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2008 vintage report for McLaren Vale (South Australia)

By Amy Richards
Viticulture Officer
McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association

The record 15-day heatwave interrupted perfect vintage conditions in McLaren Vale in 2008, causing the most condensed harvest in the region’s history.

Vintage started in the first week of February, slightly earlier than average. Cool and dry conditions during berry ripening were conducive to excellent flavour, colour and phenolic development.

All white varieties were picked prior to the start of the heatwave in March and displayed strong varietal character and crisp acidity.

Much of the premium Shiraz was also off the vine before the heat, with high natural acid due to the cool early summer and the large canopies.

The prolonged heat placed pressure on wineries to process fruit quickly and forced some producers to look outside of the region for crushing services. There was some berry shrivel and high Baumé levels caused by the heat. Approximately 5% of fruit was left on the vine as it was unable to be processed in time.

By the end of March the bulk of the harvest was complete, which is exceptionally earlier than normal, with vintage normally persisting until the end of April.

Despite the challenges, the region’s leading winemakers and grapegrowers are confident that the resulting wines, branded McLaren Vale, will be of the award-winning standard for which the region is renowned.