Harvest Report 2018
Stable weather conditions and healthy grapes distinguish the 2018 harvest. A cool, humid spring, with consistent temperatures and no frost made for an ideal season followed by a summer of mild temperatures; these conditions led to a slow ripening of the grapes, delivering fresh fruit with good pH and acidity.
In 2017, high temperatures during summertime made for an early and challenging harvest that started mid-February in several valleys.
In 2018, the climatic conditions were very favorable and harvest began as usual and as expected, in the beginning of March ending mid-April. An excellent year with healthy grapes, favored by the weather and slow ripening cycle, which helped maintain Cono Sur’s style: delicate, elegant, vibrant, juicy and with good intensity.
Volume-wise, 2018 delivered a regular production. This comes after two considerably low volumes years: 2016 was affected by the rains during harvest season and in 2017, the high temperatures during summer led to low yields. This year Chile has finally presented the ideal climatic conditions that allowed us to obtain the expected volumes.
Varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir found the perfect conditions for their optimum ripening, delivering grapes with good acidity, low alcohol levels, fruit and freshness.
The red varieties were also favored by the mild temperatures during summer. The slow ripening allowed for fresh grapes, with a lot of fruit expression, good concentration and low alcohol levels. We expect wines with great cellaring potential.
Casablanca Valley: The rain during spring and the morning fogs, made necessary the close monitoring of the vines, but with the correct management of the vineyards we were able to prevent fungus and the rotting of the grapes and harvested great fruits, with good acidity and volume. We expect outstanding Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancs from Casablanca.
Aconcagua Valley: Last year’s rains also benefited Aconcagua Valley. Additionally, the company’s investments in its estates ensured sufficient water and the proper irrigation of the vines. This allowed the grapes to show Aconcagua’s real potential and tipicity. We expect a great Cabernet Sauvignon.
Limarà Valley: The rains during winter 2017 normalized the water levels in Limarà and allowed for a good irrigation of the vineyards. This means, hydrated and healthy grapes with normal ripening cycle. We expect the valley to deliver great Syrah.
San Antonio Valley: Very similar conditions to Casablaca Valley. The rain prevented the dehydration of the grapes and the summer presented mild temperatures. We expected an impressive Pinot Noir.
Maipo Valley: The absence of rain and mild summer temperatures allowed for an ideal and slow ripening of the grapes. The quality is as expected, with a balanced and interesting acidity in our Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cachapoal Valley: Similar conditions to Colchagua Valley. A summer with mild temperatures allowed for a slow ripening, delivering fruity wines with low levels of alcohol and good balance. We expect a spicy and fruity Carmenere.
Colchagua Valley: This valley also delivered very healthy grapes. The mild temperatures during summer gave us grapes with skins with a lot of expression, fresh and spicy. Without doubt, this is a very good year for Merlot.
Maule Valley: A cool spring and a rainy early-summer delivered grapes with low alcohol levels, this allows us to highlight the freshness and natural acidity of the wines. A very good year for our Single Vineyard Carignan.
BÃo BÃo Valley: 2018 was rainier than usual, with rainfalls from March to April, however this valley has a great resistance to rain due to its luminosity (enough sunlight radiation), soil and privileged wind speed. The grapes show low alcohol levels, between 12,5% and 13%, with great intensity and a lot of fruit, especially in our Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Sparkling wines.
Comparative
2017 was an unusually warm year, which led to an early harvest in mid-February, the grapes had a rapid ripening cycle which affected all wine regions in Chile. Few days between veraison and harvest, low yields, higher alcohol levels, but with excellent aromatic and phenolic concentration.
In 2018, Chile presented ideal climatic conditions, which led to a favorable harvest. A cool spring and a mild summer allowed for an optimum ripening cycle. The vines delivered great and intense aromatic compounds. These same climatic conditions also led to good production volumes, moderate alcohol levels and excellent fruit concentration.