201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
May brought an important milestone on the road back to post-COVID normality with the first ProWein fair in three years. While there were – understandably – 17% fewer exhibitors and 38% fewer visitors than in March 2019, it was great to see some old faces in person after so long, as well as meet new ones.
The Southern Hemisphere producers were able to showcase some of their freshly-produced 2022 wines. Chile, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have all been reporting crops near their long-term averages; whilst down from the average, Argentina’s 1.9 million metric tons is of a good size given the country’s large carryover. Whites continue to lead demand, with South Africa’s supply of 2022 Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and premium Sauvignon Blanc already highly limited, Australia and Chile receiving interest on whites that greatly exceeds interest on reds, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc able to command bulk pricing at around NZD6.00/litre (EUR3.60, USD3.80) ex winery.
The red-white split is replayed in the Northern Hemisphere: France is effectively sold out of its 2021 whites and Spanish supply is limited, but both countries possess large supplies of uncontracted standard and entry-level red wine. The slow retail sales that reds – and to some extent rosés – have been experiencing is compounding the logistical delays getting the wines onto retail shelves in the first place, meaning that on some wines in some instances there remains a backlog to load, ship and retail before thoughts can turn to the 2022 vintage. While drought or drought concerns persist in many Northern Hemisphere growing areas, and June brought hailstorms to several areas of France, estimates are mainly for average-sized crops, further dragging back buying activity.
The global supply chain crisis, the shortage of dry goods and spiralling fuel and energy prices were regular topics of discussion at ProWein. Should it continue, annual inflation past 8% in the US, Eurozone and UK is likely to drag back consumer spending in the second half of 2022 and potentially exacerbate the supply chain problem, as workers lobby for pay rises that keep up with inflation. There are signs some buyers are seeking to switch to more local sourcing in order to cut out as much of the supply chain disruption as possible.
This time last year we said: “The Northern Hemisphere autumn will be a litmus test as to whether vaccines have truly broken the cycle [of lockdowns] and so paving the way for the first ‘normal’ year, 2022, since 2019.” A year on, COVID-19 already feels like something of the past in many countries, but the shock it gave global business – subsequently compounded by the outbreak of the Russia Ukraine conflict this February – is still being felt and has ensured that, although pulling clear of the pandemic itself, 2022 is another year far from the old normal.
For businesses, anticipating and projecting the future has not been this challenging for many years. But there’s very little Ciatti, with its decades of experience, has not seen before: don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need help finding and harnessing the latest opportunities. In the meantime, read on for detailed 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 |