Handbook for Irrigation of Wine Grapes in South Africa

Sauvignon blanc experienced post-véraison water deficits, the vegetative character and overall wine quality were lower, compared to high frequency irrigation in the post-véraison period (Table 7.11). This indicated that Sauvignon blanc wine quality seems to be more sensitive to suddenly induced water constraints during berry ripening in the sandy soil, compared to the heavier soil near Robertson as discussed above.

200 CHAPTER 7 – IRRIGATION STRATEGIES