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2008 vintage report for Pericoota (New South Wales)

By Michael Gray
President
Perricoota Grape Growers’ Association

A dry start to the growing season, along with zero water allocation, meant that purchasing water was a necessity for growing grapes in Perricoota in 2008. This was an extremely significant cost, with the water price reaching more than $1000/ML at the time most growers were looking to secure their water for the season. Rains in November through to January improved inflows lightly, which eventually gave us a small allocation of 20% of our high security water and the return of the suspended water. Generally, yields were average in 2008, provided a normal amount of irrigation was applied. Harvest commenced at the end of January and the white varieties were of excellent quality, with mild conditions enabling consistent ripening and cool nights for harvesting. The red varieties were also of excellent quality, despite a heat spike at the end of the season which put the pressure on all harvest and winery operations in the region. However, after some long nights, full fermenters and juggling tanks we managed to take all the fruit off at a suitable ripeness. The 2008 vintage, despite the obstacles of drought and heat, has produced excellent wine throughout Perricoota.