SOUTH AFRICAN WINES & CULTURE

“What would you say about vintage 2008 as compared to few previous years? “.  Elsie said: “Although vintages differ in South Africa vintage variance is not as pronounced as in European vineyards situated at the outer limits of grape growing. The 2008 growing season was conducive to growing excellent quality fruit. On average the harvest started about 10 days to two weeks later than usual with slow ripening to full ripeness and therefore retaining good acid levels. Rain was a feature throughout Spring with wet weather continuing into January. Due to the unseasonable rains the harvest also ended later. The usual Cape summer arrived in March with many varieties ripening simultaneously putting pressure on cellar capacity and human resources. Generally white varieties did well showing good fruit purity, freshness and structure and reds reached good phenolic ripeness with purity of fruit and supple tannins at lower alcohol levels. Some exceptional whites with great longevity and some elegant reds should emerge.”

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