201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
Feeds
Ciatti California Market Report, August 2022
Veraison has been proceeding at a relatively rapid, uniform pace across California’s growing areas in the past four weeks, so that the crop is likely to come in earlier than previously expected: The picking schedule looks to be approximately in line with 2021’s. Above-average temperatures are possible through August. Lack of water is a concern, but precipitation – the chances of which are rated normal over the next month – would not be conducive to grape health at this late stage anyway.
Time will tell if the rapid veraison is solely due to conditions, or also an indication of a shorter crop. The latter remains a possible cause, considering we have not experienced the kind of heat levels normally required to bring on veraison so speedily. As last month, degree-day accumulation has been patchy, with Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles on a par with 2021, Mendocino and King City in southern Monterey still behind 2021 numbers, and Lodi and the Central Valley slightly behind. Humidity levels have been high – attributable to what meteorologists have called an “enhanced monsoon flow” – but vine health, in general, appears normal.
Timing in the North Coast is relatively normal now that veraison has sped up: Some grapes for sparkling programs are starting to get picked, also some early Sauvignon Blanc. More widely across the North Coast, early areas and early whites are expected to be underway in the second or third week of August. Shatter levels this year have led to some expectations of a North Coast crop below average in size.
The veraison pace has reversed expectations of a Central Coast picking timetable 2-3 weeks behind even last year’s late one, to a timetable now 2-3 weeks ahead, commencing in the second week of August. Paso Robles and the southern San Joaquin Valley in particular saw some shatter and have been battling dry conditions, with vines and canopies in some areas struggling to look as healthy as they have done up in the northern Central and North Coasts, where some vineyards look healthier than last year. In general, younger plantings appear in better shape than older ones.
The same is true in Lodi, where picking of grapes for sparkling is underway and expected to commence on the still whites in the second week of August: i.e., in line with last year’s timetable. Older-vine Zinfandel experienced shot berries and Cabernet shatter, but vines are now fully developed and grapes colored. The Lodi crop could be average-sized if not larger; the southern Valley, however, is a tougher one to call. Taking all the above into account, we forecast a 2022 crop somewhere in the 3.7-3.9-million-ton range: Below the 4.0-million-ton mark, but up from 2021’s 3.61 million tons. Crush and storage capacity remains plentiful.
The bulk wine and grape markets, meanwhile, have grown very quiet, abnormally so even for what is traditionally a quiet time of year. This month’s report tries to get a handle on what’s going on, and what bulk wine and grape suppliers should be doing in response. The Ciatti team stands ready to draw on its decades of experience to help you navigate a market in flux: Read on for more market information, and don’t hesitate to get in touch.
About
With 8 offices world wide, Ciatti serves our clients with the most up-to-date and accurate market information available. Please contact us with any questions. We are truly at your service.
Greg Livengood
President, Partner and Broker
Greg joined Ciatti in 1994 and became a partner in 1997. Greg has used his degree in International Relations to build Ciatti into the world recognized leader in the alcohol beverage business. Greg is currently the President and CEO of the company and drives the international group.
Email:greg@ciatti.com
Steve Dorfman
Partner and Broker
Steve Dorfman joined Ciatti in 2007 after working with the Brown-Forman Corporation, Fetzer Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and Bolla Wine brands for 24 years. His primary responsibilities are wine and grape sales within California, and the supply demands of markets throughout Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Email:steve@ciatti.com
John Ciatti
John White
Partner and Broker
Ciatti has a long history of seeking to provide clients with a well rounded team of brokers whose experience in the industry cover the breadth of the business. John joined the company in 2003 after working as a Winemaker for several of California's major producers for 20 years. John's emphasis is maintaining relationships with California wineries ranging from the largest to the smallest. John has focused on all aspects of growth within the business, from long-term custom crush contracts to spot bulk wine and grape sales. His speciatly is the sourcing and selling of premium varietal lots from the coastal and interior regions of California.
Email:johnw@ciatti.com
Chris Welch
Partner and Broker
Chris Welch joined Ciatti in 1994, and began brokering bulk wine and grapes in 2003 and became a partner in company in 2007. The premium and super premium segment of the California wine industry are the breeding grounds of innovation and where Chris truly excels. His consistent approach helps small and medium size wineries and negotiants achieve the innovation and growth they seek. Chris also works very closely with the Oregon Wine Industry.
Email:chris@ciatti.com
Glenn Proctor
Partner and Broker
Glenn Proctor joined Ciatti in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. Glenn advises wineries on supply positioning and works closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. He specializes in spot and contract bulk wine and grapes sales from all regions of California. He has over 23 years of experience in wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality improvement, brand strategy, and business development. Glenn was previously the Vice President of Winegrowing for Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines, and before that was a Director at Benziger/Glen Ellen Winery during its rapid growth in the early 1990's.
Email:glenn@ciatti.com
Broker
Johnny Leonardo joined Ciatti in 2004 as a broker and knows that surviving in a dynamic wine industry requires one to be a Jack-of-all-Trades. He has experience in all aspects of winery and vineyard operation, from the field to the street. Johnny has developed and managed vineyards, and worked in wine sales and marketing.
Email:johnny@ciatti.com
Andy Bivona
Broker
Andy joined Ciatti as a broker in 1996. His areas of expertise and responsibility include grape and fruit concentrates, beverage and industrial alcohol, fruit alcohol and brandy, and food specialty products. Andy's knowledge of these products has allowed him to branch out and work throughout various parts of the world including Mexico, South America and Europe. Andy remains a wealth of knowledge and offers a creative approach to all endeavors.
Email:abivona@hvc.rr.com
Todd Azevedo
Broker
Todd Azevedo joined Ciatti in 2004 after completing his Agricultural Finance degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Although Todd brokers wine, grapes, and wine products throughout the state of California, Todd's focus is on the California Central Coast.
Email:todd@ciatti.com
Mark Ishimaru
Customer Account Representative - North America
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Email: mark@ciatti.com
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Administrative/Accounting Assistant
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Email:alette@ciatti.com
Michael FungCustomer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
Contact
Contact List
| Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partner/Broker | John Ciatti | john@ciatti.com | 4152640762 | |
| Partner/Broker | Steve Dorfman | steve@ciatti.com | 7073213843 | |
| Partner/Broker | Greg Livengood | greg@ciatti.com | 4154975032 | |
| Partner/Broker | Glenn Proctor | glenn@ciatti.com | 7073370609 | |
| Partner/Broker | Chris Welch | chris@ciatti.com | 4152988316 | |
| Partner/Broker | John White | johnw@ciatti.com | 4152500685 | |
| Broker | Todd Azevedo | todd@ciatti.com | 4152656943 | |
| Broker | Johnny Leonardo | johnny@ciatti.com | 4157174438 | |
| Broker | Dennis Schrapp | dennis@ciatticanada.com | 9059338855 |
Location List
| Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |
List of Locations
Profile Picture