North East Victorian Grape Quality Measurement and Bench Marking Project

Abstract

With the aim of understanding within-region quality variations, grape growers in North East Victoria sought assistance in measuring and comparing results from different locations and when using various practices. Key outcomes have been a better understanding of practices that make a difference and experience in assessing characteristics of vines and fruit.

Summary

This report is essentially about the 2004 vintage for Shiraz and identification of what was behind the best individual results. It followed the participation of several growers in a grape quality measurement project conducted the previous year (see Wine Australia project RT 0212-3) and their wish to extend benefits to others in North East Victoria while developing their skills in assessing vineyard characteristics.

Five regions within the North East zone participated, namely the Alpine Valleys, Beechworth, Glenrowan, King Valley and Rutherglen. An initial step was to record vineyard characteristics including clone, rootstock, row orientation, vine training method and irrigation system. Geographical features were noted and long term temperature and rainfall figures were compiled. Field assessment sheets were circulated and assistance was given in the measurement of shoot length, spread of fruit, fruit zone width and height, leaf condition, berry size, crop load and other factors. Measurement of berry characteristics provided an improved understanding of the development of anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolics.

An important outcome of the benchmarking component of the project was that several growers were able to see that they had not achieved their potential and could, by tracing and comparing practices, make improvements. At a regional level the work highlighted the importance of modifying vineyard management practices such as leaf cover and irrigation each year to adjust to changing seasonal conditions.