Tricky wine harvest adds flavour

TASMANIA’S unpredictable weather has made this year’s wine grape harvest logistically challenging.

Skills Institute's decision to scrap Tasmania's only viticulture training course has shocked vineyard owners, Bream Creek vineyard owner and wine-maker Fred Peacock at 572 Vineyard

TASMANIA’S unpredictable weather over the past several months has made this year’s wine grape harvest one of the most logistically challenging.

But vignerons and winemakers say the upside of the tricky season, which drew to a close for most growers last week, is intensely flavoured and richly coloured fruit.

“The style this year is going to be really well-structured wines, very clean and refreshing and well defined by variety,” said Bream Creek Vineyard owner Fred Peacock, who is also a consultant to other vineyards.

Wasps caused headaches for some growers but Mr Peacock said generally pest and disease levels were low.

Wine Tasmania chief executive Sheralee Davies said it was good to see a return to average yields after a small vintage last year.

“Wine producers are pleased to have a return to average yields in order to satisfy ongoing strong demand for Tasmanian wines,” she said.

“But it has been a rather unusual and unpredictable season. Overall, vintage commenced a little earlier for most. Quality looks good, with particularly positive comments on the sparkling fruit this year,” she said.

Originally published as Tricky wine harvest adds flavour