NZ vineyards bolster Lion Nathan's falling grape harvest

New Zealand vineyards have helped Australasian beverage company Lion Nathan bolster its falling grape harvest in 2003, restricting it to a 7 per cent fall on last year.

The company's grape harvests this season totalled 16,024 tonnes, 1,524 tonnes in New Zealand and 14,500 tonnes in Australia.

Last year, Lion Nathan recorded a total trans-Tasman grape harvest of 17,259 tonnes, 1,259 tonnes in New Zealand and 16,000 tonnes in Australia.

In a statement to NZX today, the company said the New Zealand harvest was up 21 per cent after a boost from extra production by South Island vineyards Ngai Tahu and Wither Hills.

At the same time, the harvest yield in Australia had dropped about 9 per cent to 14,500 tonnes.

"A significant proportion of this reduction can be attributed to the reduction in fruit from the Riverland and Adelaide Plains," the company said.

Yields varied across regions with cooler climates generally performing better than warmer growing areas.

Clare Valley Riesling and the Mornington Peninsular (Chardonnay and Pinot) uptakes were up strongly on 2002.

Lion Nathan said both chardonnay and sauvignon blanc supply was tight across the Australian wine business, although overall vintage quality was excellent.

In New Zealand, Marlborough yields were generally down on 2002 due to drought conditions.

The impact of frosts on the Wither Hills vineyards was minimised by robust preventative measures, the company said.

Overall vintage quality in New Zealand was also excellent.

- NZPA