None of the other factors are influenced to any great extent by the grower. The grower prunes the vine to achieve a good canopy and he should allow it to find its natural balance. There is no point in reducing yield by simply cutting off half the crop. A well balanced vine will produce good grapes, and the yield will vary depending on the environment. Obviously if you over irrigate you get grapes that are full of water and this dilutes the elements that give wine its nose, colour and taste.
Great wine comes from grapes that have a high concentration of colour and aromatic elements.
We confirmed our order with our ever patient and flexible nursery man. There is no Grenache in South Africa - yet. We will add it to the mix when certified material is available. We are on the list to receive it. Some mother blocks are being grown under the eye of the KWV but these won't be certified for two or three years.