Global wine production took a serious hit in 2017. I just wrapped my commentary on The Weather Channel. Our topic was about the historical drop in wine production. Literally down 8.6% globally as reported by the OIV (International Organisation of Vine & Wine). This is the lowest of the low in 60 years. Europe overall is down 15%. Surprisingly this did not drastically affect the California wine production. The wildfires in Northern California had little effect on wine production and Napa Valley is back to normal. US production is down just 1%.
Looking at global wine production overall, Italy is the leading producer of wine in the world. France a strong second, followed by Spain. The bulk wine producers (who also supply some of the French budget wine) were particularly hard hit. Overall Spain’s production is down 20%, France 19% and Italy down 17%. I was in El Bierzo, Spain, Bardolino, Italy and Provence, France last year and witnessed personally some of the impacts which were heartbreaking. This due in part to bad weather conditions, including late winter frost, and hail storms.
Australia maintained their foothold and South America has recovered from the devastating 2016 El Nino impact. South Africa held their own in spite of their long drought conditions.
What does this mean to you? There will be some price increases. Particularly hard hit will be the budget wines, $10/bottle and below. Regardless of where you are, we are all likely to feel some personal impact due to the decrease in global wine production. For the budget wines, the impact will be felt sooner versus later. On wine that age, say, like a Bordeaux, it may be a few years before we experience the full extent of the impact in the pocketbook. It’s going to truly be an interesting vintage.
Source: OIV.com
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
I have a distinct weakness for outstanding Rosé Champagne.
The introduction to this beauty was worth every penny. Every sip. Every moment.
I drank. Yes drank. Not sipped, not tasted, drank in the ethereal elements of this mesmerizing Champagne. Made from 100% Meunier (50% of reserve wine), the Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut took my breathe away. It comes from Vallée de la Marne, in Chavot where the soils are predominately clay.
A luminous example of depth, rich taste and pointed effort. The result is magnificent. There is so much going on in this glass! Voluptuous berries, understated citrus, a bit of mint and minerality. The mousse is elegant and mouthwatering.
The perfect pairing? Duck fat fries.
The vines are approximately 30 years old. Made from 100% Pinot Meunier with 30% maceration, 10% red wine, 60% of reserved wine aged in barrel. Hand picked and fermented in vats, foudres with partial Malolactic, aging on fine lees.
Seven generations have tilled this soil and worked this land. The quest? For the perfect alchemy. It was visionary Jean-Baptiste Lahore who established the estate in the village of Chavost. Later this village would be called Chavot.
Over the years more land was acquired and today two generations are working together to create soulful wine. The latest generation is led by Aurélien Laherte.
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine
Ready to cruise unchartered waters? The gods have graced Napa Valley with a worldclass Tiki bar. Here on the roof top deck checking out the views.
There are so many surprises inside. Coming to you the end of October! Get ready for some wicked good fun.
For you Mai Tai connoisseurs, these drinks are legend. The food promises to be compelling. I’m all in. Join me!
#TheWineSiren #NapaValley #KellyMitchell
Savoring every ounce of Porto & Gaia.
These captivating towns! This area is where savvy Europeans chill during holiday. It’s relaxed pace, good natured locals and delicious food and wine grace this region . Their beauty is remarkable. It’s history rich.
This day I ran first to the sea. Yet in the wrong direction. So I never made it there. But I discovered new things. Relived past visits and learned from those I spoke to.
The charm here will draw you in. Hold your heart captive.
Don’t look for crowded streets in the mornings.Life begins in the afternoon here. And then it knows no bounds.
A wedding. An hourly trolly. Buildings that have seen more history than we will ever know.
Dinner. A perfectly cooked tentacle of octopus, beyond generous in portion. Paired with a delectable #Alvarinho. An accommodating chef, and attentive service.
This was a day I’ll remember always.
Do you have a destination that you treasure?
Food by @restaurantebacalhoeiro
Wine by #quintadecidro
Vibe by #Portugal
When jet lag hits Porto and collides with a dirty Grey Goose tini up with Nicoise olive and a twist.
Good night.
Self Portrait: Finally changed my profile pic. Removed the one of me at the Eiffel Tower taken on March 12th just before the borders closed in France and the US.
I think the time after the old pic was taken has truly been a time of self reflection.
Each and everyone of us has been through such a crazy year and a half.
I'm grateful for this time since it's given me time to appreciate and spend more time with my family first. And to focus on the friends who truly are part of my life in ways that matter.
It gave me the opportunity to get in the best shape if my life and focus on the things that really matter in this life.
I hope your journey too has been productive, meaningful and takes you where you want to go.
Wishing you a fabulous weekend in moderation, healthy food and great exercise!
To whatever is in your glass! May it be the most delicious sip ever.
Peace✌️And have a fantastic weekend with your loves.
Melka Estates
Precision is the name of the game. And you’ll certainly find the art of it at Melka.
A venture with two incredibly talented and diverse individuals, husband and wife team, Phillipe and Cherie Melka have created an enviable venture at the top of St. Helena’s Silverado Trail.
Precision’s opportunity presents itself in many venues of winemaking and the one wine creators agree upon is what happens in the vineyard is paramount to creating powerful and diverse taste in the glass.
To capitalize on this during harvest, the Melka’s make not one or two passes in the vineyard but several. To capture the spirit of vibrancy, the depth of flavor, the uniqueness of terroir.
It is a tasting that takes every sense and envelopes it completely. The heights of which taste continually excels the more in-depth one gets into the wine. It brings emotion to the forefront. Part of why I got involved in wine in the first place. Those taste that change one’s perception forever. That open the door to possibility and never let it go.
In the wine space it is not difficult to get jaded on occasion my the dearth of decent wine on the market today. There is not shortage of overpriced above average wine.
Here, the senses are in tune with what nature presents, while taking it a step beyond. The memories of this tasting will long be with me. It gave new life to my interest in wine. It gave meaning and dimension to the thought of truly exceptional wine.
This is a start of the story on the Melka’s and what they are doing for their family brand. Can't wait to delve in deeper!
Pictured: The bottle that brought happy tears to my eyes. 2017 Metisse Martinez Vineyards 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Cabernet Franc 10% Petit Verdot
Great time tasting with dear friend @vinifera_collection. Thanks for capturing the puppy pic!
#TheWineSiren
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2 Responses
It was fantastic to see you on The Weather Channel, Kelly. Great commentary! It will definitely be interesting to see how reduction in yields impacts pricing in different price levels.
Thanks so much Ryan. It was far too early for me. Probably more reasonable time for you. It’s definitely going to be interesting in Europe. Thankfully California production was only down 1%. Amazing especially because of the fires.