by a mysteriously poor set across all varieties. However, disease pressure was non-existent. It was one of the earliest vintages ever. ‘When rain did come in the third week of March, 95% of Adelaide Plains fruit was already wine,’ Joe said.Regarding the quality, Joe said reds look black and quite vibrant if picked at the right time. ‘Porty’ reds were possible if winemakers were not awake to the rapidly rising sugar levels. Whites were remarkably resilient given the conditions. ‘Chardonnay looked yellow and healthy at harvest. Colombard absolutely thrives in the heat.’ Grape prices in the region remained steady, for example Chardonnay at $1,150 a tonne and Shiraz at $1,600 a tonne.