Book Description

“So You Think You Know California Wines?” is designed to simplify your understanding by identifying growing trends, grape descriptions and the history of California wine production. The edition profiles the 27 top wine grapes and principal growing regions. The 81-page edition is idea for wine collectors, winemakers and anyone who appreciates a world class California vintage. The following are just fourteen from hundreds of little known facts about California wines and the 2015 grape harvest. 1. Of California’s 3.7 million tons of wine grapes harvested in 2015, the Central Valley growing region raised 73% and 70% of the white wine grapes. California grows 17% more red wine grapes than white. In 1976, the red grape ratio was two to one over whites. 2. The Napa Valley accounted for only 4.5% of the red wine grapes and 2% of the white. The Sonoma/Marin region accounted for 5% of the red and 4.7% of the white wine grapes. 3. The average value of Napa red wine grapes is over 10 1/2 times and for white grapes, 6 1/2 times more than the Central Valley. Sonoma/Marin’s regional red grapes are valued over 6 1/2 times and for white grapes, 5 1/2 times more. 4. The California drought had a negligible effect on the Central Valley’s 2015 grape yields, as production nearly equaled their 2014 figures. 5.Wine grape production yields declined dramatically in the Napa Valley (-29.4%), Sonoma/Marin (-28.8%). Central Coast (-28.8%) and Monterey Valley regions (-37.8%). 6.. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most lucratively priced wine grape in California and the second most cultivated. Napa Valley grape growers concentrated 59% of their red grape production into Cabernet Sauvignon. Its value is 14 times the Central Valley equivalent. Yields declined 23-37% in the premium wine regions. 7. During the 1976 harvest, Chardonnay represented less than 2% of California’s white wine grape production. In the 2015 harvest, Chardonnay was the state’s largest grown grape accounting for 38% of the white wine grapes and over 16% of the overall harvest production. 2105 yields were down 25-32% throughout premium wine regions. 8. Juice Valuation is the elemental cost of grape juice contained in a bottle of wine excluding any related post-harvest production expenses, financing costs, marketing expenses and/or retail mark-up. The 2015 juice price on a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was $8.42, Zinfandel ($4.71), Merlot ($4.35), Pinot Noir ($3.76) and Chardonnay ($3.60). Within the Central Valley region, the comparable juice prices average between 40 and 75 cents per bottle. 9. During the 2015 harvest, the wine grapes that experienced the greatest production increase from 2014 included Symphony, Barbera, Rubired, Pinot Gris, Muscat of Alexandria, Burger and Petite Sirah. 10. During the 2015 harvest, the wine grapes that experienced the greatest production decrease from 2014 included Muscat Blanc, Triplett Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Grenache, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. 11. Real Estate property values are the number one price determinant in the valuation of a grape’s price. Elevated land values in Napa and Sonoma County directly reflect the significantly appreciated grape values. 12. Two of over thirty hybrid grapes introduced by University of California, Davis viticulturist Dr. Harold Olmo account for 17% of the overall red wine grape production. 13. During the 1976 harvest, six of the most popular California grapes were Carignan, Grenache, Barbera, Ruby Cabernet, French Colombard and Chenin Blanc. Today only Rubired and French Colombard ranks in the top ten and both are used for blending or bulk wines. 14. Production statistics become significant because planting decisions cannot be immediately adjusted. Grapevines require three years after planting before yielding fruit and have an average lifespan of 27 years. Many vines are replaced afterwards due to declining production yields and financial depreciation considerations.