2003 The drought vintage

Part 5  Queensland and Tasmania

Queensland and Tasmania are at different ends of the climatic scale, with the former hot and dry and the latter cold and wet. As a consequence, the drought affected the two states very differently. Prolonged heat with the absence of rain strained the resources of Queensland's grapegrowers, even though they are used to a hot and dry climate. Tasmania on the other hand, enjoyed the warmth in contrast to cold seasonal conditions. However the irony for both drought affected states is that rain, at the wrong time, caused complications during vintage.

Queensland had a challenging year in 2003 due to pressures on water supply. Yields were down in the Granite Belt region by as much as 35% and rain during vintage caused further complications. White grapes that were harvested prior to the rains show freshness and ripe fruit however those picked later look less vibrant. Many reds were affected by the rains, with fruit concentration the main casualty however those that escaped show good ripeness due to the heat.

The 2003 vintage was particularly disappointing for Queensland grape growers after the success they had in 2002, which is regarded by some to be a 'brilliant year'. However as with most areas in Australia, there will be shining stars amongst the pack so fans of Queensland wines should not despair.

Tasmania, as with other cool regions of Australia, enjoyed the extended heat of the drought conditions. Frosts weren't a problem and ripeness levels were predicted to be good. Disease pressures were extremely low and the accelerated rate of the vintage meant there was little break between the sparkling and still wine harvest. However all of this changed as the vintage progressed.

Rain in late March caused berry splitting and disease became an issue for all but the most diligent of growers. The rain continued into April and selected hand picking was required for many vineyards. The vintage became more like a wet European vintage than a drought-affected Australian one.

As most fruit for sparkling wine was picked prior to the rains, quality is sound with ripe fruit flavours, though acid levels are lower than normal. Early picked Chardonnay shows apple and grapefruit flavours, where as many later picked styles are botrytis affected. Early picked Pinot Noir is sound, though most producers had the complication of rain and quality suffered accordingly.

For both Queensland and Tasmania, 2003 was a season which reminds us of the continual challenges of agriculture. It seems so cruel that much needed rain falls during vintage, just as it becomes unwanted. In years such as these, we are reminded of why those 'great vintage years' are so precious - and why we should not take them for granted.

© Toni Paterson 2003