CropWatch

Recorded live on the last day of summer 2019 in McLaren Vale (February 28th). Harvest is in full swing with the 2019 vintage being picked and processed. James and Gill discuss two vineyards one of which is suffering while the other thrives. They look at what was learned after vintage 2008 and how that applies to this vintage. James also fesses up to some mistakes he’s made.

Recorded in February 2019, late summer, James and Gill talk about fruit ripening (EL 37). *James makes a gaff where he says “Petiole” which is the leaf stem, when he means “Racchi” which is the bunch stem.

Recorded in January 2019, the high of summer, on the hottest day in living memory. James and Gill look at the key growth stage of veraison (EL-35) and how extreme weather events affect ripening.

Recorded in November 2018, late spring in McLaren Vale. James and Gill discuss grapevine flowering (EL-19 to 25) and how storms can reduce yields by affecting berry set.

Recorded in October 2018: James & Gill discus how members of the grape and wine community can help protect vineyards from phylloxera and other pests and diseases.

Recorded in October 2018, mid spring in McLaren Vale. James & Gill discuss spring weather conditions during early shoot growth (EL-7-15) and how dry weather affects vineyard growth.

Recorded in September 2018, early spring in McLaren Vale, as vines undergo bud burst (growth stage EL-4). James and Gill discuss the importance of Grenache as a variety in McLaren Vale. *James makes a gaff about how much Merlot is grown in McLaren Vale – it’s 3% of the total area in 2018.