| Dec. 16, 2002 |
Vintage Report 2002-The Boutari
Group
This in from Sofia Apostolaki of the Boutari Group:
In general this year was quite difficult, with extreme conditions and unfavorable
developments in certain regions, but not, however, without good results in others.
Santorini
It was a singular year, with production so low even the oldest residents of the island
remember nothing like it. From the climatological view, we had a rainy winter-one
good feeding of the vines resulting in elevated growth. For this reason we are already
optimistic about next year's production. This year's decreased production resulted
from the dryness of the previous two years as well as strong winds during the spring.
The harvest began on September 8th and grape quality was good. We are anticipating
a good result for our products, especially for the Kallisti, which will be released
in April 2003.
Crete
The beginning of the year boded well for Fantaxometocho estate and for the whole
of Iraklio prefecture, but unprecedented rains fell from the end of August through
September, affecting quality generally. Serious grape selection was required in order
to guarantee the quality of the red and white Boutari Cretan wines. In Fantaxometocho
the early ripening Chardonnay and Syrah gave good fruit. For the rest of the varieties,
the initial good quality combined with careful selection aided in the creation of
remarkable wines.
Attika
A long growing season at Chateau Matsa, with good production and a cool summer that
aided quality. The Malagouzia, Asyrtiko and Chardonnay were harvested before the
rains and gave good results. Selection was necessary for the Savatiano and Roditis.
Nemea
It was a bad year for the region on account of the continuous rain of September which
prevented maturation and created vine health issues. The majority of the vineyards
were not harvested, so we brought in only a small quantity of selected grapes. We
do not foresee the production of 2002 Agiorgitiko Boutari because the product demands
high quality. The demand will be met using the exceptional yield of the previous
year.
Korinth
Similar conditions to those of Nemea. We had to select grapes in order to produce
good wines. Early ripening varieties, such as Cabernet, were not affected.
Trifilia
This region did not have rain and the grapes matured normally. We expect good quality
Chardonnay and Cabernet.
Naousa
The year began under conditions favorable to good yields. In September, however,
elevated rainfall, cloudy weather and low temperatures throughout the day brought
us a middling year. Proper attention to the vineyards and selectivity allowed us
count on good quality. Having said that, the aging potential of the wines is limited
and we do not see the possibility of producing the Naousa Grand Reserve this year.
The foreign varieties, maturing earlier, were not affected. For some of them, especially
the Merlot and Chardonnay, the year looks especially good.
Goumenissa
The year started with good conditions from the budburst and up until veraison, was
headed toward a good yield. The sudden change in the weather, including rain, clouds
and low temperatures made getting to maturity--especially for the Xynomavro--difficult.
At Filiria estate, grape quality was judged unsatisfactory and we do not foresee
a release of the 2002 Filiria label. Demand will be met by reserves from the exceptional
yields of 2000 and 2001. |
