Initially, the ample winter cold and rain necessary for a great 2010 harvest augured well for Delheim.  Unfortunately this optimism was not destined to last, as the long cold and wet spell continued through the growing season during September and October, hampering the development of those varietals flowering at the time.  To make matters worse, there was a great deal of pressure from possible downy mildew infection.

 Even though the vineyards did not succumb to this additional threat, we then experienced uncharacteristically severe storm winds in November and December, resulting in extensive damage.  This wind was in fact so ferocious that shoots actually broke right off the cordon of grapes.  The Sauvignon Blanc was the worst hit, with an estimated 70% loss, which was especially devastating to us as we had initially thought that the crop would be an exceptional one this year. As it stands, we were only able to harvest 800 kg of grapes from a 2,5 ha vineyard which usually yields an average of 15 000 kg. 

 February is, of course, usually a very hot month, but so far it has been uncharacteristically moderate and cool, resulting in good quality white grapes.  Fortunately, the red grapes look more promising in volume, and only the Pinotage has not fared as well as hoped.  The Cabernet Sauvignon is ripening sooner than expected, and, provided that the current cool weather persists, we can expect a superb red wine vintage in 2010.

Kind regards

The Delheim Team

Categories: DELHEIM

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