Bronco Tests the Supreme Court and Loses The winemaker that brought you the winningly popular Two Buck Chuck lost its appeal to the Supreme Court. Bronco Wine Co. was fighting against a 2000 California law that requires at least 75% of the grapes be from the region the label uses on the label. Napa real estate has skyrocketed to about a $1 M per acre. Therefore, the price of grapes grown there have rapidly increased.
Winemakers Like Bronco grow grapes in the Central Valley and then use the Napa name to leverage increased sales. Now, If you use the Napa name you have to use the Napa grape.
Livermore Valley Wine Country Sunset -Click the picture if you'd like to know more.
Art of the Vine is open for business!
Art of the Vine is a one-stop-online-shop for all your hard to find wine and vineyard themed decor needs. We highlight fine original photography by Cam Ireland. We carry wine and vineyard decorative tile, backsplashes and murals. Our featured watercolor artist is a friend of the Vine the talented Karen Honaker.
Fine Pinot Noir From New Zealand?
August 21, 2007
Published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
By Richard Kinssies
Could a world-class pinot noir come from New Zealand? Apparently so. Unfortunately we may not see it for a while as it's currently made in small lots. Keep an eye out for pinot noir from the Marlborough region. The climate is similar to that found in Napa. Southern winds from Antarctica help to cool the vineyards.
The Wine Pick of the Week by the author is from Oyster Bay winery. It's a 2006 pinot noir from Marlborough, New Zealand and retails for about $19.00. If you would like to try this wine contact Noble Wines at (206) 326-5274 or online at www.noblewinesltd.com
Mother Nature is Not a Fan of Texas Wine
August 23, 2007
Texas winemakers have had a terrible two year run. They faced a two-year drought which ended this spring with about three weeks of rain. Bam-flooding! The grapes are confused and can't ripen properly, so in many cases they either rot on the vine or are picked before they ripen.
Crop yields could be down by two-thirds throughout the state according to Texas A&M vitculturist Ed Hellman. The rain prevented spraying for blights like powdery and downy mildew which are common to the area. The mildew prevents bird netting from being placed, so the birds are enjoying a smorgasbord! Whatever is left will become wine.
Viognier has been a very successful varietal for Texas winemakers over the last couple years and sadly is probably the hardest hit by Mother Nature. The most successful Cabernet producer, Newsome Vineyards, is said to have been wiped out by the inclimate weather. Some varietals were spaired by the effects of weather such as Tempranillo and Malbec. It is expected that some Texas winemakers will be importing California wine grapes to make their Texas wine for the 2007 vintage.
Source: Wines&Vines.com, By Jeff Siegel, 8/23/07
NASCAR Fans Switching to Wine?
February 8, 2007
ACNielson
ACNielsen and Nielsen Sports, both business units of The Nielsen Company, today released a study showing that wine consumption among NASCAR fans is up 22% from last year, far outpacing the U.S. growth in wine. In 2006, retail wine sales in the U.S. (total grocery, drug, and selected liquor markets only) reached a new record of $8.4 billion, up 7% from 2005.
While NASCAR fans' growing penchant for wine may sound surprising, team owners and racecar drivers are not surprised at all. NASCAR team owner, Richard Childress, has ventured into the wine business, as has driver, Jeff Gordon. In 2005, Gordon announced a series of upscale wines under a self- titled label, the Jeff Gordon Collection.
Furthermore, in 2005, Texas Motor Speedway pioneered an effort to accommodate the increasing number of NASCAR fans who prefer drinking wine. The racetrack became the first sports venue in Texas to allow fans to purchase wine in the grandstand during races.
Source: ACNielsen; Nielsen Sports
Riesling Only Winery-Bonny Doon North?
February 8, 2007
WineBusiness.com
Riesling has always done well in Washington thanks to the climate and soil native to the area. Now the first Riesling only winery is breaking ground in West Richland about four miles east of Red Mountain.
The winery will be opening as the popularity of the varietal is on the rise. Riesling was recently identified as one of the fastest growing varietals. Pacific Rim will specialize in a variety of riesling styles from sweet to, my favorite-dry.
Artists rendition of the new Pacific Rim Wine Co.
The owner of Pacific Rim, Randall Grahm, also owns California-based Bonny Doon. Bonny Doon sold a couple of its brands off and is reorganizing and redesigning their manufacturing with a focus on Riesling in the Washington location.
Maybe the status as the fourth-largest selling white wine in food stores will climb with attention like this paid to wine once known as...dessert.
Source: WineBusiness.com, Daily News Links by Cyril Penn
White Wine Good for Your Lungs
February 2, 2007
For years we've been listening to the benefits of red wine on your heart and now there's a study that claims white wine is good for your lungs. A recent study by the American Thoracic Society revealed overall better lung function in people who drank 1-3 glasses of white wine per day.
White wine contains a higher level of flavonoids which are antioxidants. Researchers believe that white wine absorbs the toxins in the blood reducing inflammation in the process.
According to the study at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, one glass of white wine produced 1.5% higher lung function. Three glasses of white wine produced 3.0% higher lung function. Moderation is key to good health. At some point the alcohol may have a detrimental affect on the body. So, remember, a little is good, a lot...not so much.
Cheers
Source: White Wine's Influence on the Lungs, by Jennifer Jordan www.savoreachglass.com
New Wine BOOM!
January 23, 2007
WinesandVines.com
Another wine boom started in North America in 2006. According to a wine industry report published in the 2007 Wines & Vines Directory/Buyer's Guide 465 new wineries opened in California last year! The boom isn't isolated to the Golden State. Washington and Oregon both increased by 22%. Washington took second place with 65 new wineries and oregon ranked third in growth with 49.
Top 10 States
Rank |
State |
Number New Wineries |
% Increase |
Total Wineries
|
| 1 |
California |
465 |
28% |
2,116 |
| 2 |
Washington |
65 |
22% |
365 |
| 3 |
Oregon |
49 |
22% |
270 |
| 4 |
Texas |
24 |
32% |
99 |
| 5 |
Colorado |
22 |
46% |
70 |
| 6 |
New York |
21 |
12% |
199 |
| 7 |
Virginia |
20 |
24% |
105 |
| 8 |
North Carolina |
18 |
44% |
59 |
| 9 |
Pennsylvania |
18 |
22% |
100 |
| 10 |
Michigan |
15 |
26% |
73 |
Overall, North America added nearly 1,000 new wineries during the last year, an increase of 28%. Though the number of new wineries continues to skyrocket, the wineries themselves are often small, boutique operations; approximately half of all North American wineries have an annual production of 15,000 cases or less, according to Wines & Vines Directory/Buyer's Guide data.
Return to Top
New Warning Labels for Wine Bottles
January 23, 2007
Decanter magazine reports that the US government is planning to place labels on bottles of wine warning
consumers of possible food allergens from eggs, wheat and fish.
It may seem unusual, but wine making practices, techniques and processes have been used historically. Eggs and fish gelatine (isinglass) are used wine fining and clarification. Wheat is used in the barrel making process.
So, you've been warned!
Source: www.decanter.com January 23, 2007 by Panos Kakaviatos
Number of North Carolina Wineries Triples Since 1999
January 21, 2007
The Fayetteville Observer reports that the number of wineries in North Carolina have tripled since 1999. Who'd a thunk? Tar Heel terroir? The number have jumped from 21 to 68 as of 2005. They ranked 12th in the nation based on wine production and 10th in grape production last year.
Its first federal appellation, the Yadkin Valley AVA, was approved in February 2003, and is located approximately an hour north of Charlotte. It currently consists of 400 acres. Wines tend to be on the sweet side as that's what the local taste dictates. North Carolina's first commercial vineyard, Medoc Vineyard, was founded in 1835 in Halifax County.
Muscadine grapes, which include scuppernongs, are native to Eastern North Carolina. Scuppernong, the first grape cultivated in the United States, is the official fruit of the state of North Carolina.
One team of pioneering winegrowers and wine makers, Ed and Charlie Shelton claim that North Carolina winery growth is limited due to restrictive state immigration laws. They claim the only labor available is from illegal immigrants.
Click here for a map of North Carolina wineries.
Sources: The Fayetteville Observer-The Associated Press 1/21/07. MSNBC writer Jon Bonne. www.ncwine.org. Return to Top
Sonoma County Chardonnay May Go to Waste
October 17, 2006
The late start for chardonnay buds this spring has forced a later than preferred harvest in Sonoma County. The longer the grapes hang to ripen combined with the wet, cool weather this month the more susceptible they are to Botrytis a fungus that causes the grapes to rot.
The grapes are now ripening too fast to be harvested. There just isn't enough manpower available for this second harvest. The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission estimates the loss as high as $4.6 million. Chardonnay is the county's largest crop estimated at $92 million this year.
Source: The Press Democrat writer Kevin McCallum published in The Press Democrat 10/17/06. Return to Top
Ramona Valley Newest AVA in Southern California
January 10, 2006
California's newest American Viticultural Area (AVA) is Ramona Valley in San Diego County. This is only Southern California's third AVA. There have been 162 areas in the United States granted appellation status and 94 of them are in California.
It was a three year process to get the 139 square miles to achieve the AVA designation. Now the 20 existing Ramona vineyards can use their own label granted the the wine contains at least 85% of the grapes come from the Ramona valley. Return to Top
Wine Gaining Momentum as America's Favorite Adult Beverage
July 18, 2005
As Gallup's Consumption Habits poll indicated, America drinks wine more often than any other alcoholic beverage. The poll, which was completed this month, showed American's chose wine 39% of the time over beer which they quaffed 36% of the time. Return to Top
Talking Wine Label
June 30, 2005
Kerin O'Keefe
Italian label manufacturer Modulgraf has just announced its latest venture – the talking wine label.
The company, which holds the patent for the microchip technology employed by many top wineries in the battle against wine falsification, prints labels for some of the biggest Italian wine producers including Ornellaia, Arnaldo Caprai and Tenuta Campo al Sasso, the new Antinori joint venture.
According to Daniele Barontini, president of the design company, the new technology is geared towards luxury wines and wine aficionados.
'The label will retain its square or rectangular shape, design and colour. It will be made of plastic and can actually be removed and 'read' like a CD. The producer's voice will explain the merits of the wine, give particulars of the vintage, and talk about the estate,' he told decanter.com.
The inventor of the technology, Florentin Doring, has already used the product successfully with books in other markets. A special label reader, similar to a walkman, also manufactured by Modulgraf, will be needed to listen to the label. The reader, which is likely to be expensive, will be purchased by high-end wine shops, restaurants and collectors who intend to buy the specially-labeled wines.
'Clearly, this is intended for a very select category of wines and consumers,' said Barontini.
While he says there is great interest in the product, which is to be released this autumn, he declined to mention producers who have already ordered the new labels.
'Many of the producers interested are also looking at this as the ultimate safeguard in the constant battle against the counterfeit wine industry,' said Barontini, since the 'disk labels' would be too difficult to reproduce. Return to Top
Irish Acquiring a Taste for Wine
A recent grocery chain survey concluded that wine is becoming more popular in the Emerald Isle. In fact, the number of wine drinkers has doubled in the past 15 years. 1.5 million, 25-35 year olds profess their love of wine. Australian wine is their preference. I'll have a pint! Return to Top
The Governator Toasts Wente
California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger insisted on pouring Wente Brut as
the exclusive sparking wine during a trade mission dinner in Japan.
Keeping his promise to sell California all over the world, The
Governor arrived in Japan on Wednesday on a trade mission to
promote California business, agriculture and tourism. I'm sure he'll be
baaaaack! Return to Top
Coastal grapes remain in oversupply
As published in the San Luis Obispo Tribune 2/12/05
State crush report shows growers saw lower prices for reds, but there is optimism locally that markets may be improving for this year
While California's wine grape market is improving, the
Central Coast continues to carry an oversupply of fruit, and is being
challenged by less demand for some varietals.
But area growers are seeing signs that buyers could soon return with purchase orders, and that would help level off any glut.
Preliminary grape crush numbers released from the state Department of Food and Agriculture this week show the total California average tonnage for wine grapes dropped slightly to 2.78 million tons in 2004, down from 2.86 million tons the year before. Significant decreases occurred in the Central Valley.
But tonnage grew about 11 percent, to 174,584, in the grape-growing district that includes San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
"There are a couple reasons for this," said Dana Merrill, grower committee chairman for the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association. "We had it good longer than the first areas that went into the slump, so we planted grapes longer than everyone else and planted grapes without (purchase) contracts."
Overseas competition also played a role, added Marty Meeker, owner of the 400-acre Meeker Vineyards in San Miguel. For example, the popularity of Australian Shiraz, or syrah, replaced demand for domestic grapes.
Meanwhile, recent winery consolidations, such as Constellation Brands' $1.36 billion purchase of Robert Mondavi Corp., are reducing the number of buyers, Meeker said.
"And wineries went on tremendous planting programs of their own," he added. "All these big guys planted thousands of acres, and the market didn't improve, so instead of being buyers, they're trying to sell grapes, too."
The oversupply of grapes and a slowed demand caused Meeker, like other growers without long-term contracts, to struggle in recent years. Rather than accept the $100.25 per ton offers he's been getting for his cabernet sauvignon -- a price he said won't even cover farming costs -- he has turned to other avenues.
Last fall, Meeker took about 800 tons of syrah and cabernet sauvignon from the 2004 harvest and made it into wine at Blackstone Winery in Gonzales, just south of Salinas. He gave 40 percent of that wine to Blackstone in exchange for the cost to store and process what was left.
Meeker hopes to sell the remaining wine on the bulk market, which brokers think has improved dramatically and could indicate the start of industry-wide recovery.
"Two or three years ago, there were 27.5 million gallons on market," said Glenn Proctor, a broker with Joseph W. Ciatti Co. in San Rafael. "Now there are 9 to 10 million gallons."
Proctor, who has clients on the Central Coast, expects yields there to eventually level off as well.
"The Central Coast is slowly going to work its way out of the situation," Proctor said. "But it will still take some time."
Some growers believe a turnaround has begun. Richard Sauret of Sauret Vineyards and Herman Schwartz of Continental Vineyards, both in Paso Robles, said wineries are already contacting them about buying grapes from this year's harvest.
"Those inquiries weren't happening at this time last year," Schwartz said. "I'm very bullish. I believe we're ready to turn the corner."
But the demand is hardly overwhelming, and it may still be too early to tell what 2005 yields will be like. A light crop could create more demand, said Don Ackerman, viticulturist and grower representative for Meridian Vineyards in Paso Robles.
"We already have long-term commitments for fruit," Ackerman said. "But we may change our sourcing strategy after bud break, when we can see what kind of crop we might expect in the fall."
Prices could benefit from a lighter crop and increased demand.
According to preliminary state numbers, the average price for red wine varietals on the Central Coast dropped almost 8 percent to $1,040 per ton in 2004, due in part to the oversupply of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, which is largely grown in North County.
Meanwhile, prices for white wine varietals only rose by a slim 1 percent to $1,176 per ton, likely bolstered by demand for Santa Barbara County grapes, which thrive in that county's cooler climate.
While prices should improve this year, they probably won't reach the expectations growers had when they first planted their vineyards, said Steve Fredricks, vice president of Turrentine Brokerage in Novato. Fredricks represents wineries and growers and has clients on the Central Coast.
"The market will continue to grow," Fredricks said. "But a vineyard that was planted for a $10 to $15 price-point wine will probably sell grapes for a $6 to $9 wine."Return to Top
Hot German Summer=Best Riesling since 1540!
3/31/05
Thanks to the hottest days, hottest nights and a dryest winter in history, 2003 German Rieslings are uncommonly rich and have a perfect acid balance.
For those already in love with German Riesling, the 2003s will take that emotion to new heights.
If you've never tried German Riesling, now is the perfect time because the 2003 vintage, currently reaching store shelves, is one of historic significance, offering opulent wines of uncommon richness, the ripest fruit in decades and amazing acid balance.
Thankfully some of the standouts are lower-priced Kabinetts. A few examples found at Beverages and More are priced in the $13.00-$20.00 range. Many more in the $30-$50 range. All appear to be flying off the shelves. Hopefully just until restocked.
Due to these rare and extreme conditions German vintners have long been allowed to lower acid levels. But in recognition of the extreme conditions in 2003, they were legally permitted for the first time ever to add tartaric acid to compensate for malic acid that dropped out of the grapes because of the heat. Irrigation was also permitted for the first time in 2003.
Four bottles of vintage 1540 Steinwein are still in existence from Stein vineyard in Franconia. "A bottle of Steinwein was opened in London in 1961 when it was 421 years old, and it was unbelievably still alive and drinkable."
What kept that white wine alive all those years was the dynamic combination common to German Rieslings of natural residual sugar paired with higher-than-average acidity. The balancing acidity is also what causes German Riesling to taste drier than one would expect in a wine with 2 percent or more residual sugar.
Germany hasn't seen a growing season like 2003 in modern times. The greatest vintage of the 20th century -- 1921 -- had 176 fewer hours of sunshine than 2003, according to records at the University of Geisenheim.
What these inordinate climatic conditions mean for us is breathtaking German Riesling masterpieces that offer a lip-smacking flavor profile of fleshy stone fruit -- peach and apricot -- as well as tropical mango, guava and passion fruit, scented with orange blossom and balanced by harmoniously supple acidity.
Even now, German vintners stand in awe of 1540. It is described in chronicles of the time as the "Great Sun Year," when relentless heat and drought withered the mighty Rhine between Cologne and the Netherlands, making it possible to cross on horseback. Water, legend has it, was more expensive than wine that torrid summer.
It's an exciting world of ripeness never before revealed in German Riesling, except perhaps for one year in the distant past.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle 3/31/05 by Steve Pitcher
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Graceland Cellars Presents Elvis in a Bottle
The first vintages of Elvis Presley wines were released last fall and sales are strong. Graceland Cellars has produced and released 20,000 cases of three Elvis wines: Blue Suede Chardonnay, Jailhouse Red Merlot and the King Cabernet Sauvignon and should SRP at $12.00 a bottle.
"We launched Graceland Cellars as a tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll," said Scott Cahill, president of Graceland Cellars' parent, Signature wines. The winery is in Hayward, Calif., a northern coastal area. "But while the soul of our company is in Memphis, our products are firmly planted in innovative California winemaking."
"Wine and celebrations go hand-in-hand," Cahill said, "What could be more fun than bringing Elvis to a dinner party?"
Long live the king! Return to Top
Reds Outsell Whites in California!
For the first time since the 70's red wines have outsold white wines in supermarkets. Some say it's a result of Americans developing a more sophisticated palate. Others feel that the recent announcements of the health benefits of red wine influenced consumers to drink more red. And some credit Hollywood for their award-winning efforts that expose viewers to new wine experiences. Then there's the Two-Buck-Chuck theory. So much red wine was available so inexpensively that consumers began trying and soon developed a taste for red wine. It probably helped to make wine a little more user-friendly.
I think we are drinking more reds because there are so many good ones made. More winemakers are involved than ever before. There's a larger pool of talent and information to draw from
than ever before. As technology advances, Internet publishes and partnerships develop you can't help but get better at what you are creating.
In the 80's chardonnay enticed new wine drinkers. In 1991 red owned only 17% of the market. White and blush owned the owned the market. Last year red retook the lead with 40.5% share of the market compared to the 40.4% share that white represented.Return to Top
Cheers!
Italian Estate First to Use Glass Stopper
May 12, 2005
Michele Shah
The Manincor estate in Lake Caldaro, near Bolzano, will be the first Italian producer to use glass closures on his wines.
The 30ha estate, owned by Count Michael Graf Goéss-Enzenberg, is reckoned a rising star, with a modern approach to winemaking. Manincor's new €6.5m underground, ultra-technological winery opened in 2004.
'Glass stoppers are aesthetically appealing as well as being functional,' Enzenberg said, adding that when he was a student of oenology he had thought about making a glass stopper and patenting the idea.
The glass closure to be adopted by Enzenberg has been designed by the German firm Alcoa and includes a silicone which is intended to guarantee an airtight closure.
The bottles and the bottling plant will have to be modified to adapt to the larger neck of the bottle. Once the glass stopper is in place an aluminium cap will be placed over it.
'In addition to the advantages of avoiding TCA spoilage, the glass closure is attractive and costs less than a cork,' Enzenberg said. 'A cork costs on average 60 cents and a glass closure will cost 40 cents.' Return to Top
Winery plans Charles Shaw II
Ceres' Bronco aims for repeat hit by selling Napa vintages for $3.99
By TIM MORAN-BEE STAFF WRITER
Last Updated: June 3, 2005, 05:11:46 AM PDT
If the courts say Bronco Wine Co. should put Napa wine in its Napa-labeled brands, then it will — and the winery will sell it for $3.99 a bottle, Bronco co-owner Fred Franzia says.
The Ceres-based winery set the wine industry on its ear three years ago with Charles Shaw, the $1.99 varietal wine sold in Trader Joe's stores. Now it plans to do the same thing, albeit for $2 more a bottle, with Napa wine.
The wine will be vintage-dated, Napa Valley-appellation chardonnay and merlot, under the winery's Napa Creek label. The wine should hit Trader Joe's stores by the middle of this month, Bronco spokesman Harvey Posert said.
The announcement came on the heels of a major legal setback for Bronco in its battle with the state and Napa Valley Vintners, a trade group representing Napa wineries.
Under a law backed by Napa Valley Vintners and approved in 2000, wines carrying Napa Valley geographic names must use Napa Valley grapes.
Bronco markets three brands with Napa Valley geographic names — Napa Creek, Napa Ridge and Rutherford Vintners, all with non-Napa grapes.
The winery went to court to preserve its right to keep making Napa wine without Napa grapes. A state appellate court, in a ruling last week, denied all of Bronco's legal claims.
When asked if the $3.99 Napa Valley wine is a reaction to Bronco's long battle with Napa vintners, Posert replied: "It certainly sends a message that good Napa Valley wine can be produced and sold for a low price."
Posert said Bronco can offer Napa wine at $3.99 because Bronco is a low-overhead producer, and Trader Joe's is a low-overhead retailer.
"Now there is enough Napa Valley wine out there to be able to do this," Posert said. "Fred wants to put wine on everybody's table, and he can do it when the wine is out there."
Wine industry consultant Vic Motto, however, said he did not think Bronco could make money selling Napa Valley wine for $3.99 a bottle.
"I think at this point he (Franzia) will probably chalk it up to face-saving. He's been dealt a major blow, and this is a facesaving measure," Motto said. "He can afford to underwrite this."
Motto added that Franzia has been "a master" at finding opportunities to make money as the industry changes from inexpensive to premium wines. "He's smart, he's well-armed, and he's aggressive," Motto said.
Franzia and Bronco have no connection to the Franzia wine brand, which is produced by The Wine Group, another wine company.
Industry analyst Jon Fredrikson said he thinks Bronco can make money with the $3.99 Napa wine. Bulk Napa chardonnay and merlot have been on the market for $8 to $9 a gallon, Fredrikson said.
"He buys millions and millions of glass bottles, and gets a good price. A lot of wine goes directly to Trader Joe's; there's not a lot of handling or sales costs," Fredrikson said.
"His profit margin may not be as high as some of his other products, but look at the publicity he is getting," Fredrikson said. "I don't think he is making a fortune on these deals, but he is generating interest and publicity."
Franzia is trying to make a point with the low price point, Fredrikson said, but that doesn't mean other Napa Valley wines are overpriced.
"There's a world of difference between a tiny winery and a giant," Fredrikson said. "It's not cheap to produce and market wines from Napa Valley. The typical small winery is not making a killing.
"It's aggravating to a lot of small Napa players who think he is doing it to discredit them," Fredrikson said.
But regardless of motives, the consumer is the big winner, Fredrikson added.
"It's a great buy. It's another break for consumers, and you can't beat that."Return to Top
Gunderloch Riesling Kabinett Baptiste '03 
