CALIFORNIA’S 2007 HARVEST HITS 3.2M TONS

The Wine Institute reported that the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s latest wine grape crop forecast in October was 3.2 million tons, up less than 1% from 2006. Overall, the industry seems pleased with the outcome of California’s 2007 wine grape harvest. Here’s a sample of what they had to say:

“The 2007 year is one of the better vintages in recent history,” said Vince Bonotto, Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines vp vineyard operations overseeing vineyards in Napa and Monterey.

Mark Gabrielli, Woodbridge Winery vp/gm in Woodbridge, said, “The good news is that we are extremely pleased with the quality of the 2007 harvest. Berry size was small, smaller than we have seen in more than 10 years, and the fruit developed intense varietal flavors with rich, mouth-filling tannins.”

“The lower wine grape tonnage in 2007 will have a tightening affect on the market,” said Glenn Proctor of Ciatti Co. in San Rafael. “This will bring things back to a more balanced perspective” after the larger than normal 2005 vintage.”

To read more predictions for the 2007 harvest, click here.