Wine Review: 2023 The Grange [Farmer’s Series] County Pinot Noir, and the 2023 Estate Series [Diana Block] Pinot Noir

2023 Farmer’s Series County Pinot Noir
VQA Prince Edward County

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Peppery, with full berry aromas, hints of spice and vanilla, along with an earthy undertone.
Palate: Vibrant and fresh, juicy acidity with light tannins.
Score: 87

This robust, terroir-driven County Pinot is part of The Grange’s Farmer’s Series, which celebrates the friendships with other farmers, growers, and vineyards across Ontario.

Other Details:
Alc./vol.: 12.0%
Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
Harvest Date: October 2023
Aging: 10 Months in French Oak (33% new barrel)

 

2023 Estate Series Diana Block Pinot Noir
VQA Prince Edward County

Tasting Notes:

Made with estate grapes from the Diana block, this elegant Pinot Noir displays a complex nose of cherry, strawberry, savoury beet, and earthy leaves, with a light, silky palate, chalky tannin and nice length and well-balanced.
Score: 88

 Other Details:
Alc./vol.: 12.5%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Estate Vineyards: Diana Block
Harvest Date: October 2023

The Estate Series wines are crafted from grapes from multiple blocks across the property. The estate vineyard spans 100+ acres of diverse, natural lands. The five vineyard blocks cover varied soils, ecology, and weather, offering unique terroir influences on the wines’ character and complexity.

For further details:  https://www.grangewinery.com

Exploring Switzerland’s Most Unique Vineyard Stays

As the harvest season approaches, Switzerland’s Grape Escapes program uncorks a selection of over sixty exceptional and unique accommodations. These range from boutique châteaux to rustic vigneron cottages, and from avant-garde “birdboxes” to transparent “bubble” retreats – all offering an all-inclusive oenophile’s paradise. The common thread? Each stay is deeply rooted in viticulture and terroir.

This initiative, a collaborative effort between Swiss Wine Promotion and Switzerland Tourism, invites connoisseurs to immerse themselves in Swiss wine culture through curated experiences set against a backdrop of stunning viticultural landscapes. Each accommodation is strategically positioned either amidst the vines or offering panoramic views of the vineyards.

From historic vineyard domaines like La Capite in the Lavaux AOC of Vaud, to innovative lodgings such as the oak barrel suite at Chalet Diognysos or the transparent Bubble Hotel in the emerging Thurgau wine region, to a modernist Birdbox nestled in the steep slopes of Ticino, each destination promises not just repose, but a deep dive into the world of Swiss wines.

Here are six one-of-a-kind places to sleep among Swiss vineyards:

La Capite – Cully, Vaud: The small vineyard cottage La Capite in Cully used to serve winegrowers as a place to relax after hard work. Nowadays, during the late summer months, this charming cottage amidst the Lavaux vineyards in the Vaud region can be rented for overnight stays. There is no running water, electricity or heating – as these amenities are available in the nearby family home, which is just a few steps away. Inside La Capite, guests will find antique furniture, creaky wooden floors, and unbeatable views of Lake Geneva.

Chalet Diognysos – Crans-Montana – Valais: Spending the night in a wooden barrel might not be for everyone, but those who can handle being surrounded by thick oak planks should try an overnight stay in “Le Coup de Foudre” barrel at Chalet Diognysos – a wine barrel – at Chalet Diognysos. In winter, the barrel serves as a fondue and raclette room, while in summer it is transformed into a cozy room with a double bed and romantic lighting. It is located in the vineyards of Diogne, below Crans Montana, and offers a magnificent view of the Valais Alps, which is best enjoyed over a homemade breakfast on the panoramic terrace.

Birdbox Curzútt – Monte Carasso, Ticino: The Birdbox Curzútt is not a small birdhouse but a stylish, fully equipped accommodation that invites visitors to snooze in seclusion. The Birdbox is located above Bellinzona and is best reached by cable car. It has large windows with views of St. Barnard’s Church, the surrounding vineyards, and nature. A furnished terrace invites guests to enjoy a romantic aperitif, and a delicious dinner can be savored at the Ristorante Ostello Curzútt, just a few steps away.

Bubble Hotel – Kartause Ittingen, Thurgau: Visitors who book a night at the “Bubble Hotel” in Thurgau should hope for clear skies, as it allows for stargazing directly from the bed. Even during the day, this exclusive accommodation is a real eye-catcher. The transparent bubble tent is nestled in nature and offers views of the vineyards and the Thur River. The stay includes breakfast and an e-bike per person, inviting exploration of the picturesque wine regions and hikes through the beautiful surroundings.

Boutique Boatel Attila – Jura & Three-Lakes Region: A trip on Switzerland’s only floating hotel is the perfect way to discover the vineyards around the Three-Lakes Region. Guests can relax in one of the nine double cabins or in the Captain’s Lounge of the boutique boatel (boat-hotel) Attila as they travel along the longest navigable waterway in Switzerland, passing through Lake Biel, Lake Murten, and Lake Neuchâtel. Along the way, the former cargo ship stops for wine tastings with local wine merchant, excursions into the wine region, and dinners at select restaurants… and if you are in the mood for a refreshing swim, it’s just a step away from your bed.

Domaine Château du Crest – Jussy, Geneva: The Domaine Château du Crest, owned by the Micheli family since 1637, is located on the edge of the Geneva countryside in Jussy, surrounded by vineyards and just 15 minutes from the city centre of Geneva. The estate offers six rooms in a rural-chic style, just a few steps from the legendary Château Du Crest. Visitors are invited to explore the vineyard, participate in seasonal grape harvesting, and take walks around Lake Geneva.

For further details: https://www.swisswine.ch/en/news/grape-escapes-spectacular-sleep

Source: www.swisswine.ch/

Chile’s 2024 harvest: Yields low and high quality

A mild winter impacted Chile’s northern and centre-southern regions quite differently. Overall, yields are lower, but quality remains high.

The 2023/2024 season has been another unusual one for Chile. In contrast to the extreme summer of the 2023 vintage, this season has been marked by mild temperatures. But the really striking thing about harvest 2024 was the contrasting impacts of the weather on the north and the rest of the country.

Ocean impact
With the El Niño phenomenon in transition during 2023, ‘temperatures in the Pacific rose 1–1.5 degrees,’ says Marcelo Papa, technical director at Concha y Toro. ‘In Chile that meant a mild winter, resulting in varied budding patterns. The high ocean temperature created greater cloud cover, less direct sunlight and rainy winters. These conditions continued after budding, resulting in slow ripening.’

A tale of two harvests
Andrea Calderón Vásquez, the oenologist at 1865 Wines which has vineyards in Elqui and Limarí in the north; in Leyda, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua, Lontué (Curicó Valley) in central Chile; and in Malleco Chile’s – southernmost wine region, said: ‘It was like there were two harvests in Chile, one for the north and another for the central and southern regions.

‘For the northern harvest, I had to return from my holidays early, but I could have taken a second holiday while we waited for the southern harvest.’

In the north of Chile, the harvest was brought forward by between 15 and 20 days. From Santiago to the south, grape picking began 20 days later than usual.

North: quick and dry
In Limarí, ‘the winter was short and mild, causing vines to bud three weeks earlier than usual’, said Héctor Rojas, viticulturist at Tabalí. The rainfall in the south didn’t reach the north – the South Pacific High (a high-pressure system that can slow wet weather) resulted in a dry season for northern vineyards. Water shortages meant limited irrigation, which resulted in yields approximately 20% lower than usual.

Other producers in Limarí reported that the increased cloud cover was beneficial in the face of such dry weather, preventing overripeness in varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

High summer temperatures in Elqui brought ripening forward. Gabriel Mustakis, winemaker for San Pedro labels such as Kankana del Elqui and Tierras Moradas said: ‘The harvest occurred up to 15 days earlier than usual in Elqui. Fruit development occurred more rapidly, with greater sugar accumulation, excellent concentration, higher alcohol levels and balanced ripeness.’

The centre and the south: slow and wet
Aurelio Montes, of Viña Montes in Colchagua, said that 2023/2024 was ‘one of the strangest seasons I’ve seen as an oenologist. Winter 2023 had high temperatures and high rainfall. A cold, damp spring resulted in weak fruitset and fewer berries. Summer continued the trend of low temperatures, further delaying growth and ripening’.

‘Almost Bordelais’
In Maipo, overall the year was ‘decidedly cold and cloudy, with low sunlight. It was almost Bordelais’, said Papa. The cool end to 2023 was followed by high summer temperatures in January and February, resulting in gradual, uneven ripening. Earlier-ripening varieties such as Cabernet Franc were delayed by two to three weeks; yields for later-ripening varieties such as Carmenère were impacted by the cool spring. Thankfully, the end result was balanced; Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère both have moderate to low alcohol levels, elegant tannins and good freshness.

Sebastián Ruíz Flano, winemaker at Viña Tarapacá in Maipo, is quite enthusiastic about the 2024 harvest. ‘Harvest began 15–17 days later than usual but we’re happy with the results; the alcohol stayed low and the tannins are incredible. Fruit health was excellent because the rain held off, allowing us to harvest at just the right time. It was a great season.’

Vásquez added that in the coastal region of Leyda, ‘the cold spring impacted fruitset, producing lower yields. Uneven development steadied out in summer and we harvested on a date similar to previous years. Sparse bunches and prevalent local breezes resulted in healthy fruit’.

The southernmost Chilean wine region of Malleco experienced the same cool spring and delayed fruit development, but also heavy rainfall – 60mm fell in two days in March, triple the weekly average. Overall, the season was damp and cold, resulting in Pinot Noir with lower alcohol levels and good acidity.

It’s certainly been another strange year for Chilean winemakers, in different ways. Ultimately, yields for the 2024 vintage are 10 to 15% below average but, despite the unusual weather, quality expectations are high.

Source: Wine Business

South African wine industry delivers exceptional harvest despite climatic challenges

Despite facing frost, floods, and unpredictable weather, South African wine producers have delivered an exceptional 2024 harvest, according to a recent report. This season showcases the industry’s adaptability and resilience, promising wines of outstanding quality.

The current report indicates that’s that the 2024 harvest season has been a journey defined by meticulous planning, and the adaptability of wine producers in response to diverse climatic challenges and disruptions.

According to South Africa Wine, harvesting season was a true test of the South African wine industry’s resilience. “Despite facing diverse and demanding climatic events, from frost and heavy winter rainfall to floods and wind, the industry’s adaptability and nimbleness transformed this harvest into one of the most remarkable in recent memory,” South Africa Wine said in a statement.

“With optimal ripening tempo, small berries and moderate, dry conditions during harvest, the stage is set for wines of unparalleled excellence to supply the domestic and more than 120 global markets,” they further added.

Vinpro consultation services manager Dr Etienne Terblanche said excellent winter conditions in most wine-grape growing regions raised high expectations for the harvest.”

“One of the standout aspects of this season was the exceptional sanitary condition of the grapes – a rarity in rainy harvest seasons and a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability,” he further said.

South Africa Wine chief executive officer Rico Basson said the 2023/2024 season may have presented its share of obstacles, but it has also showcased the resilience and determination of the South African wine industry.

“This industry stands resilient, with our wine stock now in equilibrium. Despite fluctuations in harvest yields and vineyard surface areas, we are primed and prepared to supply the world with exceptional quality and distinctive wines,” Basson expressed.

“The South African wine industry is undergoing a strategic repositioning, shifting our focus to value growth. Through reinvestment for growth and collaborative strategies, we are forging a path to strengthen our industry and propel us towards a future of quality, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
The 2024 grape harvest yielded 1,099,051 tonnes from 87,848ha, a 7% decrease from 2023, according to SAWIS. This, combined with strong market demand, has balanced the industry’s wine stock levels, unlike some competitors who face a surplus and drastic measures like uprooting vineyards. Lower volumes create cost pressures, but they also support the sector’s commitment to value growth.

The total wine harvest, including juice and concentrate for non-alcoholic purposes, wine for brandy and distilling, is estimated at 857m litres, with a recovery rate of 780 litres per tonne of grapes.

Early cultivars had lighter yields across most regions, while later red cultivars generally improved. Winemakers are optimistic about the overall quality, especially full-bodied red wines with excellent colour and tannin extraction. White wines are expected to be fresh with ample texture.

South Africa is the world’s seventh-largest wine producer, contributing about 4% of the world’s wine. The industry adds more than R56.5bn to the country’s GDP and employs 270,364 people across the value chain, including 85,962 on farms and in cellars.

Regional Production Highlights:

Breedekloof: Optimal grape analyses and good colour in red wines.

Cape South Coast: Healthy grapes due to low rainfall during harvest, with good quality despite lower juice recoveries.

Cape Town: Good flavour intensity in white wines and promising colour development in red wines.

Klein Karoo: High rainfall and good wine quality, highlighting the importance of rainfall timing.

Northern Cape: Riper, tropical wine profile with better-than-expected quality in red cultivars.

Olifants River: Despite flood damage, yields matched the previous season, with disease control methods improving wine quality.

Paarl: A wet and cold winter followed by a hot January affected crop size, but the region saw good variation in yields and wine quality.

Robertson: High humidity challenged early cultivars, but overall grape health and wine quality were good.

Stellenbosch: Significant early rainfall followed by a dry summer led to lighter yields for early cultivars, but good grape quality.

Swartland: Despite a lighter yield, the quality of grapes was good, especially for red wines.

Worcester: Optimal ripeness and sugar levels in most grapes, with improved colour development in red cultivars. New plantings are enhancing the region’s red wine output.

Source: https://www.wosa.co.za/

Florence Airport Will Soon Have a Rooftop Vineyard

Tuscany, one of the premier wine regions in the world, is known for its prestigious wines like Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Super Tuscans. Tuscany is also a perennially popular destination for the region’s culinary excellence.

Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence has recently announced an overhaul of its international terminal, complete with a new design, a re-oriented runway and, best of all, a rooftop vineyard.

US design studio Rafael Viñoly Architects unveiled the plans last week.

“A leading vintner from the region will cultivate the vineyard and the wine will be crafted and aged in specialised cellars beneath the terminal’s roof,” a spokesperson for Rafael Viñoly Architects explains.

The 19-acre vineyard will gently slope upwards, evoking the rolling Tuscan hills in the distance. There will be 38 vines in total, each measuring 2.8 metres wide and ranging from 455 to 570 metres lengthways. Between each vine, a 1.2 metre-wide skylight will allow shafts of light to flood the terminal below.

Grapes will be harvested by leading vintners in the region, produced and aged in cellars on-site. the airport will be able to hold more than 5.9 million international passengers. The airport is expected to open its first phase in 2026, and the second in 2035.

Source: Euronews