We have a jam packed ‘newsy’letter to kick off 2011. Firstly though it is great to see the Wine Communicators of Australia hiring industry achiever Jeffrey Wilkinson as their National Executive Officer. Congratulations Jeffrey!
The recent floods & wild weather have prompted a truly amazing response to the Australian Wine Trade Flood Relief Raffle. Please make sure that you get your tickets before 11th March. My thoughts are with those who have suffered losses in these recent events.
Lastly, don’t forget that classes at the Sydney Wine Centre & the American Club start this month.
Rob |
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click here for more information on Rob's events. |
Water pressured vintage may pressure grape prices
After recovering from widespread drought in recent times to a Global Financial Crisis which many wineries are still feeling the pinch from, this year has again rewritten the book for the challenges for many in the Australian Wine Industry. Lawrie Stanford, Executive Director of the Wine Grape Growers Association Australia sums it up with, ‘This season has been a high disease pressure season. The amount of water has again been an issue but in complete contrast to the preceding four or five years, there has been too much not too little”.
Early in the growing season there was a Downy Mildew problem that struck at the heart of wine growers around the country as stocks of fungicide ran short. Then in the past month we have witnessed such massive destruction by floods in Queensland & Victoria and their border regions, that even if the vineyards in these regions have not been inundated due to rivers rising, dams breaking or unimaginable rain falls that leave inland seas, just the increase in humidity at this time has left some regions struggling against fresh infestations of mildew & botrytis.
"18 megalitres per hectare within a 2 day period which is the equivalent of two times their annual irrigation allocation"
Mark McKenzie, Chief Executive of the Murray Valley Winegrowers has reported that some areas received over 250 mm in rainfall over the first weekend in February, with rainfall totals of as much as 750 mm since September which is more than 2 times their annual average. Some vineyards are completely inundated to their top trellises.
To put the amount of water into perspective, he says, “Mildura had 18 megalitres per hectare fall within a 2 day period which is the equivalent of two times their annual irrigation allocation.”
Mark estimates that the crop losses due to fungal disease was rating a high 30% before this last weekend and now estimates that it will be more than 50%. With more rain expected this coming weekend, this figure could rapidly grow. The losses just for the Murray Valley could amount to $40 – $50 million. This close to vintage, many cannot safely spray fungicide and it may be weeks before many can get any equipment into the sodden vineyards.
Victorian vineyards such as Mount Avoca and Hanging Rock plus some small vineyards in Queensland have experienced devastating flood damage with some losing their entire crops. Let’s also not forget the producers, sellers & distributors who have lost their stock in warehouses and outlets.
Further a field however, where floods have not reeked havoc the vintage is looking better. According to Lawrie Stanford, while harvests will be lower than 2010, many vineyards are looking good.
It is still early days yet with only a small amount of grapes picked in isolated locations, it will be a challenging vintage for many. Where the grapes have survived, there is going to be some great wine produced. In fact, some regions are claiming that this vintage may be one of the outstanding ‘classics’.
As Lawrie Stanford says “ the wine experience has always been one of seasonal variation and the thrill of finding out how vine and wine respond – there will be lots of wonderment in this one including lots of good grapes and good wines ‑ so don’t stop travel plans”. |
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How you can help
• Don’t stop visiting wine regions & cellar doors for a start. In fact, don’t wait until Easter to venture out into your favourite wine region… do it this weekend & next …
• Show your support by buying tickets in the Australian Wine Trade Flood Relief Raffle set up by Tyson Stelzer with support from Visit Vineyards & many others. The industry has given so generously that there is $240 000 worth of prizes to win. Make sure you enter before 11th March, 2011. Click here to enter!
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Accolade Wines – a deal to be applauded
The sale of 80 % of Constellation Wines Australia and Europe to CHAMP Private Equity was finalized this month with the new entity being called Accolade Wines from July 1, 2011. Constellation Brands Inc. will retain 20% ownership, receive $230 million in cash with supply & distribution agreements being kept in place with Accolade Wines.
Not only are such classic Australian wine brands such as Hardys, Houghton & Banrock Station included in the deal but so too are the top selling brands Kumala (South Africa) & Echo Falls (USA) plus 50% of the UK drinks distributor Matthew Clark. In effect, the deal brings control of the key former Australian BRL Hardy brands back into Australia.
Inadvertently, this sale has brought Kerry Packer’s quote to mind to many I’m sure, “You only get one Alan Bond in your lifetime, and I've had mine". While Packer was referring to the repurchase of his media empire at a reduced rate, this sale has been made in pressured market where Australian wine sales are less buoyant than in 2003 when BRL Hardy was sold for $1.9 billion – substantially more than the current value of $290 million.
CHAMP has a track record of looking to the longer term & bringing fresh energy to their businesses. According to CHAMP Managing Director, John Haddock, “We see Accolade Wines as a company with strong fundamentals, a sound competitive position, a capacity to grow and an opportunity to re-invigorate its brands.”
A good platform for growth considering the current state of the market.
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Shoalhaven – a destination not to be missed
Shoalhaven & the Queensland Gold Coast have more in common than you would think. Not only do both have gorgeous beaches & lush hinterlands but Coolangatta is a prominent feature in both regions. In the Shoalhaven region, Mt Coolangatta offers some of the best views in the region and presides over a remarkable vineyard that shares its name. Surprisingly, Coolangatta Estate has a long vinous history with grapes being first grown there in the mid 1800’s & today is the largest and most awarded wine producer in the Shoalhaven region thanks to Greg Bishop's unrelenting attention to detail with variety choice, vineyard management and choice of winemaker..
In an all too quick visit to the region in January, I was pleased to be able to taste such a wide range of wines from this region that is a short scenic drive from Sydney but a long way from being a top of mind wine destination. However, winery visitors are well served with a number of very good cellar doors included Crooked River, Coolangatta Estate and Two Figs located about 12km from Berry, while Cambewarra is near Nowra. Cupitt's Winery just 5 minutes from Ulladulla, Milton and Mollymook has an excellent restaurant, and wine list as well making outstanding wines in the cave built under the restaurant.
With such culinary delights to be found in local ‘foodie’ haunts such as Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook, The Vineyard Kitchen at Cupitt’s Winery & The Hungry Duck in Berry, the stunning country scenery, seductive wines and the hearty flavoursome food make for a magnificent culinary experience.
The Shoalhaven region produces quality wines from Semillon, Chardonnay, Chambourcin and Verdelho. Coolangatta are leading the way with new varieties and produce; a cool citrus Savagnin with loads of appeal, a distinctive Tannat with varietal earthy berry with some light floral notes and a Tempranillo with plenty of dark savoury spice. These new varietals seem set for a big future here.
In fact, at the recent South Coast Wine Show 2011, Coolangatta Estate 2005 Semillon took out the trophies for Best Wine of Show & Best White Wine & the 2000 vintage receiving the trophy for Best Aged Wine adding to the swag of medals & trophies awarded to Coolangatta Semillons. Also at this show, The Coolangatta Estate 2008 Tannat won the Best Red Wine trophy with Coolangatta Estate taking home plenty of other medals. They have been the most successful exhibitor at the Kiama Wine Show for the last 15 years in a row, such is the grip of the quality of their wine on Australian wine judges.
For more South Coast Wine Show results, click here.
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What's On - Courses
Sydney Wine Centre
It's not too late to book in for the start of the next 4 week course starting at 7pm each Wednesday from 9th March 2011. The cost is $250 including a copy of A Good Nose and Great Legs (worth $50).
To enquire about any of these courses visit sydneywinecentre.com.au or call 02) 9572 3500. |
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The American Club
Rob is running a series of masterclasses at the newly refurbished club in Sydney. These classes will be open to both members and non-members.
- Thursday, 17th February 'Summer Drinking': Rose & Crisp Whites
- Thursday, 17th March 'Vinous Exotica': Vermouth, Ice Wine, Muscat, Wild Brumby & others
For more details or to book any classes please contact The American Club on theamericanclub.com.au or call 02) 9241 2015. |
Regional Tastings & Events
26th February - 31st March 2011 | The 4th annual NSW Wine Festival - a celebration of the state's 14 wine regions and fine local  produce through a number of wine-and-food focussed events across Sydney and regional NSW.
Kicking off with Sydney Cellar Door in Hyde Park on 26/27th February. |
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February 2011 - This summer the region’s producers will be inviting you to come along and taste your way through their amazing array of fresh produce.  This time of year guarantees a mouth watering offerings to taste with a glass of local wine. |
11 - 13th February : Taste the Limestone Coast Festival is held in the town of Naracoorte in the south-eastern region of South Australia. This annual celebration provides a cultural extravaganza of food, wine, music and the arts as well as offering visitors exquisite tastes from more than thirty of the region’s award-winning wineries and gourmet food producers. |
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26 - 27th February: Discover Tumbafest in Tumbarumba on the last weekend in February of each year where the township of Tumbarumba is host to "Tumbafest" – a celebration of music, wine and food. Attractions include a jam-packed schedule of Main Stage entertainment, sublime regional wines, lots of arts and craft vendors, extensive food stalls, wine tasting & a farmer's market. |
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