NEW ZEALAND: NO GLUT HERE

Although Australia is going through a grape glut, New Zealand is doing just fine according to industry insiders. Yields are slightly down on average but the total volume is expected to be a record 165,000 to 185,000 tonnes thanks to new planting and ideal weather. Last year produced 142,000 tonnes while 2004 generated 165,000. Philip Gregan, chief of New Zealand Winegrowers, reported that 22,000 hectares of grapes were planted this year, up from 1000 ha the previous year. There will be a shortage of some grape varieties, he said, especially sauvignon blanc. “There may be a glut in Australia but there is not one here,” said Philip to a local newspaper. “We still think there will be continuing shortages of New Zealand wine.”