Reduced yields but intense flavour
Wes Vine
President
Bendigo Winegrowers Ass.
Early and quick would be the words I'd use to describe the 2018 harvest. An overall warm year and low summer rainfall has meant that Bendigo's winemakers are nearly finished harvest, and that's early for this region.
We're seeing lower yields across the region but with that comes intense flavour development, structure and tannins. Most of the grapes are now being fermented and will soon rest in barrels for anywhere between 3 and 18 months, depending on the style.
There are fantastic alternate Mediterranean varieties coming out from the Bendigo region which are medium-bodied and present really exciting flavours. You'll be able to taste some at the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival including an Italiano from Sandhurst Ridge Winery, Triskelion from Killiecrankie Wines and a Primitivo/Ancellotta from Water Wheel Vineyard.