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2003 vintage report for Riverina (New South Wales)

Winegrape production in the Riverina is estimated to be just under 200,000 tonnes, a 13% decrease from last year’s 230,000 and broadly in line with winemaker expectations.  White tonnages were approximately 17% down on 2002 while while reds were down 11%. The decrease in total tonnage was due in part to a long, hot growing season and some impact of the drought on overall soil moisture levels despite the general availability of irrigation water.

The weather was generally fine leading to harvest, with a prolonged hot spell in late January to early February.  There was heavy rain in February but this did not cause any significant problems. The vintage produced fruit of consistent quality and it was free of disease. The berry size of reds was down, leading to excellent colour expression.

Conditions for Botrytis Semillon were good at the end of the season. Shiraz quality was also good and while yields were down, total production was up, reflecting the increase in bearing area. Preliminary estimates put Chardonnay production at 28,500 tonnes (30,328 in 2002), Semillon 31,500 (43,350), Merlot 10,500 (15,639) and Shiraz 48,800t (47,400).