Growing Notes
Welcome to the Shiraz Republic’s Growing Notes. Here we keep you up to date with news direct from The President, Brian and President-elect, Spencer. This includes updates on harvest throughout the year, especially as we approach vintage, Rent-A-Row activities, events and more.
Grape Deliveries
Hi all, I know some of you are getting anxious about your grape delivery. I have not forgotten you. Scheduling has been difficult due to rain, a lack of pickers and my inability to secure a truck driver. I have scheduled, cancelled and rescheduled; and had to drive...
Baume Test 7th March 2022
Woo hoo! We are on track. The Baume' took a bit of a jump this week after stagnating for a week. 12.4 Be sets us on track to get this vintage going. Picking will start this coming weekend with the first of our Rent-A-Row experiences and a Stomping Party. General...
Baume’ 28th Feb 2022
Not much change in ripening during the last week. Highest Baume 11.3 I think we are still on track for 14th March start to picking, but we'll just have to be patient.
Baume 21st Feb 2022
Three tests from three rows: three readings, but a good trend. Highest reading 20.2 Brix (11.2 Be') Lowest 17 Brix (9.4) Still on track for mid March for general picking. But keep watching this space.
Full Veraison
Full veraison!! Well in some parts of the vineyard, and the rest is moving along nicely. Tested a couple of representative bunches from a couple of different clones and irrigation blocks today. (14 Feb 2022) One tested at 16.2 Brix (9.0 Baume) and the other at 18 Brix...
Veraison 2022
The new year break doesn’t last long for us in the vineyard. We are seeing the first signs of veraison (grapes ripening and turning purple). Within the next 3 or 4 weeks we will see the whole crop turn purple. The season is moving along. All signs are that we will be...
Brewing with 2020 Fresh Hops
Using 2020 Harvest Ella Hops for our first ever can release. In our final brew before the effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns fully hit, we used freshly harvested Ella hops from Hop Products Australia for a special one of release. The beer, Fresh Hop Pils, is a...
Family Pick Day & Baume’ Readings 1st March 2020
We had our first test-pick on Sunday 1st of March. The results were good and lots of fun was had. Roll on harvest.
Baume’ Readings Feb 17th 2020
Picking for deliveries will start on Saturday 14th of March for deliveries to Melbourne on the Sunday 15th and 22nd March
Oak & Wine
A discussion about the addition of oak to wine. The history of oak and barrels, modern methods of adding oak to wine and the difference between French and American oak.