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2010 vintage report for Riverland (South Australia)

Supplied by the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council
Growing season: The Riverland had a generally mild growing season that was interrupted by a heatwave in early to mid-November. The heat came at a critical time for berry development and berry set, impacting on yield. A smaller, less influential spell of heat arrived with the New Year but growers in the district managed well and maintained the quality of their product. Disease pressure was low with the occasional thunderstorm threatening to bring downy mildew but failing to deliver. A large rainfall of up to 40mm fell across some districts in early February and berry split was recorded in varieties like Sauvignon Blanc.
Vintage: The vintage period was busy as usual, starting in mid-January and drawing to a close in late March. The timing of the vintage when compared with long-term averages was seven to 10 days early but on par with the immediate past vintages.
Yields and quality: Yields were well down (25-30%), with many under 15t/ha; low commodity prices, November heat and years of drought all played a part. Quality was exceptional, with comments from local winemakers acknowledging Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon as the best they’d seen from the region.