201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
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Ciatti California Market Report, December 2023
California’s 2023 crush finally concluded in late November after a cooler, wetter than normal growing season that prolonged ripening. In general, the volume and quality of the white and early red grapes appear to have benefitted from the extended hangtime; the later-season reds still managed to ripen in time, but potentially sized-up to a lesser extent. A significant number of rejections occurred due to high fungus pressure and rot, and some uncontracted grapes went unpicked amid a slow sales year, certainly curtailing the volume that crossed the scales: Our final guesstimate before the CDFA’s preliminary grape crush report in February remains in line with last month’s 3.5-3.6 million tons, but the extent of sizing in September surprised many, and the crush size could possibly have nudged above that estimate.
The feeling in the North Coast is that the crush returned to a more ‘normal’ level after the short years of 2022 and 2021, and the wildfire-hit year of 2020. Rejections occurred, and some grapes were left unpicked, but not to the same extent as in the Interior. Chardonnay sized-up most, followed by other whites, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, while some sizing on Cabernet appeared to offset the impact of spring shatter on that varietal. The Central Coast picture was similar: A larger crop than last year is expected, especially in Monterey and Santa Barbara. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir seemed to size most; Cabernet and Petite Sirah enjoyed less hangtime and sized less.
Grape rejections were common in the southern Interior, growing fewer further northward. Thinning to avoid rot, and uncontracted grapes going unpicked, also took a toll on crush size. Whites started to get picked to a normal timetable, but areas experiencing higher yields took time to become ready; some Chardonnay was still on the vine when Cabernet was starting to get picked, and sized up. Overages on a range of varieties became available and there was some early movement on Sauvignon Blanc and – to a lesser extent – Chardonnay; this activity dried-up when the extent of the crop sizing became clearer.
Qualitatively, at this stage, the 2023 vintage generally seems a very good one, with chemistries and sugar levels benefiting from the prolonged hangtimes and the mild growing season lacking weather extremes. In addition, quality standards on grape contracts were strictly enforced. Ultimately, a high-quality vintage is good news for the end consumer, and attempts, in 2024 and beyond, to both retain them and boost their numbers.
Opportunities currently exist on the bulk market, for buyer and seller alike. Lower pricing on excellent-quality wines frees up the industry to innovate with new brands and products – some of which we are already starting to see emerge – that hopefully engage new consumers and younger demographics. Meanwhile, suppliers working to become more flexible in building and maintaining partnerships with buyers are laying the groundwork for their greater future resilience. The old proverb’s probably true: “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
Read on for a detailed assessment of the marketplace as it currently stands and – for the most up-to-the-minute information – get in touch with Ciatti directly, the broker team stands ready to help guide buyers and sellers through this challenging time. All would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!
About
With 8 offices world wide, Ciatti serves our clients with the most up-to-date and accurate market information available. Please contact us with any questions. We are truly at your service.
Greg Livengood
President, Partner and Broker
Greg joined Ciatti in 1994 and became a partner in 1997. Greg has used his degree in International Relations to build Ciatti into the world recognized leader in the alcohol beverage business. Greg is currently the President and CEO of the company and drives the international group.
Email:greg@ciatti.com
Steve Dorfman
Partner and Broker
Steve Dorfman joined Ciatti in 2007 after working with the Brown-Forman Corporation, Fetzer Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and Bolla Wine brands for 24 years. His primary responsibilities are wine and grape sales within California, and the supply demands of markets throughout Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Email:steve@ciatti.com
John Ciatti
John White
Partner and Broker
Ciatti has a long history of seeking to provide clients with a well rounded team of brokers whose experience in the industry cover the breadth of the business. John joined the company in 2003 after working as a Winemaker for several of California's major producers for 20 years. John's emphasis is maintaining relationships with California wineries ranging from the largest to the smallest. John has focused on all aspects of growth within the business, from long-term custom crush contracts to spot bulk wine and grape sales. His speciatly is the sourcing and selling of premium varietal lots from the coastal and interior regions of California.
Email:johnw@ciatti.com
Chris Welch
Partner and Broker
Chris Welch joined Ciatti in 1994, and began brokering bulk wine and grapes in 2003 and became a partner in company in 2007. The premium and super premium segment of the California wine industry are the breeding grounds of innovation and where Chris truly excels. His consistent approach helps small and medium size wineries and negotiants achieve the innovation and growth they seek. Chris also works very closely with the Oregon Wine Industry.
Email:chris@ciatti.com
Glenn Proctor
Partner and Broker
Glenn Proctor joined Ciatti in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. Glenn advises wineries on supply positioning and works closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. He specializes in spot and contract bulk wine and grapes sales from all regions of California. He has over 23 years of experience in wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality improvement, brand strategy, and business development. Glenn was previously the Vice President of Winegrowing for Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines, and before that was a Director at Benziger/Glen Ellen Winery during its rapid growth in the early 1990's.
Email:glenn@ciatti.com
Broker
Johnny Leonardo joined Ciatti in 2004 as a broker and knows that surviving in a dynamic wine industry requires one to be a Jack-of-all-Trades. He has experience in all aspects of winery and vineyard operation, from the field to the street. Johnny has developed and managed vineyards, and worked in wine sales and marketing.
Email:johnny@ciatti.com
Andy Bivona
Broker
Andy joined Ciatti as a broker in 1996. His areas of expertise and responsibility include grape and fruit concentrates, beverage and industrial alcohol, fruit alcohol and brandy, and food specialty products. Andy's knowledge of these products has allowed him to branch out and work throughout various parts of the world including Mexico, South America and Europe. Andy remains a wealth of knowledge and offers a creative approach to all endeavors.
Email:abivona@hvc.rr.com
Todd Azevedo
Broker
Todd Azevedo joined Ciatti in 2004 after completing his Agricultural Finance degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Although Todd brokers wine, grapes, and wine products throughout the state of California, Todd's focus is on the California Central Coast.
Email:todd@ciatti.com
Mark Ishimaru
Customer Account Representative - North America
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Email: mark@ciatti.com
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Administrative/Accounting Assistant
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Email:alette@ciatti.com
Michael FungCustomer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
Contact
Contact List
| Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner/Broker | John Ciatti | john@ciatti.com | 4152640762 | |
| Partner/Broker | Steve Dorfman | steve@ciatti.com | 7073213843 | |
| Partner/Broker | Greg Livengood | greg@ciatti.com | 4154975032 | |
| Partner/Broker | Glenn Proctor | glenn@ciatti.com | 7073370609 | |
| Partner/Broker | Chris Welch | chris@ciatti.com | 4152988316 | |
| Partner/Broker | John White | johnw@ciatti.com | 4152500685 | |
| Broker | Todd Azevedo | todd@ciatti.com | 4152656943 | |
| Broker | Johnny Leonardo | johnny@ciatti.com | 4157174438 | |
| Broker | Dennis Schrapp | dennis@ciatticanada.com | 9059338855 |
Location List
| Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |
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