DAN'S WINE BLOG

2024-09-27

Rather mixed news this week with the negatives outweighing the positive news.

ALSACE

In a big step forward, the official agencies in the Alsace region of France will allow the “experimental” planting of Syrah (Shiraz) Nebbiolo, Chenin Blanc & Vermentino in the region. Up until now these varieties were not allowed to be planted in Alsace. On top of this six PIWI varieties (fungal resisting hybrid varieties) – Coliris, Voltis, Selenor, Johnniter, Souvignier Gris and Opalor have also been approved.

These approvals are still rather limited in that the approved varieties can be pplanted for 10 years on a maximum of 5% their vineyard and can not constitute more than 10% of the final wine blend.

Wow such unbridled freedom!!!

CALIFORNIA

California grape growers are becoming increasingly concerned about the diminution of the levels of ground water. Over the last two decades the level of groundwater has been gradually declining and with the current historical system of water allocation, the mass users, whom are usually not very efficient (over head irrigation etc.) receive the bulk of the water allotted. On the other hand, smaller more efficient producers are suffering relatively much larger cutbacks in allocation and some are starting to struggle to survive with their current allocations.

BUGGA!!

In mid September much of South Australia’s wine growing regions were hit with severe frost, causing a considerable loss of crop. As with all significant frost events, its severity varied across each region, but overall the #Barossa and Riverland Wine regions appear to have been the hardest hit, with Riverland vineyards loosing anywhere from 30% up to nearly 100% of the 2025 vintage crop.

This is a devasting blow to producers already suffering from low crop prices and a significant volume of surplus wine. So that whilst this weather event will help to reduce Australia’s wine surplus marginally, it is a devastating blow to individual producers.

SARDINIA

Meanwhile on the Italian island of Sardinia hundreds of farmers have held a slow tractor march/parade from the north to the south of the island to protest the severe drought conditions that they find themselves in. The drought is so drastic that in many places the vines and the fruit trees in the orchards are at risk of dying completely. The parade is mainly symbolic and designed to highlight their plight, as there is almost nothing that the government can do to ease the situation.

Well until next week, have a great, safe week- remember to always #chooseaustralianwine and when possible enjoy #emergingvarieties.

Cheers Dan T