Team C&J
Here’s some insight into the last week in wine. Mike Grgich, a legendary winemaker known for his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which won the 1976 Paris Tasting, passed away at the age of 100. Having started his winemaking career in Napa Valley in 1958 after emigrating from Croatia, he later founded Grgich Hills Cellar. Despite controversies, Grgich received numerous accolades, including a James Beard Award. His legacy continues through his family’s involvement in the winery. Meanwhile, the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, is focusing on inclusivity and growth, adapting to changing industry trends. The California wine industry is experiencing a wave of consolidations, driven by financial pressures and market dynamics. In Italy, a dispute has arisen over the use of “Montepulciano” in wine labeling, leading to regional tensions. German wine consumption is declining, impacted by rising prices and changing market shares. On the sustainability front, Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing has achieved global recognition for its sustainable practices. Lastly, Australian researchers are exploring the benefits of integrating solar panels in vineyards, which could protect vines and improve grape quality.
Winemaker Mike Grgich, Who Grabbed Worldwide Attention With His Napa Chardonnay, Dies at 100
Renowned winemaker Mike Grgich, celebrated for his iconic 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Paris Tasting, passed away at 100. Born in Croatia, Grgich’s winemaking journey began in Napa Valley after arriving almost penniless in 1958. His career spanned top wineries like Beaulieu Vineyard and Robert Mondavi Winery before establishing his own renowned Grgich Hills Cellar. Known for his intuitive winemaking and commitment to quality, Grgich’s legacy was marked by controversy but also accolades, including a James Beard Award in 2018. His impact on California winemaking and the global wine community remains profound, surviving through his daughter Violet, who now oversees the winery and grandson Noel Grgich-Shipman.
Master Somms Look to the Future | Wine-Searcher News & Features
The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, faced turbulent times with a cheating scandal, pandemic lockdowns, and other challenges impacting the sommelier profession. However, Michael Meagher and Julie Cohen Theobald are steering the organization toward a future of inclusivity and growth. Their strategic plan aims to spotlight CMS-A as hospitality leaders, set professional standards, foster a vibrant community, and prioritize innovation. By embracing technology, diversifying services, and expanding mentorship, they aim to elevate the industry and accommodate diverse career paths. Despite the exclusive nature of the organization, their goal is to attract more individuals to the industry while adapting to evolving trends and ensuring that the art of hospitality and knowledge endures. With a glass-half-full mentality, they’re optimistic about the future and the opportunities brought forth by necessary changes.
The California wine industry is grappling with extensive challenges, including rising costs, labor, and softening wine demand, prompting a rapid wave of acquisitions and transformations. Winery owners are considering sales due to financial stress, creating opportunities for larger companies to acquire smaller brands. Major players like E. & J. Gallo Winery and Constellation Brands are leading these acquisitions, influencing the shifting landscape. Rising costs, particularly affecting lower-priced wines, are pressuring margins, and family-owned wineries are facing succession challenges, contributing to the ongoing consolidation trend. Despite these shifts, mid-sized and smaller wineries are striving to maintain their independence and uniqueness in a market increasingly dominated by larger entities, emphasizing quality, unique stories, and consumer connections as crucial factors for success.
Montepulciano War Erupts in Italy | Wine-Searcher News & Features
A recent conflict in Italy’s winemaking community revolves around the labeling of wines using the term “Montepulciano.” Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture has backed Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo’s request to limit the use of “Montepulciano” solely for wines originating from the Abruzzo region. This decision prompted the reintegration of the synonym “Cordisco” into the National Vine Register to distinguish wines made outside Abruzzo. While Abruzzo’s winemakers support this move to prevent misleading labels, others, especially those in regions like Marche where the grape historically thrived, oppose it. Critics argue that the unfamiliar term “Cordisco” might confuse consumers. This decision has amplified tensions among Italian wine producers, leading to a contentious debate about labeling rights and geographical indications, especially regarding the popular Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine, which faces potential identity changes due to this dispute.
German Wine Consumption Continues to Decline | Meininger’s International
The German Wine Institute‘s quarterly report reveals a concerning decline in wine-buying households in Germany. With increased prices impacting German wines notably, there’s been a 3% drop in the proportion of households purchasing wine, marking a decline from 36.9% in 2022 to 33.8% in 2023. German wine consumption fell to 22.6%, contributing to an overall downward trend. Italian wines emerged as the market leader, gaining share across colors, especially in white wines. Despite holding their market share in revenue due to increased prices, German wines faced challenges in sales volume, particularly in red wine. The report, however, does not encompass out-of-home consumption, an area not surveyed but potentially impactful on overall wine consumption trends.
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, managed by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), has achieved Gold Level equivalence against the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) version 3.0. This milestone marks CSWA as the first sustainable winegrowing certification to attain such recognition globally. The FSA is a widely acknowledged framework for sustainable agriculture certification, and CSWA’s achievement underscores their commitment to implementing rigorous sustainability practices. With only 20% of benchmarked programs achieving Gold Level equivalence, this recognition highlights CSWA’s dedication to promoting sustainable wine grape growing while aligning with international best practices. The certification not only ensures adherence to global sustainability standards but also encourages continuous improvement in environmental and social responsibility aspects within the wine industry, with 80% of California’s wine production taking place in Certified California Sustainable Wineries.
Can putting solar panels in vineyards help to improve Australian wine? – ABC News
Researchers in Australia are investigating the potential benefits of incorporating solar panels into vineyards, aiming to shield grapevines from harsh weather conditions and potentially enhance grape quality. This vitivoltaic technology, already utilized in countries like Japan, Germany, and France, could offer protection from extreme heat, wind, and frost while reducing winery expenses. The University of Adelaide’s pilot study aims to evaluate both positive impacts, like protecting vines from adverse weather, and potential drawbacks, such as shading effects. While this innovation could present promising outcomes for Australian agriculture, and the Australian wine industry, in general, further research is crucial to understand its suitability and effects in the local climate. Integrating solar panels with agricultural land may offer opportunities for sustainable farming practices, but comprehensive studies and funding are required to explore its full potential.
All things wine, and food you could ever need or want — straight to your email!
