Grape prices going up and shortages are in our future
2012 January 27
As Westchester Amateur Winemakers we should be very concerned about the outlook for grapes in the coming season. It is no secret that due to a light harvest due to a cold growing season the bulk wine supply is just about exhausted. This and growing consumer demand is putting further pressure on prices. We can hope for a great growing season and an abundant harvest to ease the strain on supply but make no mistake grapes are in demand and will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future. Here is an article that sheds light on the industry and what moves Growers are making at this time. Click Here It’s comforting to know we have Frank Musto and M&M paying attention to this situation.
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If you need further proof … http://blog.wblakegray.com/2012/01/expect-wine-prices-to-rise-this-year.html
interesting , I know in BC and Washington state grape prices have tanked over the last 2 years as the small “vanity” wineries have folded and contract grape growers have been forced to flog their grapes on bulliten boards . 3 years ago we paid 3K a tonne for good BC fruit , last fall a friend of mine was buying it for 1600 from the same growers . he ended up buying 30 tonnes and going comercial.
There is no doubt now that the 2011 Harvest Reports are in that there is less grape and more demand. Here is the latest on the subject…. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120210/BUSINESS/120219959/1350?p=1&tc=pg I can’t see how it will be different for BC and Washington this fall.
I guess it depends on how the economy fairs , and if consumers continue the move downscale from premium to mass market imports and cv producers
From the grape report, premium Sonoma County grapes were down 6.5%, didn’t look at Napa. I would guess that the fruit set will again be low this year as fruit set reflects the prior years conditions. Most premium wineries have been showing growth despite the economy. I would guess higher prices for most varietals but probably not stupid-high.
Speaking of premium grapes have you read that after a year and a half of bashing premium grapes the Moron Wineman2008 announces that he has made none other than the Missouri Hopper from Beckstoffer? Imagine that. All he did was knock M&M and Frank Musto and made fun of people because they wanted to purchase better grapes but now he is a believer. And why? His friend , very good friend told him to try it. Funny how his friend was extolling the benefits of buying grapes at Corrados 2 years ago. Talk about 2 faces! Wow. Get a load of that Frank.
While were talking about grapes , shortages in California don’t automatically mean shortages in Washington.
M&M deals with Kendall Farms
http://www.juicegrape.com/driver.aspx?topic=jgGrowerKendallFarms
, and I’ve dealt with Lisa Kendall for a few years , she’s pretty tough when it comes to quality from her growers , the fruit is well inspected and I’ve had great quality even in a crap year .
At previous M&M affairs we tasted wines made from this distributor. We were impressed. They usually come late in the season so we are not focused on them but this year with things so late it would not have mattered. If I remember we really liked their Cab Sav. Maybe this year we will give them a try for some of our Cab.
You guys have any thoughts about the Gama 25 Destemmer http://www.napafermentation.com/catalog_i2939380.html?catId=127261 or the model More Wine sells which looks similar. WE286PREBOOK. there is also the Pony2 http://www.prosperocorp.biz/?q=node/333
All these look to be the same but I notice the Must Pump outlet is not on the same side on the first 2
I’ve made cab sauv and franc Pinot , syrah , merlot , blaufrankische and malbec , thousand pounds of each from Kendall farms over 3 years . Always been impressed , the pinot and malbec are truly amazing , the rest nearly excellent .
I’ve bought less than a kilo of tartaric over 3 years (and gave some away) and never once added sugar
Z
In 2009 and 10 I made zero sugar or acid adjustments at all
Bzac is this the two mountain Washington state grapes?If so i have made the cab/cab franc.Reading from your other post i see your not a fan of the cab franc but i must say its the best cab franc i have ever had,taste nothing like you describe.Very smooth no green taste at all.I think you should try it this season.
The cab franc I’ve made from prodded Washington was good but I still would only use it as 10% in a blend not as a single varietal.
The stuff I was describing is more of the niagra or finger lakes type which is the best gene could hope for in his back yard in ny.
That’s prosser Washington , Yakima .
Way to go Zac! Lovin’ your search capabilities LOL ! It is always so nice to expose an asshole to himself. I can’t wait to see the response.