Down-sized North Coast wine grape crop offers growers an upside
By CnAgri
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Clements’ list of North Coast varieties benefiting from the lower-than-average size of the 2015 crop include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.
Only one variety has resisted any downward pressure on price, he notes – Cabernet Sauvignon. “Its price has remained nearly bullet-proof in Napa and Sonoma counties for at least the past four years,” Clements says.
In his view, growers whose contracts with wineries expire this year also stand to benefit from the smaller 2015 North Coast grape harvest. Most of the grapes grown in this region are made into higher-end wines, those selling for more than $10 a bottle. Despite the amount of bulk wine on the market, sales of the higher-end wines continue to grow, Clements explains. That helps strengthen winery confidence in their ability to sell these wines.
“If case sales from October through December for this year’s holiday season, the wineries’ biggest market of the year, meet expectations, it should mean continued profitable prices for growers signing contracts next year for most varieties.” Clements says.
Right now, such prospects look promising, he adds. “Wineries are already expressing interest in 2016 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. That doesn’t mean prices will actually increase next year. But, at least the wineries are willing to discuss it now. That’s usually a good sign.”
