201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
The Southern Hemisphere harvests have wound down and their sizes seem variable: while Argentina’s and South Africa’s appear to have come in close to their downwardly-adjusted averages, Chile’s is estimated to be approximately 25% short; the crop sizes in Australia and New Zealand remain harder to quantify, with some grapes – mainly reds in the former, whites in the latter – unpicked to assist in balancing supply.
It is mid-spring in the Northern Hemisphere, meanwhile, and despite some inclement weather across Europe through March, the vineyards of France, Italy and Spain appear in good condition. March was also wet in much of California, which has now experienced three consecutive winters of average or above-average snowpack for the first time since 1998-2000. It likely that the grape market more than conditions will dictate the 2025 harvest size in California, judging by the number of vineyards across the state yet to be pruned.
The bulk markets of the world have largely been slow and steady, as buyers assess 2025 wine availability in the Southern Hemisphere and sample, and keep one eye on the frost risk in the Northern Hemisphere. Hesitancy also pervades the market, globally-speaking, given wine’s continuing sales struggles in key markets; first-quarter retail sales were disappointing for many. The prospect of tariff wars – and resulting economic turbulence – has been an additional drag on confidence since the turn of the year, and sure enough April brought a number of tariff and counter-tariff pronouncements that shocked world markets.
Turning down the tariff noise and dialling up the facts, the headline is: all wines from all major wine-producing countries now face a 10% import tariff on entering the US market, regardless of any pre-existing Free Trade Agreements. It is a level playing field of sorts, unless the higher tariffs initially threatened on EU and South African imports come into effect after their three-month suspension. There will doubtless be further alterations to this regime. For now, see this month’s Tariff Update for a summary of where things stand.
Amid the noise, business carries on. The projected harvest shortfall in Chile, coming on top of limited carryover, has stimulated a big upswing in buyer enquiries, sample requests, and transactions. In general, Chile’s pricing is higher than it was 12 months ago. Another area of – albeit less dramatic – activity is on southern French Vin de France wines, in reaction to high pricing on Spain’s entrylevel wines. All markets are united this month in observing a rise in enquiries into low and no-alcohol wines. As the France page reports: “These wines have certainly built up the most concerted buyer interest of any of the market innovations of recent times, such as orange wines, natural wines or light reds.”
Low/no-alcohol wines, plus the buying opportunities that currently exist on a host of bulk wines, can help programmes target the increasingly health and price-discerning consumer: Pricing on Argentina’s Malbec and generic white, and New Zealand’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, continue to soften; volumes of southern French IGP wines are being offered at VDF pricing; South Africa has 2025 Cinsault rosé produced on speculation; California’s Coastal bulk wines have softened in price and now represent an eye-catching price-quality opportunity for mid-tier programmes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ciatti team for the latest opportunities; in the meantime, read on for updates from each market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Customer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
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 |
Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |