Best grape harvest in 30 years signals good year for juicy stuff
26 March 2004 by Ronnie Morris for Business Report
Farmers were planting more Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Hanepoot grapes

Cape Town - An expected wine surplus from a grape harvest that is said to be the best in 30 years should give wine lovers a bonus.
Industry talk is that a long, cool summer has ensured the quality of wine would range between 'very good' and 'phenomenal'. Bruce Jack, the wine maker and viticulturist at Flagstone Winery and Vineyards, said that while this year's harvest had had its challenges, wine producers in the traditionally hot areas like Robertson, the Breede River and Wolseley did not have to contend with the usual summer heat waves.
Because of the uneven ripening of the crop, Flagstone has had to 'drop crop' - in other words, go through the vineyards and cut off the green grapes - in favour of the ripening black grapes, to ensure even ripeness. 'The quality promises to be good in especially the Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz varietals ... The quality is phenomenal.
'I'm very excited. Last year was the best harvest in 30 years but I think this year will be even better,' Jack said.

To read article in full, please visit :
http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=561&fArticleId=380541
Issued by: Business Report