🥷🏼 $600,000 in stolen wine

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Happy Sunday! Hope you’ve had a wonderful week! In this week’s DECORKED digest, you will read all about California’s cork production, grape predictions, Cava struggles, wine theft, and much much more. Keep reading!

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INTERESTING THIS WEEK

🍷 Should I rinse/change my wineglass when pouring a new wine? READ HERE

⚡️ Power couple leaves legal practice to uncork winery success READ HERE

🧊 Is Dave Chang right about ‘delicious’ ice in wine? READ HERE

📦 The world's most stocked wines and spirits READ HERE

🇮🇱 Judea: Israel's wine and gourmet paradise READ HERE

🇬🇧 Duty tax rises hit wines and spirits in UK READ HERE

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PREDICTIONS BEGIN ON 2023 GRAPE VOLUME

The grape growers of 2023 began the year with apprehension, according to Jeff Bitter, the president of Allied Grape Growers. His early predictions outlined potential challenges including weak demand and limited supply. Now, halfway through the year, Bitter asserts his predictions are proving accurate. Despite a slower start to the growing season due to a colder spring, a warmer-than-average summer, and decent crop conditions could result in an average-sized, or possibly larger, crop. Early estimations indicate that Napa Valley could produce 10-15% more fruit than last year.

Nonetheless, Bitter suggests the industry should not be overly optimistic, pointing out that an excessive supply could lead to a surplus that the demand and shipment levels cannot support. Such an oversupply could trigger a problem going into the following year. He said, "The thought of having excess inventory is scarier to me than the concept of being short.” Bitter's predictions will continue to be scrutinized as the year progresses and the reality of the 2023 grape yield becomes clear.

READ MORE

IS CALIFORNIA EYEING UP DOMESTIC CORK PRODUCTION?

Rumors suggest California may start its own cork industry, distancing from Portugal, the global cork hub. Wine companies, including E & J Gallo, are reportedly purchasing raw oak, with the lengthy shipping times from Portugal and cork oak forests' fire resistance making a homegrown industry appealing amidst recent wildfires. However, Nuno Silva, from Portuguese closures firm MA Silva, highlights the long-term investment, as cork trees don't yield good money until they are at least 45 years old, with harvesting possible every nine to ten years.

READ MORE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ALBANIAN WINE?

Once marred by years of conflict and an oppressive regime, the Albanian wine industry is experiencing a significant revival and is on the cusp of gaining global attention. In the Mediterranean country renowned as one of the oldest wine-producing nations in the world, local vintners are now investing more in indigenous grape varieties, fueling a quality revolution. This resurgence has seen grape production skyrocket by over 250% between 2000 and 2016, and the country's wines are increasingly being exported, predominantly to other European countries. Experts predict that exports to the United States are expected to rise in the near future. The growth is also attracting tourists, providing a platform for Albania to showcase its rich wine heritage. As industry leaders continue their efforts to promote Albanian wine, they are setting new standards for future generations.

READ MORE

SICILIAN 2023 GRAPE HARVEST CHALLENGED BY EXTREME WEATHER

Sicily's 2023 grape harvest faces significant losses, with extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall followed by intense heat, causing up to a 40% reduction in some producers' crops. However, the expectation for the quality of the remaining grapes remains high. The extreme weather has delayed the commencement of the harvest by roughly 10 days. Although heavy rains led to the outbreak of downy mildew, most vineyards managed to contain the issue, thanks to advanced agronomic techniques. Later, the heatwave that struck Southern Europe last month resulted in fires across Sicily but did not severely damage the vineyards or affect the quality of the grapes. Despite the severe conditions, many viticulturists believe that Sicily, with its heat-resistant grape varieties and high-altitude vineyards, is well-equipped to navigate climate change-induced challenges.

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$600,000 IN STOLEN WINE

In one of the largest wine thefts in California history, an estimated $600,000 worth of high-end wines and spirits were stolen from Lincoln Fine Wines on June 30. The thief accessed the store by cutting a hole in the roof, avoiding setting off the security system. Over the course of 3½ hours, approximately 800 bottles, including rarities retailing for over $1,000, were taken. Among the stolen items was a Nebuchadnezzar of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne. The thief, who worked with at least one accomplice, also stole high-end Scotch and bourbon. The crime was detected when the burglar tripped the shop's motion sensors. Despite disabling some of the shop's cameras, surveillance footage captured most of the heist. Owner Nazmul Haque Helal provided the videos and an inventory of the stolen items to the police.

READ MORE

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: SICILY, ITALY

Sicily, Italy's southernmost wine region, has been a significant center of Mediterranean viniculture for more than 2500 years. With a classic Mediterranean climate of bright sunshine and moderate rainfall, it provides ideal conditions for wine grape production. Modern technologies have reduced the impact of Sicily's volcanic landscape on its cultural structures, but these remain critical for its viticulture and winemaking. Sicily is gaining recognition as one of Italy's most promising and interesting wine regions, thanks to efforts by young, innovative winemakers. Grapes used in Sicilian viticulture include native varieties like Nero d'Avola and Catarratto, and newer imports like Syrah. Sicily's soils, particularly the mineral-rich ones from Mount Etna, play a pivotal role in the region's viticulture. The complexity of Sicilian wines is further enhanced by the various grape varieties permitted in its DOC and IGT designations.

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GRAPE OF THE WEEK: NERO D'AVOLA

Nero d'Avola, named after the town of Avola in Sicily, is the region's most important and widely grown red wine grape. Previously used primarily for blending, it is now produced as a varietal wine due to its robust characteristics, similar to those of Syrah. The grape can yield wines varying from dense and dark aged wines to young, fresh wines, showcasing a flavor palette that ranges from juicy red fruits and plum to chocolate and dark raspberry. Nero d'Avola also has a high tannin profile, medium acidity, and a strong body, offering smoothness when grown at higher elevations with cooler temperatures. As a versatile grape, it is also sometimes used for rosé wines. Some of the most popular Nero d'Avola wines include those by producers like Donnafugata, Planeta, and Tasca d'Almerita.

READ MORE

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

🇮🇹 Italy's Prosecco region, known for its sparkling white wines, grows primarily the Glera grape. Prosecco, unlike Champagne, undergoes its secondary fermentation in large steel tanks, a process known as the Charmat method.

🍇 Pinot Noir, despite being one of the hardest grape varieties to cultivate and transform into wine, is highly prized for its ability to express the terroir where it's grown. This is why Pinot Noir wines can exhibit a wide range of flavors depending on where the grapes are sourced from.

🥂 Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, is often credited with the invention of Champagne, but this is a myth. While he did contribute significantly to improving the production processes, the technique for creating sparkling wine was not fully developed until after his death.

🇳🇿 New Zealand's Marlborough region is internationally recognized for producing distinctive, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc wines. The country's cool maritime climate and diverse terroirs contribute to the wine's unique flavor profile.

🍷 The term "sommelier" derives from the Middle French "saumalier," meaning a court official charged with the transportation of supplies. Today, it refers to a trained and knowledgeable wine professional who specializes in all aspects of wine service, as well as wine and food pairing.

🇪🇸 Sherry, a fortified wine, originates from the town of Jerez in Andalucía, Spain.

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