North Canterbury - Return to 'classic'
Pyramid Valley had its longest Chardonnay Vintage ever this year, thanks to Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago fruit travelling to the North Canterbury winery.
"That meant challenges in the growing season, in keeping up with the vineyard floor, canopy management and organic spray programme," says Pyramid Valley Winemaker and Estate Manager Huw Kinch, reflecting on the rainfall endured every week. The season was cool, like 2022, but with a few more welcome warm days, he adds.
Waikari had a snowstorm in October 2022, resulting in light crops at Pyramid Valley, while the vineyards in more coastal Waipara fared better, he says. "Pinot yields there were low but the other varieties, including Sauvignon and Pinot Gris were better. The Chardonnay was a bit light but all of them were very good quality."
Despite the challenges and lower yields in some vineyards, producers are "really happy with the quality of the 2023 harvest", Huw says. "It was a tough season. I hope the weather pattern shift goes back to those drier, warmer summers."
