DAN'S WINE BLOG

2024-10-18

ON THE DOWNSIDE

Following on from last week’s news that France will be ripping out 30,000 hectares of vines over the coming year, news just in that in Spain the Ribeira Sacra region in Galicia has just approved crisis wine distillation into alcohol. The initial sum set aside for this is € 500,000 but even the most conservative estimates start at € 2,400,000 being required.

This has come about because the larger regional wineries such as Regina Viarum have cancelled contracts with up to 400 local growers due to the decline in red wine sales, which account for 80% of the regions production. Due to its steep slopes the cost of grape production is considerably higher than in other flatter areas of Spain and thus they find it difficult to compete in tough times like the present.

The local small growers are claiming that the money being offered by the government is not sufficient to save them from financial ruin.

The region’s problems are compounded by the fact that the average age of the local growers is currently 65+ years old and a number of vineyards have been abandoned recently – mainly due to death in the family, and these abandoned vineyards are now helping to spread disease in the district.

The only positive signs for the region are that there is a project to revive some ancient native red varieties not grown elsewhere in the world and a push to recognise single vineyard wines within the region’s DO.

But will it be enough to save this ancient wine growing area?

?ON THE PLUS SIDE

Germany is delighted to advise that their wine exports have risen significantly so far this year, with a 9% increase over the same time last year. Exports to China have risen (unlike most countries) by 47% whilst Japan, Poland, Denmark and The Netherlands have all experienced double-digit growth.

?DOLLYWOOD

World renowned Country singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton has joined the celebrity band wagon and launched her own wine brand.

Called “Dolly Wines” and developed in conjunction with Accolade wines, the first wine available is a California Chardonnay at USD$15 a bottle, which is considerably more reasonably priced than almost every other celebrity wine across the globe.

This is being followed by a Rose and Prosecco about to be launched in the USA and UK, with a sparkling wine to follow here in Australia- probably just before Christmas.

Given the characteristic intensity of her efforts and attention to detail- I am sure that Dolly Wines will offer excellent value for money quality wine when it hits our shores. I look forward to trying a bottle in due course.

Well that’s it for another week, have a good one, stay hale & hearty always #chooseaustralianwine and when possible enjoy #emergingvarieties

Cheers

Dan T