Jacinta Rose
GrapeGrowers & Vignerons

THE Australian winegrape crush declined in size in 2010 for the second consecutive year, with the 1.53 million tonne harvest down 12 per cent on 2009.

This means the total annual crush is almost 300,000t less than it was two years ago, according to figures released in the Winemakers' Federation of Australia 2010 vintage report.

The 1.53m/t crush is also well below the five year average of 1.68m/t – a pleasing sign for those calling for a reduction in production to bring supply more in line with demand.

White varieties recorded a greater drop than red grapes, with the production of white winegrapes falling 15pc – or 124,000t – to a total of 715,000t. The intake of red varieties eased by 8pc to 817,000t or 53pc of the total national crush.

The WFA vintage report provides the first real measure of the 2010 vintage, and is based on a survey sent out to wineries across the country. Responses outlining their grape intakes for both 2009 and 2010 for processing into wine, brandy, spirits or juice were received from more than 360 wineries, covering an estimated 89pc of the industry's winegrape intake.

Each of the top three red varieties recorded a fall in 2010. Cabernet sauvignon and merlot were the hardest hit, with both declining by 14pc to 213,000t and 109,000t respectively.

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