Wine~Works
Wine & Beer Tastings with a Difference
Low Yields Characterise 2012 Grape Harvest
Lower yields are characterising the 2012 harvest around the globe, with producers from across Europe and South America stating crops are up to 15% smaller than usual.
France is experiencing its smallest harvest since 1991, although Bordeaux winemaker Gavin Quinney of Chateau Bauduc said that the yields in his area, while not huge “are not that bad”. Bauduc has estimated they will make around one and a half bottles of white wine per vine.
Nearby Château Brown began its Sauvignon Blanc harvest on September 11. “After the very low 2011 yield with the white, I’m delighted to have produced enough this time round to satisfy my clients, although quality remains our primary objective,” said Jean-Christophe Mau, co-owner and manager of the estate.
In the Beaujolais region the yields are estimated to be as low as they were in 2002, but winemakers remain confident about the grapes’ quality. Inter Beaujolais said: “Although the 2012 harvest is expected to be low, the berries have been small and concentrated so the grape quality should be high.”
Across the border in Spain, Bodegas Torres is also expecting excellent quality for harvest this year. Again, however, yields will be lower than normal with a loss in volume of around 15%.
Felix Solis and its subsidiary Pagos del Rey also face similar problems with yields, Charles Elms, director of Free Run Wines, which distributed Felix Solis, said: “Although Felix Solis is predicting that the quantity of grapes harvested will be roughly 10% down on last year, the quality level of the grapes they are bringing in is very high.”
In Spain’s Navarra region Tandem wines are planning to harvest at the end of the month. Winemaker Alicia Eyaralar said: “The grapes have a good size but still show green tints. Probable alcohol was 12%. Same with the red varieties.”
South America faced similar problems with smaller crop sizes. In Chile, Santa Rita said the hot weather put a lot of stress on the vines after veraison. Winemaker Andrés Ilabaca said Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc had been particularly sensitive to such stress, while Merlot and Chardonnay did not suffer.
In Argentina Dona Paula reported a series of unfortunate weather events having a marked effect on the 2012 harvest. Winemaker Edgardo del Popolo said: “The 2012 vintage will be recalled as one with low yields and grapes with great concentration of aromas and flavours.” From Harpers Magazine', 'Low Yields Characterise 2012 Grape Harvest
EU organic wine rules not ‘strict enough’
We can do organic wine tastings in London, UK or anywhere in the world so are always interested in regulations that may affect monitoring the quality of its standards. Our wine tastings can be tailored to meet whatever standards you set.
The European Union's first rules governing organic wine production have come into force – but some are concerned that they do not go far enough. The regulations, which came into force on 1 August, are the culmination of a 20-year debate and, until now, Europe’s winemakers could only certify grapes as organically grown.
‘I don't think they are strict enough,’ said Barranco Oscuro’s Manuel Valenzuela, a pioneer of ‘natural’ wines in Spain. There is particular concern at the sulphur dioxide levels permitted in organic wine, which are 30-50% lower than the limits for conventional wine.
‘We know that a number of bodies in Europe weren’t entirely happy with the regulation,’ said Chris Atkinson, head of standards at the UK-based Soil Association, which has tougher sulphur dioxide limits in its own certification scheme than the EU. ‘But it sets a baseline that allows us to move forward.’
Others take a more hardline stance: ‘For us in our area, even if you use organic yeast, you are not organic,’ said Christine Saurel, of biodynamic winery Montirius in Vacqueyras, southern France. ‘If you are organic in your mind and spirit, you know that what you are doing in the vineyard is to improve life, and this will improve the natural yeast in your grapes.
‘I understand why they are doing it, but it can’t be just a rule. You have to change your mindset.’
Neil Palmer, director of organic wine specialist Vintage Roots, welcomed the EU regulation as ‘a step in the right direction’. Vintage Roots has started to list wines as ‘low sulphur’ if they use at least 50% less than the EU maximum. From Decanter magazine'
We can use organic wines in any corporate event entertainment, private wine tasting or even a wine tasting for two. If wine isn't enough try our wine and chocolate tasting or cheese and wine tasting at any event in London or the UK.
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