Beltran Domecq, President of the Consejo Regulador of Jerez
has been out in the vineyards to see for himself the difficulties of the 2012
harvest. He acknowledged that the expected drop in yields this year was about
20%, but given the extended drought and the heatwaves experienced this August,
the figure could drop further. If the 2013 vintage were as bad, it would pose
serious problems for Jerez. At least
this year’s harvest is looking good from a quality point of view.
However if one looks back there is hope. This year has
brought barely 350 litres/square metre of rain, but last year brought more than
the average at 750 l/ m2, and the previous year over 1000 l/m2. Reserve stocks are not too bad but could be
under pressure from the small crop, caused by the weather and also a drop of
about 9% in vineyard area due to uprooting.
Sr Domecq reckons that existing stocks will see the bodegas
through the next four to four and a half years. The chances of four more years
like this are most unlikely, but not impossible what with global warming.
However one shouldn’t forget the capacity of the albariza soils for water
retention, allowing the vines access to water under extreme conditions.
Sr Domecq also pointed out the importance of the growers.
“Nobody who loves Sherry should forget that the wine starts in the vineyards:
the land. It is a fundamental pillar which we should value.”
