Team C&J
Here’s what happened in the last week in wine. Sonoma County winemakers have introduced a petition for the recognition of the Sebastopol Hills appellation, aiming for specific bottle labeling. Italy’s Canelli has officially become a DOCG, specifically for Moscato Bianco vines in the Canelli sub-area. However, the Australian wine industry is experiencing its smallest grape harvest in over 20 years due to severe weather conditions, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability. Growers and winemakers are utilizing irrigation technology to optimize water usage and enhance sustainability. Sonoma and Napa vintners are expecting a delayed harvest and employing strategies to maximize yields. Sustainable practices like planting cover crops and dry farming are gaining traction in promoting soil health and grape quality. Lastly, there have been releases in the wine media, including a book by Jon Bonné on French wine culture and a new wine podcast called Uncorked.
Winemakers in Sonoma County introduce petition for Sebastopol Hills appellation recognition.
The Sebastopol Hills in California’s Russian River Valley are a distinct grape-growing region with characteristics unique to that site and need their own appellation recognition, according to local growers. The proposed boundaries for the Sebastopol Hills AVA include the series of hills directly west and south of the City of Sebastopol, south of Bodega Hwy (Hwy 12), east of Barnett Valley Road, north and northeast of Blucher Creek, and west of Highway 116.
Giving the Sebastopol Hills appellation status would allow for more specific bottle labeling that would help winemakers and consumers.
Canelli is Officially a “DOCG”
Italy’s Canelli is the country’s newest DOCG. The cradle of Moscato d’Asti is among the protected designations of origin, therefore officially enclosing it in the DOCG denomination. The recognition pertains only to grapes grown from the Moscato Bianco vines located in the 17 municipalities around the Canelli sub-area, a crossing point between Langhe and Monferrato.
The Australian wine industry is facing its smallest grape harvest in a generation due to severe weather conditions, including drought, frost, and heat waves. The 2023 vintage is expected to be down by 32% compared to the previous year, resulting in decreased wine production and potential price increases for consumers. Winemakers are concerned about the long-term impact on the industry and are calling for measures to address climate change and support adaptation strategies to ensure the future sustainability of Australian wine production.
Optimizing Irrigation: Using Tech to Improve Decision Making – Wine Industry Advisor
Irrigation technology is the latest tool being utilized by growers and winemakers to optimize vineyard water usage practices. Efficient irrigation decision-making maximizes grape quality and yield while also conserving one of the world’s most precious resources. The vineyard technology, which uses smart sensors and data analytics to monitor soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and plant water needs, enables growers to make informed and precise irrigation decisions. Ultimately, the integration of technology in irrigation management is seen as a valuable tool for enhancing sustainability and profitability in the wine industry.
Sonoma, Napa vintners hope for warm days as problems of later harvest loom.
Sonoma and Napa are expecting a prolonged growing season thanks to a season that was marked by lengthy cool weather patterns. The late start means that ripening will be delayed and could stretch into late October. Vintners are closely monitoring weather forecasts and employing various strategies to mitigate risks, such as utilizing technology to track vineyard conditions and adjusting vineyard management practices to maximize yields.
Growing cover crops under vineyard vines is a sustainability strategy.
Researchers at Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center monitored grape production, vegetative growth, and root growth over five years at an experimental research vineyard planted at the Larson Center in 2015. Planting cover crops in the vineyards helps “…growers avoid the use of herbicides to suppress weeds, saves on labor costs by not having to reduce excess vine growth, and protects soil from severe rainfall events.” The study reinforces the long-held belief of many sustainable vineyard growers that using cover crops in the vineyard improves soil health and promotes quality grape-growing practices.
Oregon growers are dry-farming grapes.
Vineyard owners in Oregon are, like their peers in California, dealing with persistent drought conditions. One way to combat this is with dry farming, which is the farming practice that solely relies on natural rainfall without irrigation. The practice is gaining popularity among grape growers due to its potential to produce higher quality grapes with concentrated flavors. However, dry farming is not without risks. Growers that use dry farming may be susceptible to reduced yields and increased vulnerability to drought. Growers are learning to modify their vineyard management and choose grape varieties that do well in drier conditions.
A Fresh Look at French Wine, From the Inside Out
Acclaimed wine writer Jon Bonné has released his latest work, a two-volume piece that examines contemporary French wine culture, including where the state of wine stands now and where it’s headed. Wine lovers may be familiar with Bonné through his previous book: The New California Wine, which has become an oft-cited guide for navigating today’s innovative California winemakers and their evolving style away from “big” California wines.
Uncorked Podcast | Wine | Farella Braun + Martel LLP
New wine podcast alert! Farella wine industry lawyers have launched Uncorked, a wine podcast aimed at delivering industry insights from those on the ground navigating regulation, acquisitions, and more.
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