What is special about WA wine regions?
Peter Tille & Angela Stuart-Street, DPIRD, Bunbury
The ability of Western Australia to produce quality wines is widely acknowledged across the world. The recently published 8th Edition of the World Atlas of Wine (Johnson and Robertson 2019) states that Margaret River’s “free draining ironstone gravels are most prized for the region’s exceptionally fine reds”, grouping this region with other west coast regions of Bordeaux, Bolgheri, Napa/Soma and the Limestone Coast in their “propensity to turn the rays of the setting of the sun into some of the most satisfying, and age worthy, red wine in the world”. The Atlas also classes Margaret River’s chardonnay as outstanding.
In the past, many authors, including Gladstones (1965, 1992), tended to use comparisons of the latitude and climate data of WA regions with older, established wine regions, particularly those in France and California. Gladstones even raised comparisons between the soils in Margaret River and Bordeaux based on the presence of gravel. While regions such as Margaret River and the Great Southern undoubtedly share some widely recognised characteristics seen as essential to the production of high quality wines, WA Wine Regions are far from being carbon copies of their Northern Hemisphere counterparts.
We think it is time to start showcasing the characteristic, or combination of characteristics, unique to WA that contributes to its reputation for producing such fine wines. While we are still a long way from a full understanding of the interactions between environmental conditions in WA and wine production, three features of the south-west corner stand out: the ubiquitous ironstone gravelly soils; the ancient granitic geology; and the influences of afternoon sea breezes such as the Fremantle and Albany Doctor. In the remainder of this article we discuss what we suspect is the most significant of these features.
The predominance of ironstone gravels
Unlike so much of the wine world, limestone or calcareous soils are of limited importance for Western Australian viticulture. Here, the prized soils are something completely different. As far as we have been able to ascertain, there are no other wine growing areas around the globe that have soils so broadly dominated by lateritic ironstone gravels. These soils are widespread throughout the south-west of WA, covering approximately a third of the combined area of all the wine regions (Figure 1). The gravels have definitely been sought out by vignerons, as by our estimates, they account for over 40% of all plantings in the state.
These ironstone gravels are of pedogenic origin, that is, they have formed within the soil. This is a strong point of difference with other regions, particularly those in Europe, where gravelly soils comprise fragments of quartz, quartzite, limestone, basalt, flint and other rocks (Figure 2).
Viticulture researchers have long identified the potential of ironstone gravels. Despeissis (1902) observed that the loamy ironstone gravels associated with the growth of marri trees (Corymbia calophylla) were “par excellence the best suited for making high class wine; clean to the taste, rich in colour, and pleasant of bouquet”.
Gravels in general are globally appreciated for their association with good drainage and reflectance of heat which impacts on ripening. But for now, just why these lateritic gravels should produce such good quality grapes remains a mystery. The argument that they improve profile drainage doesn’t necessarily apply to WA where the gravel rarely extends far into the clayey subsoils. Here, it is old tree root channels that provide the main pathway for water movement down the profile.
Farmers in WA were quick to recognise the ability of their gravelly soils to produce good pastures and broadacre crops. To a soil scientist, this appears counter intuitive. In an environment where soil water storage is extremely important, the high proportion of topsoil gravel in these soils (often in excess of 50%) would seem to significantly reduce the plant available water in the main root zone.
Clearly, understanding the value of these soils requires us to view ironstone gravels as something more than inert “ball bearings” that only reduce the soil volume and make them more droughty. For a start, these gravels do absorb and store water. Of course, the question remains of how much of this water the vines’ roots are capable of utilising.
More recent investigations by Pate et al (2001) highlighted surprising relationships between the lateritic materials and the native vegetation in WA. They suggest that the vegetation has a role in the creation of the gravel. They argue that symbiotic bacteria associated with proteaceous plants (e.g. banksias, dryandras) may play a part in the formation of ironstone gravels as a way of manipulating the availability of water and nutrients in the soil to their advantage. We do not know exactly how grape vine roots interact with the gravels. However, if the native plants have indeed engineered soil conditions to suit themselves, the results also seem to suit the production of high quality wine grapes.
References
Despeissis A (1902). In: The handbook of horticulture and viticulture of Western Australia. Government Printer, Perth.
Gladstones JS (1965). The climate and soils of south-western Australia in relation to vine growing. Journal of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science 31: 275-88.
Gladstones JS (1992). Viticulture and Environment (Winetitles: Adelaide).
Johnson H and Robinson J (2019). The World Atlas of Wine (8th edition). Mitchell Beazley, London.
Pate JS, Verboom WH and Galloway PD (2001). Co-occurrence of Proteaceae, laterite and related oligotrophic soil: Coincidental associations or causative inter-relationship? Australian Journal of Botany 49: 529-560
Can harvesters be used to reduce botrytis in WA vineyards?
Andrew Taylor, DPIRD, Bunbury
The 2018/19 vintage in Western Australia saw cool, overcast conditions, which resulted in prolonged flowering and in some vineyards botrytis infections at harvest. These weather conditions and an interest from industry in using harvesters to remove bunch trash were the catalyst for a Wine Australia Incubator Initiative project conducted this season. The research question asked by the Incubator project is “Can post flowering harvester applications reduce bunch rot risk and manipulate bunch architecture in Western Australia?”
The basis of this work stems from experiments conducted in New Zealand where for several seasons they have found that by running harvesters over the vines post flowering, with rods above and below the fruiting zone, they have reduced botrytis incidence without affecting overall yield. Despite the success seen in NZ it was unsure whether the same results would occur in WA, given the differences in climate and varieties. As part of the incubator project, experiments were conducted in Wilyabrup, Karridale and Pemberton on Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This was done to take into account varietal and weather differences. Further variables within the experiments were the different harvester manufacturers, speed of the harvester, beater speed, rod heights and phenology stage.
It's a common joke in research that as soon as a project is started on an issue, the issue will miraculously fail to appear. In this case, we had one of the driest seasons in the south-west of WA resulting in a very short flowering period and minimal botrytis incidence at or near harvest. This will no doubt influence the results of the project, as it will not provide a great deal of distinction between the treatments due to the overall low level of botrytis seen. Not that a low disease year is a bad thing for producers.
Despite seeing low botrytis incidence within the trials at harvest, assessments on the trash removed from bunches did clearly show that botrytis could have been an issue if the weather was conducive for its development (Figure 1). We are in the process of collating all the data from the harvested fruit to determine what impact, if any, the treatments had on bunch architecture and juice quality. Once the data is analysed a report will be finalised and available to industry.
2020 winemaking trials
Richard Fennessy, DPIRD, Bunbury
Unusually, all the DPIRD winemaking trials this season involve red varietals; the trials are all part of the Wine Australia Regional Program which consist of demonstrating the impact of clonal selection on Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Merlot and Shiraz, and water addition trials on Swan Valley Shiraz, Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and Frankland River Shiraz. Further details on these trials are noted below.
Clonal trials
Initially five Pinot clones from a Pemberton vineyard were earmarked to be harvested this season but unfortunately four clones were harvested before we could access them leaving two clones which were harvested on 11 February.
| Clone | Baume | pH | TA (g/L) | Average berry size (g) |
| 115 | 11.8 | 3.17 | 9.0 | 1.1 |
| 777 | 12.6 | 3.23 | 7.5 | 1.1 |
The below six Tempranillo clones were harvested from a vineyard in the Geographe wine region picked on the same day, harvest details are tabled below.
| Clone | Baume | pH | TA (g/L) | Average berry size (g) |
| ITACyL32 | 14.2 | 3.58 | 4.88 | 1.6 |
| ITACyL98 | 14.3 | 3.66 | 4.65 | 1.9 |
| ITACyL261 | 14.5 | 3.68 | 4.20 | 1.8 |
| ITACyL306 | 14.6 | 3.73 | 4.65 | 2.0 |
| ITACyL326 | 14.3 | 3.65 | 4.60 | 1.7 |
| Requena | 14.1 | 3.67 | 4.50 | 1.8 |
A dry-grown vineyard in Margaret River with two clones of Merlot were harvest on the 13 March.
| Clone | Baume | pH | TA (g/L) | Average berry size (g) |
| D3V14 | 14.5 | 3.48 | 6.1 | 1.4 |
| 18 | 15.0 | 3.48 | 5.2 | 1.4 |
Four shiraz clones from a vineyard in the Frankland River sub-region have been harvested; Waldron and WA Selection were both picked on 26 February while 470 and 174 were picked on 4 and 10 March respectively.
| Clone | Baume | pH | TA (g/L) | Average berry size (g) |
| 174 | 14.2 | 3.53 | 4.88 | 1.0 |
| 470 | 14.2 | 3.36 | 6.15 | N/A |
| WA Selection | 14.7 | 3.47 | 6.9 | 0.9 |
| Waldron | 14.3 | 3.34 | 6.82 | 1.0 |
The objectives of the clonal trials are to improve producers’ knowledge of clonal diversity, identify those clones which may be preferential under WA conditions and to demonstrate the influence of clone on viticultural performance and wine quality.
Water addition trial
This trial involves Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon across a number of regions. Swan Valley Shiraz was picked from the same row at varying maturities, that being 13.9°Be, 14.5°Be and 16.0°Be. The first parcel of fruit represents the control and the fruit from the following two picks were divided into a control (no water addition), water addition and run-off and replace to the equivalent Baume of the first pick (13.9°Be). Similarly, a site in Margaret River with Cabernet Sauvignon and a site in Frankland River with Shiraz are undertaking the same treatments but have yet to have all the fruit picked.
The dilution trials aims to demonstrate to winemakers’ practical techniques to adjust high sugar red must through the permitted addition of water giving confidence on a practical technique that could be used in years of compressed vintages and heatwaves that produce riper than average fruit. Importantly this work focuses on specific varieties and provide an opportunity for WA winemakers to taste how these treatments impact regional wines.
For more information contact Richard Fennessy.
New member to DPIRD entomology team
I’d like to introduce myself to the Western Australian wine industry. My name is Alison Mathews and I have recently taken on the role of research scientist in crop protection, within the horticulture section at DPIRD. I’ll be doing research into crop pests for a whole range of horticultural crops in the south west, providing information to industry and am available to assist with commercial pest enquiries. I am based at the Manjimup office.
Many of you would know of, or have worked with, Stewart Learmonth, the horticultural entomologist based out of Manjimup, who worked for the Department for many years. Stewart has now stepped back from front line work as he transitions into retirement and I have taken on his roles and responsibilities. I have been working alongside Stewart for the last 18 months, learning the ropes.
I have worked for DPIRD since 2006, working in projects looking at management of dryland salinity and vegetable nutrition and irrigation management. Prior to that, I studied agricultural science at the University of Tasmania and completed my honours in entomology.
I am currently working on projects with the avocado, pome fruit and olive industries and recently truffles as well. Although I’m not working on any specific viticulture projects at the moment, as a significant horticultural industry for this region I am eager to make connections with growers and learn more about the industry as a whole and specifically the pest challenges faced. Please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with your industry in the future.
I can be contacted on +61 (8) 9777 0122, 0427 843 312 or at Alison.mathews@dpird.wa.gov.au
Western Australian Vine Improvement Association
Jim Campbell-Clause, Chairman’s Report
Feb 2019 to Jan 2020
The Western Australian Vine Improvement Association (WAVIA) enters the new decade with optimism that the wine industry in Western Australia will see some growth and that the table grape industry continues to grow with new varieties.
WAVIA continues to rely on a very small team of dedicated volunteers and assistance from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). I would like to thank those on the committee from industry and DPIRD. I would especially like to thank Chris Harding, Patrick Bertola and Colleen Gillespie for all their hard work on ensuring propagation material that is ordered and collected is clean, true to type, and is distributed in a timely fashion, and that the propagation material performs well. Thanks also to Stephen Kirby, Lyn Metcalf, Jock Riddel and Lee Haselgrove for their contribution to the management committee. We welcome Steve Partridge from ARM Nurseries as a new nursery representative to the committee.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable input that WAVIA has received from Diana Fisher over many years. Diana has been very important in maintaining the records and integrity of the state Germplasm collection. Diana’s role has changed within DPIRD, and we are sad that she is no longer involved with the industry or WAVIA. We are very grateful for Diana’s input over the years and wish her all the best in the future. We are very grateful to Richard Fennessy from DPIRD and staff for their support and assistance. Richard has done a great job supporting WAVIA, helping at meetings and with research and extension. Many thanks to Ian Guthridge, manager of the Horticulture Research Institute in Manjimup for his team’s work with the Germplasm collection, and with assistance with cutting and distribution of propagation material.
Orders in 2019 totalled 11,458 that were able to be filled. Orders were delivered to the regions of Swan Valley, Margaret River, Pemberton, Geographe, Perth Hills, the Wheatbelt and Victoria. Most orders were able to be filled from source blocks, but the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute was an important source of Germplasm material.
Orders this year were of improved clones of traditional varieties including Pinot Noir, Gamay, Malbec, Grenache, Tempranillo and Cabernet. WAVIA had orders for many alternative varieties, including; Alicante Bouschet, Sciacarello, Lagrain, Saparavi, Savignin Blanc, Souzao, Touriga, Ansonica, Petit Manseng, Bastardo, Montepulciano, Grüner Veltliner, Brachetto, Fiano, Sangiovese, Vermentino, Mataro and Aligote. WAVIA received orders for rootstocks including 1103 Paulsen, 110 Richter, Ramsey, 101-14 Millardet, 140 Ruggeri, 5C Teleki, Freedom and Schwartzmann WA5 and some table grape varieties.
Colleen Gillespie did a great job of collecting, packing and dispatching all the material for the orders. Interstate customers were again important, and the new ordering process for interstate customers made this more efficient.
Source blocks continue to be important sources of propagation material, and WAVIA is keen to continue to work with growers to develop new source blocks. If you are planting new clones or varieties and are interested in planting a source block to help generate some revenue, please discuss this with a WAVIA representative. WAVIA is keen to source an industry repository for Gingin Chardonnay and has advertised for industry support.
The WA Germplasm collection will be bolstered with the reintroduction of Gamay Bests and Gamay 87, Pinot Noir Mariafeld, Sauvignon Blanc 5385 and Traminer after virus testing. WAVIA is looking into the importation of new clones and varieties including Agleanico, Zweigelt and Schavkapito. The WA Grape Germplasm Collection and Alternative Variety Block at Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute continues to be well managed by the staff at DPIRD with help from WAVIA.
Research and development continue to be an important activity of the association, and we are pleased to report on some projects promoting vine improvement. WAVIA is excited by the project Richard Fennessy is doing with funding from Wine Australia Regional Program, looking at the clonal influence of different varieties including Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo on wine attributes.
AVIA continue to keep in touch with national issues and is supportive of re-establishment of a national vine improvement peak body and acknowledge the work of Prue Henschke and Libby Tassie. WAVIA has supported national work on GPGV and is supportive of the R&D work on viruses and a national grapevine register.
The wine and grape industries look to have a positive outlook, and WAVIA is keen to help by providing high quality true to type propagation of new clones and varieties. As I have said before, I see this as the most proactive step producers can use to improve yield and quality, and profitability, and to keep Western Australia producing better wine than our competitors. WAVIA will continue to look at importing new and improved varieties and clones demanded by industry.
For further information on WAVIA visit the website.
Collaboration the key for smoke taint prevention
A pro-active approach to managing prescribed burns by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ (DBCA) Parks and Wildlife Service together with wine industry stakeholders has resulted in the creation of processes to mitigate vineyard risks resulting from prescribed burns, which acknowledge risk factors such as timing, wind, temperature, atmospheric conditions and soil moisture.
Key to the success of the process is collaboration and information exchange between the government agencies, stakeholders and the local shires, local fire brigades, and vineyard owners.
President of the Pemberton Wine Association Ash Lewkowski, said that the level of engagement that DBCA is effecting with the wine industry has been outstanding.
“We are in constant consultation which has been integral to us working around our optimal harvest dates. This process ensures the best outcomes for both our industry and the protection of the community,” he said.
The first step of the process involves Parks and Wildlife Service releasing its annual and three year plans of prescribed burns to both State and regional wine associations. Regions via their associations are then able to comment on the plan, identifying windows of opportunity for burning and potential issues.
The regions in turn communicate with local fire officers to update on ripening progress and anticipated harvest dates, while Parks and Wildlife Service constantly monitors conditions for burning against potential impacts on the community and vineyards.
As vintage progresses, the regions update Parks and Wildlife Service on areas available for burning as grapes are harvested.
Brad Barton, Regional Leader Fire Management – Warren Region, visits each of the regions three to four times a year. “We’ve learned a lot more about the industry and the nuances of grape growing, and we understand each other’s businesses a lot better now”, he said. “Through this process, growers understand when and why we need to undertake certain burn activities.”
Executive Officer of the Great Southern Wine Association John Gates agreed. “The feedback to this pro-active approach has been very positive. Our producers are not working in the dark and have appreciated the openness of the Department in sharing the planning process,” he said.
Still an unknown is the effect of low intensity stubble burning on grape flavours, and this is the subject of research being carried out in South Australia by the Australian Wine Research Institute and the University of Adelaide.
DBCA has made a video outlining the consultation process for prescribed burns and it can be viewed here.
Vineyard owners or managers who would like more information on prescribed burns and when they are taking place are encouraged get in touch in the first instance through their regional associations, listed below.
Wine Regions:
Wines of Western Australia: ceo@winewa.asn.au
The Swan Valley Winemakers Association: info@swanvalleywinemakers.com.au
Perth Hills Wine Region: secretary@perthhillswine.com
Peel Wine Association: info@drakesbrook.com.au
Geographe Wine Association: president@geographewine.com.au
Margaret River Wine: mrwa@margaretriver.wine
Blackwood Valley Wine Industry Association: bvwia@westnet.com.au
Pemberton Wine Region Association: pembertonwine@westnet.com.au
Great Southern Wine Producers Association: info@greatsouthernwine.asn.au
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions:
Katie MacWilliams: Katie.macwilliams@dbca.wa.gov.au
Insecticide methidathion deregistered
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has advised that widely used insecticide methidathion is being cancelled at the request of the holder, Adama Australia. The effected product is Suprathion 400 EC and is registered for use in a number of fruit, nuts, nursery, pastures, vegetables and forestry commodities to control a variety of scales aphids, bugs, caterpillars, mites, mealybugs and hoppers. Specifically, this product is registered for use in WA vineyards for grapevine moth, grapevine scale, long tailed mealy bug, light brown apple moth, common auger beetle and some other minor pests. There are also a number of off-label permits which will be affected by the cancellation.
Please consider wisely any purchases of methidation products to ensure that you do not buy more than you need to use in the next 12 months. Growers have until 4 February 2021 to use current stock.
A person may supply or cause to be supplied the cancelled active constituent manufactured prior to 4 February 2020 at wholesale and retail level, until 4 February 2021. After 4 February 2021 it will be an offence against the Agvet Codes to have possession or custody of the cancelled active constituent with the intention to supply.
A person may continue to use the cancelled active constituent until 4 February 2021. Any person who possesses, has custody of, uses, or otherwise deals with the cancelled active constituent in accordance with the above instructions is taken to have been issued with a permit under the Agvet Codes to so possess, have custody of, use or otherwise deal with the cancelled active constituent after the approval has been cancelled until 4 February 2021.
The supply and use of the cancelled active constituent must be in accordance with the conditions of approval. It is an offence to possess, have custody of, use, or deal with the cancelled active constituent listed in the table in a manner that contravenes the above instructions.
For any enquiries or further information about this matter please contact the APVMA at chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au
ASVO AWAC Scholarship
A major objective of the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) is to promote education in viticulture and oenology and help ensure and maintain the highest standards of quality for such educational objectives. One area of interest is the ongoing development of advanced sensory skills. These sensory skills may be used by ASVO members in their current employment or for the purpose of becoming a future wine show judge. Ultimately, by furthering their sensory education they will be able to contribute to the wider wine industry.
The Advanced Wine Assessment Course (AWAC) Scholarship is designed to support applicants who have the potential to become wine show judges to develop the sensory analysis capabilities and the vocabulary to judge wine in Australian at an elite level. All AWAC are held at the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide. AWAC is an intensive four-day course which includes approximately 40 hours of activities, with leading wine show judges, journalists and winemakers assisting in the presentation of the course.
To be eligible for the ASVO AWAC Scholarship entrants must be financial ASVO members at the date of the submission. Members may self-nominate or be nominated by a third party while entrants who are nominated by a third party must agree to the nomination.
Key dates:
Entries open: 1 March 2020
Entries close: 1 May 2020
Judging close: 29 May 2020
Scholarship Recipient attends: AWAC November 2020.
Information regarding submissions can be found on the ASVO website.
Future events
Australian Wine - Winning the long game
The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) in collaboration with the Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) are presenting a two-day seminar tackling the big issues: growing, making and selling wine in the future.
Wine businesses today are confronted with the threat of fire, drought, rising energy prices, disease and climate change (among other things). Consumers are seeking out businesses whose practises offer a reduced footprint combined with a health and wellbeing focus.
The seminar will provide technical information and real case studies, to build capability and efficiency in the Australian wine industry. Drawing on the expertise from within the wine industry and the experiences of others, attendees will gain a greater understanding of our impacts globally, strategies to improve the environment through winegrowing and making practices, and how best to communicate these messages to customers and consumers.
Headlining the event is Sophie Taylor-Price, sustainability consultant, Landcare Australia Ambassador and the granddaughter of the late former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke presenting the cases for urgent climate action and also for optimism. Presenters from the Australian wine industry include 2018 ASVO Viticulturist of the Year Colin Bell, Nuffield Scholar Marty Gransden and 2019 graduate of the Australian wine industry’s Future Leaders program, Hayley Purbrick from Tahbilk Winery.
When: Monday, 29 June 2020
Where: Streamed to Margaret River
The final program will be soon released, further information is available on the ASVO website.
Managing texture phenolics and oxidation
The program of this ASVO oenology seminar is still being developed but key themes will cover phenolic development in grapes, processing aids and phenolic manipulation, extraction in fermentation, and texture and mouthfeel perception.
When: Thursday, 1 October 2020
Where: Streamed to Margaret River
More information here.