🌟 The Next Big Thing in Wine

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Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week. In this week’s DECORKED digest, you will read all about the mid-year DTC reports, red wine and brain health, Eastern European wines, harvest highlights, sustainability, and much more. Keep reading!

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2024 DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER WINE SHIPPING MID-YEAR REPORT

The 2024 Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Wine Shipping Mid-Year Report shows a significant decline in the U.S. wine shipping market, with shipment volume down 11% and value down 5% in the January-June period, totaling 3.1 million cases and $1.8 billion. Despite this, the average bottle price increased by 6% to $48.96. All regions saw losses, especially the Central Coast, though some small-volume states and very small wineries reported gains. The report suggests these trends reflect a mature DtC sector facing broader market challenges rather than a shift in consumer behavior, emphasizing the need to monitor regional opportunities.

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BIOHACKER SAYS RED WINE HELPS BRAIN HEALTH

While red wine's polyphenols are known for heart health benefits, their positive effects on the brain are less publicized. Author Melanie Avalon highlights that these polyphenols may enhance neuroplasticity and reduce harmful protein accumulation linked to Alzheimer's and dementia. However, she and physician Dr. Azza Halim highlight the importance of moderation, recommending organic and biodynamic wines from cooler climates to maximize benefits. Avalon suggests opting for varieties like Gamay or Cabernet Franc, which are lower in alcohol and sugar, despite higher alcohol wines like Syrah containing more heart-healthy resveratrol.

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IS CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE THE NEXT BIG THING IN WINE?

Importing wine into the UK has become increasingly complex post-Brexit, but Hungarian wine marketeer Zsuzsa Toronyi and British Master of Wine Caroline Gilby organized the Ultimate CEE Wine Fair in London, showcasing over 500 wines from 15 central and eastern European countries. The event highlighted the diverse and authentic wine varieties from these regions, with standout wines from Croatia, Cyprus, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Notable mentions include Croatia's sophisticated Malvazija Istarska and Teran, Cyprus's refined wines from local grapes, and the unique offerings from Ukraine and Romania. The tasting emphasized the potential of these regions as the next big trend in wine.

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SOUTH AFRICAN WINE PRODUCER DRONE-DROPS WASPS ON VINEYARD

South Africa's Vergelegen Wine Estate has partnered with SkyBugs and agritech company Aerobotics to combat mealybugs, which cause grapevine leafroll virus, by using drones to release indigenous wasp pupae over its vineyards. Approximately 500 wasps are dropped per flight, where they later grow to parasitize and destroy the mealybugs, offering a faster, cheaper alternative to pesticides. Vergelegen, with a history dating back to 1700 and owned by Anglo American since 1987, aims to protect its heritage vines, which include varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, using this innovative, eco-friendly method.

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HARVEST HIGHLIGHTS OF YEARS GONE BY

Last year saw the lowest global wine harvest since 1961 due to extreme weather events, with France and Spain particularly hard-hit. Early summer rains and mildew in France, coupled with drought in Spain, caused significant drops in production. Despite these challenges, some regions are expected to see better yields this year, such as Montsant in Spain, while in California, economic issues like oversupply and falling sales have left many growers without buyers for their grapes. Amid these difficulties, wines from successful recent vintages, like Domaine Taluau-Foltzenlogel's 2022 Cabernet Franc and Bonny Doon's Cigare Volant, offer excellent value.

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SUSTAINABILITY: HOW GREEN IS YOUR WINE?

While reducing global greenhouse gas emissions requires large-scale governmental action, individual choices, such as the wine we drink, also play a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. The wine industry, including producers and consumers, can contribute to sustainability by adopting practices that reduce environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil health. Initiatives like using lightweight bottles, efficient water management, and supporting social sustainability efforts are already making a difference.

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BELGIUM’S RISING WINE INDUSTRY: EUROPE’S HIDDEN GEM?

Belgium, renowned for its beer, has seen its wine industry flourish despite a challenging climate. This shift began when the Schorpion brothers in Haspengouw started making wine out of necessity, and they are now celebrated for their sparkling wines. Over the past two decades, Belgian wine production has surged nearly 1,500%, with a record 3.4 million liters produced last year. Though still modest compared to major wine regions, Belgian wines are gaining acclaim, especially in the sparkling category, and the country's wine tourism is on the rise. Belgium is emerging as a promising wine region with growing recognition and potential.

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WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: COMMANDARIA, CYPRUS

Commandaria is a distinctive amber-colored dessert wine produced exclusively in a specific region of Cyprus, comprising 14 villages in the Troodos foothills. Recognized by the EU in 1993 as a protected designation of origin, Commandaria differs from port in its color, deepening with age, and is sometimes made using a solera-style aging process similar to sherry. The wine is crafted from both red Mavro and white Xynisteri grapes, maintaining traditional Cypriot winemaking practices.

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GRAPE OF THE WEEK: MAVRO

Mavro is a dark-skinned Cypriot grape variety primarily used in the distinctive dessert wine Commandaria. The name "Mavro," meaning "black" in Greek, is shared with other grape varieties, such as Mavrodaphne and Xinomavro. Although Mavro is the dominant grape in Cyprus and survived the 19th-century phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards, it produces unremarkable varietal wines on its own. Its potential is best realized through the complex winemaking techniques involved in crafting Commandaria.

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