California Association of Winegrape Growers’ Post

At Pridham Viticulture, we understand the importance of vineyard health. That's why we're excited to share our latest blog post on vineyard fungicide spraying 🚜 Click the link below to dive into our insight on the 2023 season so far, and the impact it's had on our vines 🌿 ⬇ https://lnkd.in/gHWZkX2P

Microbes are essential to maintaining biodiversity and sustainable viticulture practices. Thanks to the panelists for sharing your ideas for how the wine industry can adapt to our changing climate.

Merger and acquisition activity in the global wine industry has been on fire in 2023.

Maximizing resource efficiency is a key factor that #SWOCertified wineries must taken into account. Maintaining both a winery and vineyard requires a lot of energy, which is why many SWO Certified wineries are designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Read here on the evolution of the Carneros region over the last 40 years through the eyes of president and winemaker of Bouchaine Vineyards Chris Kajani. #carneros #pinotnoir #chardonnay #terroir #winetasting

ELEVATE - HIGH VALLEY - AMERICAN VITICULTURE AREA The vineyards of High Valley tend to yield lighter than average crops, and thus produce a red wine of higher intensity. Lower yields and better quality wines from shallow, well-drained hillsides, and cooler well-drained gravelly loams increases the average Lake County price for a particular red grape varietal in the AVA by as much as 30% or more. Many large and small wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma North look to grapes from the High Valley area to improve their North Coast blends even over grape sources in their own appellation. It has also been evidenced, in regards to climate, topography, and soils, how the AVA can be similar in ways to more distant recognized appellations within the North Coast growing regions such as Napa or Sonoma counties. The cooler climate, the volcanic soils, and Franciscan alluvial fans all of which contribute to creating a mountainous grape growing area the likes not experienced in most other notable viticultural areas.

Where in the world are the oldest vineyards? Hint, not in Europe 🤔. And why are the wines from old vines good? Check out the short video in the link below with all the answers. Cheers!

An intriguing aspect of the global wine landscape is the historical intertwining of viticulture with civilization. Did you know that the earliest evidence of grape cultivation for winemaking dates back over 6000 years? Archaeological finds in regions like Georgia, Iran, and Armenia illustrate that wine appreciation has ancient roots, predating even the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. This rich tapestry of wine's history extends across continents, with European traditions setting the stage for innovative practices in the New World. While traditional regions such as Burgundy and Tuscany remain benchmarks of quality, emerging territories in South America, Australia, and South Africa showcase the diverse styles that modern winemaking has to offer. Understanding the distinct terroir and climate of these regions has become essential for consumers who seek authentic expressions in their wine selections. As we consider the evolution of viticulture, it’s clear that globalization, technological advancements, and sustainability practices are shaping the future of wine-making. What are your thoughts on how historical roots influence modern wine trends? Have any regions or styles captured your attention recently? https://lnkd.in/eMwy8C4m

Spent the morning in Priorat with Antoni Sánchez-Ortiz, PhD about viticulture in this rough, raw, and naturally pristine appellation in Catalunya whereby, depending upon the exposure and aspect both Garnacha (Garnatxa) and Cariñena (Carinyena), thrive producing extremely concentrated,  lifted, alcoholic and tannic wines. The video show how the local llicorella (foliated, crumbly metamorphic rock) can be fractured vertically which allows among other things, root penetration through the cracks as well as rainfall to penetrate deep into the soil. The llicorella soils, mostly concentrated in Priorat (but less so in the surrounding Monsant appellation), also retain heat and Toni has measured temperatures up to 70 ºC (158 F) in the surface of these rocks. This is the Mas Vell plot of Perinet Winery in Poboleda. Mas Vell is south facing and a tad more continental than Porrera, ideal for the isohydric (i.e., able to maintain constant water potential through timely stomatal closure), Garnacha (Carinyena needs more water and thrives in the relatively more maritime and mediterrean Porrera). Priorat, at large, is a true example on how soil (in certain instances), both defines and allows viticulture through the interplay between soil, environment, and variety. Antoni Sánchez-Ortiz, PhD

CALADOC: MORE THAN A GRAPE Sustainability is one of Bijou’s guiding principles. This is why Caladoc has been a cornerstone of our vineyard practices since 2019.   Caladoc is a grape variety created in 1958 in Languedoc by the crossing of Grenache and Malbec. But what sets Caladoc apart?   Caladoc is more than just a grape – it is a solution to tackling unpredictable weather patterns. This sustainable grape has an exceptional resistance to intense heat and drought, making Caladoc the perfect choice for adapting viticulture to a changing climate.   At Bijou we believe that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand. Caladoc’s ability to maintain its fruity and spicy aromas, even in challenging conditions, reinforces our belief. An example? Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé, a wine that was awarded a gold medal at the Global Rosé Masters in 2023, is made from a blend including Caladoc. The grape contributes to delightful wild strawberry aromas that enhance the wine’s depth and character.   Come visit us at Prowein Dusseldorf HALL 10, F18 (10th – 12th March 2024) to experience firsthand why we chose Caladoc and why we will continue to do so.   #BijouWines #Caladoc #SustainableGrapes #QualityWines #Languedoc #rosewine #LeBijoudeSophieValrose