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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
3 tons of California wine grapes equals 300 tons o’ fun (and hopefully a good vintage)
The freshly released 2008 Grape Crush Bulletin Preliminary Report has “hit the wires,” and it shows that the ‘08 California winegrape harvest brought in an estimated 3.05 million tons, down about 6 percent from 3.25 million winegrape tons crushed in 2007.
Here’s what the numbers mean, according to an email sent out today by the fine folks at The Wine Institute:
Lighter yields in the state’s winegrape vineyards resulted from a dramatic growing season last year beginning with below normal winter rainfall, an extended April frost that reduced quantity in many regions of the state, followed by ideally mild summer and fall temperatures with no precipitation. Berry size was small throughout California, and, combined with the lighter yields, resulted in excellent quality fruit. The total crush of wine, raisin and table varieties was 3.67 million tons.
“We are well under expected yields for the third straight year. Lighter than normal with lighter cluster weights and smaller clusters,” said Tom Rinaldi, Director of Winemaking at Hewitt/Provenance Vineyards in the Rutherford area of Napa Valley. “Overall, we are pleased with the deep colors, variety of flavors, nice balance, elegant style, and rarity of the wines.”
Winemaker Kevin Sass of Justin Vineyard & Winery in Paso Robles agreed with the assessment of a challenging but high quality crush. “Yields were down in Cabernet Sauvignon and related varietals due to shatter, small cluster sets and, in some cases, because of the early spring frost. The low yields did produce some great wine; the problem is there will be a shorter supply of wines from 2008.”
Vintner David Lucas of The Lucas Winery in Lodi added that “2008 was a remarkable year for Lodi’s large population of old vine Zinfandel; little stress, not much pressure, no heavy burdens. Lodi produced small tight grape clusters, deep obsidian color, bright acids, and fully textured tannins yielding wines of great promise. For many red vineyards, yields were less than our crystal ball forecast. The white varieties yield was close to estimates, with intense citrus, lime and Pippen apple flavors in the Chardonnay. A year when great vineyards required little winemaking…mostly tending.”
“California has had three moderate to light crops since the record 2005 harvest which has put the supply/demand cycle in a balanced position, given the inventory that we have at our brokerage,” said Glenn Proctor of Ciatti Company in San Rafael. “The industry is continuing to drive the quality/value quotient to produce a flavor profile and price point that consumers like and accept.”Tweet
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Australia’s killer wildfires also destroy wineries
In addition to the horrific human toll, the wildfires that have ravaged Australia have also destroyed and/or damaged several wineries, Decanter.com reports today.
The British-based wine web site has also posted a story containing eyewitness accounts of the conflagration.
The death toll is now expected to exceed 200 people, according to AsiaOne News.
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