The 2024 harvest at Durbanville’s Estate Diemersdal commenced approximately 10 days earlier than the area’s average, spurred by a dry summer and a warm, sun-drenched beginning to the vineyard conditions of the new year. Despite receiving over 900mm of rainfall last year and enduring a harsh, cold winter, the scarcity of surface moisture hastened the ripening of grapes earlier than usual. Currently, Diemersdal is in the midst of a rapid harvest of its primary cultivar, Sauvignon Blanc, with around 100 tons of grapes being processed daily, and harvesters commencing their work as early as 02:00 to capture the fruit’s cool pre-dawn freshness.
Thys Louw, the sixth-generation owner-winemaker at Diemersdal, emphasizes the estate’s reliance on climate conditions, as its entire 200 hectares of vineyards are dryland-farmed, dependent solely on rainfall for moisture. Reflecting on last year’s abundant rain, which saturated the soil to the depths of the vine roots, some as deep as six meters below the surface, Louw notes the crucial role played by the underlying clay component in retaining moisture and maintaining root coolness during the subsequent warm summer. However, prolonged warm weather toward the end of the year and throughout the current summer accelerated sugar levels, necessitating an early harvest.
While anticipating a substantial yield due to the abundant bunches formed last year, Louw acknowledges the unpredictability of each vintage. Despite initial indications of lighter yields, recently harvested grapes exhibit robust bunch weights and expressive flavour profiles. He attributes the outstanding quality of the current fruit to the nighttime temperature drop on Diemersdal, which, combined with a cool southerly breeze during pre-dawn harvests, preserves freshness and zest.
The vigorous growth of the vine canopies has further shielded the grape bunches from harsh sunlight by providing ample shade. With early pickings of Sauvignon Blanc already undergoing fermentation, Louw anticipates wines from the 2024 vintage to exude brightness and energy. Despite warm weather conditions, he notes the presence of vibrant acidities and expects the finished wines to boast freshness, exuberance, and signature tropical and mineral characteristics synonymous with Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc.
