Australia’s 2013 wine harvest was the biggest in five years, rising more than 10 per cent on 2012 to hit an estimated 1.83 million tonnes, according to the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA).

The increase in grape tonnage came despite reports of average-to- below-average yields, on the back of Australia’s hottest summer on record, and one of the driest.

Describing the growing season as ‘good’, the WFA said grape prices had continued to rebound from the low of 2011, rising nine per cent to $499 (€351) per tonne, the highest figure recorded since 2009.

“The increased crop is attributable to an absence of major events such as disease or flooding which affected previous vintages, as well as the availability of sufficient water for irrigation,” the WFA said.

However, it added that the sustained warm dry weather had produced unusual ripening dates and a ‘very condensed harvest’ in many regions.

Demand for red wine grapes continues to grow, with average prices per tonne up 13 per cent to $619, while the price for white wine grapes was up only two per cent to $388 per tonne.

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz led the price increases, rising 18 per cent, 16 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

However, Semillon prices declined three per cent and the average cost of Riesling edged down by 0.3 per cent.

Red wine grapes’ share of the crop was up to 52 per cent, with the top three varieties – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – accounting for 86 per cent of that figure.

But the WFA highlighted the increasingly important role played by minor varieties such as Mataro, Tempranillo, Durif, Sangiovese and Barbera.

Among white wine grapes, Chardonnay accounted for 45 per cent of the crush, well ahead of Sauvignon Blanc at 11% and Semillon, whose share declined to nine per cent.

Muscat Blanc more than doubled its 2012 crush, with Muscadelle and Viognier also showing moderate increases. ( http://decanter.com )