Late heat starting to influence vineyards and the market Devoid of weather extremes, September was perfect for vineyard conditions across California and harvesting proceeded smoothly through the month. However, October ushered in an unseasonable heatwave, with triple-digit temperatures registered in some areas and a number of temperature records broken. The resulting speed-up in sugar accumulation has intensified picking and, in turn, necessitated quicker decisions in the vineyards and on the grape market: To pick or not pick, to custom crush or not custom crush, to buy extra grapes or not buy extra, etc. Prior to the heat’s arrival, grape quality across the state appeared very good and – as of October 9th – no widespread deleterious effects of heat on quality had been reported. By that date, something like 60-65% of the harvest was complete in the North Coast. Until the heat, the North Coast’s crop – assisted by some sizing during cooler spells back in A

(February 9, 2024, Novato, CA) – The California Department of Food & Agriculture’s Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2023 was released today. The crush of 3.668 million tons stayed in line with the Ciatti Company’s earlier pre-harvest projections of 3.5 - 3.7 million tons  Ciatti’s experienced brokers are available for further details, comments & analysis on the 2023 California Grape Crush Report. Please call 415-458-5150. North Coast The takeaway from the North Coast is that the 2023 crush looked a lot like the rest of the state where wineries were willing to receive grapes only to the contracted volumes and then held growers to that number. Unlike much of the rest of the state, in the North Coast there was a late season spot market for grapes in Napa and Sonoma that cleaned up any extra tonnage. A noteworthy highlight from the North Coast harvest in 2023: Napa County harvested 92,262 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon up from 73,812 tons in 2022. - Chr

Afternoon Brief, September 27th

Washington Considers Allowing Fingerprint Scan, Facial Analysis to Buy Alcohol, Cannabis: The Washington State Legislature may consider legislation giving the State Liquor and Cannabis Board further rulemaking authority regarding the use of biometric age verification by private entities selling alcohol or cannabis products...

Afternoon Brief, July 14th

Why This Wet, Cool Vintage Reminds Many North Coast Vintners of 2011: Some 2011 vintage wines have faced criticism for lacking the colors, flavors or acidity characteristic of North Coast red wines in the past 30 years...

Afternoon Brief, March 13th

Silicon Valley Bank Closure Leaves Wine Industry Clients in the Weeds: There may not be quick answers to the biggest questions facing the wine industry after Silicon Valley Bank collapsed on Friday — including the future of the bank’s landmark wine industry report...

Afternoon Brief, March 7th

French Politicians Wining on the Job: News publications across France went to town last week over reports of drunken and booze-based antics in the country's National Assembly...

(February 10, 2023, Novato, CA) – The California Department of Food & Agriculture’s Preliminary Grape Crush Report for 2022 was released today. The crush of 3.349 million tons stayed in line with the Ciatti Company’s earlier pre-harvest projections of 3.5 - 3.6 million tons. This was the smallest winegrape crop harvested since 2011.  The 2022 winegrape crush was even lighter than anticipated, further emphasizing the impact of drought conditions, a severe frost, and ongoing vineyard removals particularly in the Central Valley. It was a harvest that saw Cabernet Sauvignon become the largest variety harvested in the state for the first time ever, overtaking Chardonnay. Pricing per variety was mostly either flat or up with Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc showing the biggest increases of the main varieties due mainly to increased demand in the coastal regions.  While the crop report shows a total number that is slightly below expectations; this volume is not com