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As 2010 begins, winemakers can celebrate a vintage end to the last
decade, following one of the best harvests on record. More than a
number of winemakers are even talking in superlatives: 'Fantastic';
'wonderful quality year' and 'one of the best ever' amongst them when
describing the 2009 vintage.
With a number of new vineyards also now coming in to full production,
volumes are looking to be considerably higher than the last two years
and likely to match (maybe even exceed) the record 2006 figures of
over 3 million bottles.
Across the country the fruit quality was exceptional, with many of
the highest sugars ever recorded along with good acids. Excellent
fruit flavours in many of the aromatic varieties were reported, along
with the traditional varieties - Chardonnay and the Pinots - which
displayed potential alcohols of 11-13%. There will be many more
unchaptalised wines produced this year than has been seen for some time.
The scene was set earlier in the year when little late frost was
experienced, followed by a near perfect period of warm late spring
and early summer weather, particularly over flowering (remember the
memorably warm and almost all dry Wimbledon fortnight). A wet July
replenished much needed moisture in to the ground.
Despite a cooler summer than had been predicted, the growing season
was boosted by the prolonged warm autumn, giving rise to grapes of
the highest quality: ripe, very clean and free of botrytis.
Yields were variable in different regions, but the largest growth
area, the South East, saw a bumper crop. East Anglia experienced a
very dry growing season. Some parts of the south west suffered from
late frost and damp late June/ July but bolstered by the long warm
autumn which resulted in good, average yields.
"The main pleasure was the cleanliness of the grapes,"
comments one grower. Another added that they have "probably
harvested some of the best quality grapes ever." One winemaker
stated that 2009 is "potentially one of the best vintages for
wine quality of the decade."
The UK therefore anticipates top quality wines from 2009, which are
already displaying depth and character in tank. Many will have to
wait, of course, for the sparkling wines from this year. 2009 has
produced the highest volume of wine that will go on to secondary
fermentation. As Michael Roberts of Ridgeview added: "All in all
and fantastic year - a pretty wonderful build up for the London Olympics!"
The first of the 2009 still wines will be available to taste at the
English Wine Producers Trade & Press Tasting, taking place on
Friday 23rd April 2010 in central London. English Wine Week 2010 will
take place Saturday 29th May to Sunday 6th June. |
