Working Program

The beginning of our season would be around July-August, just after the vines have remained dormant through Winter. Our local soil experts would carry out a soil test, at the beginning of July. Five to Ten “Plugs” of soil per acre would be taken for analysis.
In 2006 the Merlot soil had a high pH of 7.6, needs to be around 6-6.5.
A High Potassium of 1.61, which needs to be 0.40-0.80. And high Calcium of 34.4, which needs to be 6.0-12.0. Most of these high readings are due to the Limestone & sandy soil. The Syrah readings were 7.0pH. Calcium 19.2. Potassium 1.32.
We were advised to put onto the soil a “Maxi-Sulphur Super” at 750kg/ha. This is a Lime+Sulphur product to decrease the pH. And “Kieserite” which is 30% Magnesium.
These are scattered onto the soil by hand, as machinery is difficult to use on terraced slopes, at a rate of approx 40g per vine. This product relies on water assisting it penetrating into the soil so that the vine roots can take it up.
Through the winter the leaves drop from the vines and in July it is possible to see what canes to prune. Our Merlot is Spur pruned and the Syrah is cane pruned. Spur pruning means we leave a 4-6 spurs, containing two buds each, off of the main existing cane. In January we thin out the shoots that lack behind and have undeveloped bunches