In response to media interest following recent heavy rain and floods in Queensland, these comments have been provided by member producers on the crystal ball that is vintage 2011. In a ‘normal’ season, vintage for Granite Belt fruit generally begins end of January/early February and runs until the end of April.
The 2011 vintage will be as challenging as any in recent memory with the feedback from producers rather like the Curate’s Egg. Everyone has been eagerly awaiting the start of veraison - when the red grapes take on their colour and a sign that the grapes are maturing but with so little sun veraison has eluded most Granite Belt growers. Fortunately, there is little reported sign of disease as growers have been vigilant with sprays. We need sunshine and good airflow and the last four or five days of sunshine have lifted spirits. But joy of joys, veraison was spotted yesterday by Warren Smith at Pyramids Road Wines south of Stanthorpe and he cant wait to get his hands dirty again this vintage!
For the full vintage update , click on: Granite Belt vintage 2011
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