Recent updates from the Big Valley AVA and our vineyard - January 2012
2-15-2012. California weather -- we love it, we are concerned by it this year. There's been very little rain this year and long term forecasts are for little rain over the next 30 days. What does this mean to grape growers and those who buy grapes and bulk wine? Vineyards like ours with deep wells have little to be concerned about. Vineyards that rely on river water (directly or indirectly) for irrigation and frost protection are likely to have a problem later this year. If you're buying grapes later this year, take care to verify that the vineyard owner has sufficient water to produce a crop that meets your quantiy and quality expectations.
2-1-2012 What's the fastest growing white varietal at retail in Europe? Sauyvignon Blanc. And the fastest growing white varietal with small to mid-sized premium wineries in the U.S.? Sauvignon Blanc. There's a reason for that -- consumers are moving into higher end wines that are food-friendly. There's still a place for oaked Chardonnay and various forms of white Pinot, but consumers are moving towards Sauvignon Blanc as the white dinner wine of choice. We've enjoyed meeting a number of young winemakers who are focusing on Sauvignon Blanc this year, and look forward to working with other high-end wineries as 2012 progresses.
1-1-2012 -- If you're buying grapes or bulk wine in 2012 and you're not clear on the state of the market, take time to read a very insightful article by Brian Clements of Turrentine Brokerage. You can find the article at http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/40095/sea-change-coming-to-grape-wine-markets/ Tight markets will mean that winemakers and winery management will need to audit their contract vineyards carefully. While we'd like to be your grape supplier, we offer some advice if we are not. Will the vineyard that you're dealing with let you select grapes, or will they require that you take what you're offered? Will the vineyard owner commit to a longer term relationshjp if you can't commit to annual tonnage over 10-15 tons? Can customized canopy management be a part of the contract? Given what we believe will be a year of tight supply in 2012, we recommend that buyers establish relationships with vineyards in the first quarter of 2012.
Those grapes on the right? Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc. 34 brix, harvested December 2nd, 2011. Because of a relatively warm Fall season, this year's late harvest grapes are ultra-premium. These grapes will produce wine very different from the grapes harvested two months ago. The initial harvest took place at just under 23 brix, producing a dry wine with lots of fruit and medium acidity. These late harvest grapes will be made into excellent dessert wines at, as you might expect, premium prices.
Take a few minutes to visit Bell Wine Cellars at http://www.bellwine.com/ Gold medal wines, very food-friendly, carefully crafted. Anthony Bell is a master winemaker, and a visit to the Bell facility is well worth your time. If you haven't tasted their wines, you've missed out.
Interested in a small winery with very limited production? Leaf and Vine is the newest label from the Keith family of winemakers. Visit them at http://leafandvine.com/blog/ And you might want to re-visit them in the Spring when the 2011 releases become available. Their wines are complex, and a check of their web site will give you some insight into the attention paid to their small-run bottlings.
If you're in Canada and near Vancouver, it's worth your time to visit Pacific Breeze winery. U.S. and Canada residents can find them at http://www.pacificbreezewinery.com/ for more information. Many awards and fun events, where Canadian winemaking meets California grapes.
October 15th, 2011 -- the 2011 harvest in the Big Valley AVA is complete. There will be some late harvest Sauvigon Blanc, but the majority of grapes in the region have been harvested. After a cool Spring and a warm (94 degree average high temps) Summer, the wine produced will have medium acidity and very nice, balanced fruit characteristics. Winemakers will want to make early decisions and commitments for the 2012 harvest. Demand throughout the AVA has been strong this year, and we expect the 2012 crop to be fully committed by late Spring.
Greek Valley Wines produces wine specifically for fraternities and soroities. Carefully selected grapes crafted into premium wine. Visit them at http://www.greekvalleywines.com/
Spend a Saturday afternoon at Skov Winery, or at least visit their web site at http://www.skovwinery.com/ Award winning wines, great events, and a facility that is worth the drive. Annette Hunt is a very gracious hostess and encourages you to bring your own picnic.
For something truly unique, visit Vision Cellars at http://visioncellars.com/ Limited production? Try 149 cases max. Fascinating winemaker? Mac McDonald is the guy to talk to. His winemaker's dinners are well worth your time.