The rain in May
followed by hot sunshine has provided the perfect conditions for mildew and it is a very serious outbreak.
Some small vineyards have completely succumbed, especially coastal ones where
there is more humidity, and some fear losses of 50-70% around Sanlúcar, 30-60%
around Trebujena and 50% around Chipiona. Worse still, it is spreading towards
vineyards further inland where 15-30% of vineyard is affected. Those who don’t
have crop insurance are being encouraged to contract it.
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| A flooded vineyard (foto:miguelangelgonzalez/diario jerez) |
According to Francisco Guerrero, president of the
independent growers, one factor is the lack of treatment or insufficient
treatment of the vines due to a lack of financial resources resulting from the
difficulties of the cooperatives to whom they sell their grapes. “In a dry year
people can get away with the minimum of treatment and the heavy rains took them
by surprise. “ Once the mildew has spread it is more difficult to treat, and
its effects could reduce next year’s harvest as well. He feels, however, that
it is still too early to predict harvest losses accurately. Vines are not the
only plants affected; mildew also attacks tomatoes, potatoes and onions, also
important industries.
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| Mildew in all its ugliness (foto:lavozdigital) |
The Fiesta de la
Vendimia with its famous treading of the grapes on the Cathedral steps will take place on 6th
September, two days earlier than last year. From the 8th till the 10th
there will be a great Sherry tasting “De Copa en Copa” hosted by bodegas at the
Claustros de Santo Domingo at which there will also be tapas. Another top
event, the Catas Magistrales will take place on the 8,9,10 and the 15,16,17
September. Each event will be hosted by a bodega and there will be food
matching with the Sherry.
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