Team C&J
Here’s what happened in the last week in wine. Gallo’s recent acquisition of Rombauer Vineyards has sent shockwaves through the wine industry, as the well-known privately-owned brand joins the Gallo portfolio for a reported $700 million. The move reinforces Gallo’s immense influence in the wine sector, with speculation about potential changes to Rombauer’s identity post-acquisition. In another move, Gallo added Massican Wines, known for Italian white wine blends, to its lineup, highlighting the company’s diverse acquisitions. Meanwhile, Argentina is gaining recognition for its Chardonnay, particularly in high-altitude vineyards, challenging Burgundy’s reputation. Colorado is investing in its wine industry through the Wine & Grape Industry Processing Grant, while France grapples with an existential wine crisis, prompting calls for quality wines to attract younger consumers. WineDirect’s new fulfillment center in Paso Robles, CA, emphasizes sustainability and growth, and California’s organic wine grape acreage expands with key producers driving the change. The California sparkling wine grape harvest begins later than usual due to weather conditions, promising a quality harvest.
Gallo Gobbles Up Rombauer | Wine-Searcher News & Features
Undoubtedly, the biggest news in the world of wine this week was the jaw-dropping acquisition of Rombauer Vineyards by mega-brand Gallo. Rombauer is one of the most popular wines in the US and one of the few remaining large privately-owned brands. The deal, which is reportedly worth over $700 million, further shows the influence that E. & J. Gallo Winery, the world’s biggest wine brand, has within the wine industry. It will be interesting to see what, if any, changes this California Chardonnay behemoth undergoes after this acquisition.
As if Gallo wasn’t busy enough this week, the massive wine group further added to its portfolio by purchasing Dan Petroski’s indie wine darling, Massican Wines. The purchase is interesting when juxtaposed with the Rombauer acquisition. The two brands are at opposite ends of the palate spectrum. The musician is focused on Italian white wine blends, while Rombauer is a butter bomb Chardonnay.
Visionary winemaker Petroski will stay in for at least the next 5-10 years to continue steering the creative strategy of the company. In classic Gallo form, the details of the purchase were not released.
White peaks: Argentinian Chardonnay climbs new heights
Argentina is turning into a hotspot for Chardonnay. The world’s most planted grape has now gotten a toe-hold in a country known primarily for precision Malbecs like those from Nicolas Catena.
Argentinian Chardonnay is gaining prominence, particularly in Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards, where its fresh and elegant qualities rival Burgundy’s. The altitude effect and cooler climate create ideal conditions, and Chardonnay’s natural home is found in places like Gualtallary. While Burgundy serves as a benchmark, experts urge producers to embrace Argentinian terroir for a unique identity. Patagonia also showcases Chardonnay’s potential, producing distinctive still wines with vibrant acidity. The emerging diversity of styles across Argentina, from austere mountain expressions to coastal intensity, excites Chardonnay enthusiasts.
Grape industry grants available in Colorado
Colorado is looking to supercharge its efforts to become a destination-worthy wine region. Colorado winegrowers can now apply for the Wine & Grape Industry Processing Grant, which offers up to $250,000 to help increase processing capacity in both wineries and vineyards. The grant, provided by the Colorado Department of Agriculture through the Farm to Market Infrastructure Program, aims to enhance productivity and wine quality by supporting the purchase of equipment and facility improvements. This represents a significant investment in Colorado’s wine industry, and applicants can choose from different award levels based on collaboration and project scope. The grant program aims to expand processing capabilities within the state’s wine and grape industry, benefiting producers across various regions.
Culture: France’s Destruction of Surplus Wine Hints at an Existential Wine Crisis | Wine Enthusiast
France and other wine regions are facing an existential crisis, highlighted by France’s recent decision to spend over 200 million euros to destroy surplus wine. Declining wine sales are not confined to France; Washington State’s wine sales dropped over 17%, Australia’s exports fell by a third, and Gallup’s poll revealed wine is the least preferred alcoholic beverage in the U.S. The industry’s troubles are often attributed to young people’s changing preferences, but some critics argue that the real issue is the lack of quality wines in the mid-price range, where poorly made, low-priced wines and serious wineries are competing. The solution lies in promoting quality wines that offer value, transparency, and interest, aligning with the preferences of an emerging generation of drinkers who spend more on better products.
WineDirect Breaks Ground on New Fulfillment Center in Paso Robles, CA
WineDirect is doubling down on Paso Robles wine. The company recently broke ground on a new, modern fulfillment center in Paso Robles, CA, to enhance its direct-to-consumer services for the wine industry. Replacing the existing facility, the new 200,000-square-foot center with advanced logistics technology aims to serve more wineries, offer storage solutions, and maintain wine quality with climate controls and eco-friendly packaging. This expansion reflects WineDirect’s commitment to industry growth, innovation, and sustainability while contributing to the local economy.
California’s Organic Wave: Wine Grape Acreage Increases by 1,774 in the Last 12 Months
The market for organic wine grapes is growing across California, according to data from the USDA Organic Integrity Database. What’s interesting about the momentum behind this shift is it’s being driven by just four major producers, including Jackson Family Wines, Halter Ranch, Stolpman, as well as multinational beverage brand Constellation.
Start of sparkling wine grape harvest comes 3 weeks late in Napa County
The California sparkling wine grape harvest has commenced in Napa County with a delay of about three weeks compared to previous years, attributed to a cold and wet winter and a cool growing season. Schramsberg Vineyards and Chandon, California, marked the start of the sparkling harvest on August 24, and other wineries like Mumm Napa and Piña Vineyard Management followed. Although this timeline is later than the last decade, it’s considered a return to normalcy for some, reminiscent of historical harvest schedules. While other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon are still a few weeks away from being picked, the overall quality for this year looks promising, with healthy canopies and a smooth veraison process reported.
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