Winemags

Now that the harvesters have been safely returned to the shed and pickers have long since moved on, attention has turned to evaluating the size and quality of the 2010 winegrape harvest.

The Winemakers' Federation of Australia vintage survey has recorded a 12 per cent drop in the size of the national crush, although according to many winemakers this has been offset by a jump in quality.

The July edition of GrapeGrowers & Vignerons features vintage reports from wineries and regions across the country, outlining the highs and lows of the growing season.

This edition also investigates growers' concerns regarding the upcoming release of the Murray Darling Basin plan, which could cut irrigators' allocations by up to 40pc.

With some growers using their 'permanent' water allocations as security for loans or mortgages, a cut in water could result in banks reassessing vineyard viability.

GG&V's July edition also looks into the growth of pinot grigio, which continues to defy industry decline, and explores north east Victoria, from the breathtaking mountains of the alpine region to the picturesque banks of the River Murray.

GG&V is Fairfax Media's premier monthly national grape and wine publication. It is a one-stop shop for Australia's growers, winemakers, suppliers and industry bodies, covering all aspects of viticulture, winemaking, wine marketing and wine technology.

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