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| Grape
harvest kicks off at Simonsig Estate |
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Simonsig Estate has started 2012 at a hectic
pace as one of the first wine estates in
the Stellenbosch region to welcome this
year’s harvest. Their Pinot noir grapes
used for the iconic Kaapse Vonkel are the
first variety once again to make it to the
Simonsig cellar. |
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| Simonsig
cellarmaster Johan Malan is exceptionally
pleased with the quality of the grapes this
year even after the extreme heat experienced
during mid-January caused the grapes to
ripen faster than usual.
"The season looks very promising
as a result of the mild to cool weather
conditions that prevailed since the vines
budded in September. The current warm
weather is not unusual for this time of
the year, but February is known for its
high temperatures. The heat can cause
sunburn on the grapes, but by irrigating
the vines wisely this can be prevented.
The Simonsig vineyards are lush
and in excellent condition with
the leaves providing shelter for the grapes
from direct sunlight to protect their
fine, delicate flavours. All the hard
work in the vineyards up until now, is
really paying off,” says Johan.
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With the annual rainfall 30% less than the
longer term average, the soil is drier than
normal making the availability of irrigation
water a big determining factor in the ripening
of top quality grapes.
"During such years traditional dryland
areas (without irrigation) ideally require
one or two timely bouts of rain to see the
vineyards through. Currently the Theewaterskloof
pipeline is broken and a portion of the
water scheme is currently out of order,
causing Stellenbosch farmers
some concern."
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"Thankfully
the pipeline is currently being repaired,”
added Johan.
Simonsig expects a good quality harvest
with normal yields. The weather conditions
over the next two months, however, will
be a big determining factor on the overall
outcome.
"We are hopeful because the vines
and grapes are healthy and beautiful.
The Pinot noir grapes look great and show
excellent acidity and low pH values, ideal
for our Kaapse Vonkel Cap Classique!"
said Johan.
ssued by: GC Communications |
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