In very surprising news, Wine Australia today announced that the 2019 Australian winegrape crush will be 1.73 million bottles, just 1% lower than the long term advantage.
It is such a surprise given that yields in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills were all down by up to 70% (particularly in the Barossa, where losses in some scorched vineyards are 100%). Strong yields in the Limestone Coast and Riverland, however, offset this.
Of note, grape prices are up now to $664 per tonne, the highest since 2008 and the fifth year in a row of price increases. In other words, demand is getting stronger for grapes.
Some other interesting stats (these are based on survey results, so are likely just a representation):
- Wineries with a crush of over 50,000 tonnes took in 56% of the crush.
- Prosecco is up a monster 42%
- While Chardonnay is down 12%
- ‘Cool’ climate red grapes are now, on average, $534 more expensive per tonne than white grapes ($1530 vs $1096 tonne).
- The average price per tonne of Riesling is more than double that of Semillon.
- While the average price per tonne of Adelaide Hills Gruner is now $1973/tonne.
Some choice stats below, otherwise more info here.
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3 Comments
I’m not surprised at all by that Prosecco statistic, it’s the new Pinot G. I was more surprised by Merlot up 13%, is than an ocean of Riverina/Riverland juice destined for the goon bag or have people discovered the delights of the Bordeaux blend ?
I assumed the Merlot is a cheap export proposition. Or at least that was my guess…
Lies, damned lies and statistics