The aim of this trial was to gain a better understanding of how best to grow Nero d’Avola in the Riverland. The objective was to use viticulture techniques that would lead to the production of superior wine.
According to Australia's globe-trotting viticulturist, Dr Richard Smart, the world's wine industry "is the canary in the coal mine because it's the early warning system".
All over the world, wine growers report that grapes are ripening earlier. So far, the effects on the taste of wine have not been adverse, as winemakers are learning how to deal with hot seasons.
The benefits of using mulch in vineyards are well documented. Both scientific and subjective observations have shown that mulch suppresses weed growth, increases soil fertility and conserves soil moisture.Â
With the drought and water restrictions starting to take hold across the inland wine growing regions of Australia…I ask the question of myself that I did during the last drought ‘why did we plant so many vineyards on rootstocks that are not suited to a low rainfall environment’.  Growers were asked by ‘experts’ to not use Ramsey rootstock, instead instructed to use rootstocks such as 101-14. Mistake?Â
