BULK WINE IMPORTS THREATENING DOMESTIC GROWERS
Some California winegrape growers are expressing concern that a considerable portion of wineries are blending foreign wine with California grapes, and then selling them under an “American” appellation label. If their fears prove true, than California grape growers run the risk of being replaced by foreign competitors – especially since the foreign source of the wine usually remains unidentified.
According to Rich Cartiere’s Wine Market Report, wines labeled with an American appellation can contain up to 25% of wine from another state or country while still maintaining the appellation label.
Many critics claim the practice isn’t near as widespread as growers fear, and that it may actually be a good thing for the California grape industry. In their opinion, at least wine companies are opting to use some or most of California and/or American winegrapes rather than none at all.
As you can imagine, Australia is currently the leading source of imported bulk wine and accounts for 58% of total bulk wine shipments from overseas.
Lets face it. Not only are bulk imports cheap, but they allow domestic wineries to do things they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do before. Domestic wineries often use bulk after moving their foreign brands to local bottling operations, while continuing to use a foreign appellation on the label. Importing bulk wine also allows wineries to include rarer varietals, such as Riesling or Pinot Noir, to their line.
According to Rich Cartiere’s Wine Market Report, wines labeled with an American appellation can contain up to 25% of wine from another state or country while still maintaining the appellation label.
Many critics claim the practice isn’t near as widespread as growers fear, and that it may actually be a good thing for the California grape industry. In their opinion, at least wine companies are opting to use some or most of California and/or American winegrapes rather than none at all.
As you can imagine, Australia is currently the leading source of imported bulk wine and accounts for 58% of total bulk wine shipments from overseas.
Lets face it. Not only are bulk imports cheap, but they allow domestic wineries to do things they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do before. Domestic wineries often use bulk after moving their foreign brands to local bottling operations, while continuing to use a foreign appellation on the label. Importing bulk wine also allows wineries to include rarer varietals, such as Riesling or Pinot Noir, to their line.
posted at 2:09 PM
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