Category: Featured

  • ConVINOsation Podcast Brings EUROVINO Wine Fair to Life

    ConVINOsation Podcast Brings EUROVINO Wine Fair to Life

    In collaboration with Messe Karlsruhe, we are proud to launch ConVINOsation, a new podcast dedicated to tackling the wine industry’s most pressing topics. Hosted by industry expert Peter Douglas, Season 1 dives into key issues shaping the wine world, from the rise of alcohol-free wines to the influence of AI and the latest EU regulations on labeling nutritional and ingredient information and much more!

    Each episode of ConVINOsation is available in German on the EUROVINO website, Spotify, and other streaming platforms—an essential listen for anyone in the wine industry!

    Listen to ConVINOsation here

    Host: Peter Douglas
    Producer: Florian Böcking
    In cooperation with the EUROVINO/Messe Karlsruhe team.

  • Live on the Morning Show

    Live on the Morning Show

    In July 2024, I had the exciting opportunity to appear on New York’s WTBQ Frank Truatt’s Morning Show, the #1 drive time morning show, with the wonderful daily co-host Taylor. We delved into the fascinating world of wine, discussing everything from wine quality to tasting tips.

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  • German Wine Consumption Plummets in 2023

    German Wine Consumption Plummets in 2023

    In a recent media release, the German Wine Institute (Deutsches Weininstitut – DWI) reported a significant decrease in the percentage of wine-buying households in Germany for the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.

    This data, sourced from NielsenIQ’s household panel, which tracks the purchases of private households, reveals telling shifts in the wine market.

    Decline in German Wine Consumption

    The proportion of wine-buying households fell from 36.9% in 2022 to 33.8% in 2023, marking a decrease of about 3%. Specifically, the share of German wine dropped from 25.4% to 22.6%, and foreign wines from 26.5% to 23.6%. This downturn, which began in the second quarter of 2023, appears to be continuing unabated.

    Less Households are purchasing wine.
    Less households are purchasing wine.

    The rise in prices, particularly of German wines, has been a significant factor in this decline. Despite an increase in average prices by approximately 10%, German wines managed to maintain their market share in terms of revenue at 46.4%. Meanwhile, Italian wines gained 1.6% to reach an 18% market share, while France, Spain, and overseas origins saw slight decreases.

    Italy Wins Again

    In terms of types of wine, Germany saw an increase in the market share for white wine by 4.8%, while red wine experienced a steep decline of 10.8%. Italy emerged as a clear winner across all wine colors, particularly in white wine, with a 27.1% increase. Overseas saw large declines.

    Wine Consumption in Germany by country.
    Wine consumtpion in Germany is declining. (Source. DWI)

    Export and Import Dynamics

    Despite a challenging economic environment, the average export price for German wines in 2022 rose by €0,20, reaching a new high of €3.15 / liters. This led to a 4% increase in the value of German wine exports, totaling €370m, even though the volume decreased by 3% to 1.17m hl.

    The USA, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK, and China were among the top export markets. Notably, exports to China increased by 24% in volume and 22% in value, with an average price of €512/hl

    Suprisingly, German wine exports to Russia witnessed an unprecedented surge, marking a significant shift in the global wine market dynamics. The value of these exports soared by 87.3% to €12,931,000, while the volume increased by 89.4% to 56,745 hectoliters. This remarkable growth has elevated Russia to the 11th wine export market, now accounting for 3.5% of Germany’s total wine exports. The average price of €228 per hectoliter underlines the moderate quality of German wines that are increasingly favored in the Russian market.

    Value up, volume down. The German wine exports remain challenging. (Source. DWI(
    Value up, volume down. The German wine exports remain challenging. (Source. DWI(

    Domestic Sales and Imports

    On the domestic front, the average price for German wines rose to €4.18/L, but volumes sold decreased by over 14%, leading to an 8% drop in revenue. Foreign wines also saw a decrease in both volume and revenue, with an average price of €3.64/L. Italian, French, Spanish, American, and Austrian wines topped the import lists, with significant value increases despite volume losses.

     

    Despite declining volumes, the average price per HL increased to 315€ in 2023.
    Despite declining volumes, the average price per HL increased to 315€ in 2023.

    Off-Trade Remains Significant

    Discounters and Supermarkets remain the most critical channels.
    Discounters and Supermarkets remain the most critical channels.

    The per capita consumption of wine in Germany declined by 4% to 19.9 liters in 2022, while sparkling wine consumption remained steady at 3.2 liters. The majority of wine purchases (64%) were made through retail, with discount stores accounting for 37% of these sales. 

    These figures paint a complex picture of the German wine market in 2023. The shift in consumer behavior, influenced by economic factors and price changes, has led to noticeable changes in market shares and consumption patterns. The resilience of certain segments, like German wine in terms of revenue and Italian wine in market share, highlights the dynamic nature of the wine industry.

    The report can be found on German here.

     

    Glad you dropped by! If the insights here struck a chord, why not share them? And if you’re eager to talk more, I’m all ears – just reach out. Looking for someone to spark inspiration in your masterclass or brand event? Let’s talk and set up something amazing.

    Disclaimer

    This text was neither commissioned nor compensated. It reflects exclusively my own opinion. 

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    Peter Douglas DipWSET on Podcast Wein Verkauft! with Diego Weber (Photo: AI generated with Adobe Firefly)

    Live on Wein Verkauft!

    I recently had the opportunity to join freelance consultant Diego Weber from Germany on his podcast, On German!. Over the course of the two-hour episode,

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    Peter Douglas Wine Consultant

    Live on the Morning Show

    In July 2024, I had the exciting opportunity to appear on New York’s WTBQ Frank Truatt’s Morning Show, the #1 drive time morning show, with

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    French Wine Exports Decline

    Challenging Year for French Wines & Spirits Exports 2023

    In the year 2023, the French wine and spirits sector navigated through challenging waters to post exports worth €16.2 billion. Despite representing a 5.9% decline from the previous year, this figure stands as the second-highest in the industry’s export history. The volume of exports also saw a considerable reduction, falling by 10.4%. However, the sector managed to maintain its status as the leading contributor to France’s agri-food surplus and the third largest in the nation’s overall trade balance, with a trade surplus of €14.8 billion, down by 5.8%.

    Read More »
    DWI Sommelier Cup

    DWI Announces Winner of the Sommelier Cup 2024

    The DWI Sommelier-Cup 2024, hosted by the German Wine Institute (DWI), concluded on January 22, 2024, with Katharina Iglesias from wineBank in Hamburg claiming the title. The event, held at the Atrium Hotel in Mainz, witnessed participation from 28 professionals across various sectors of the wine industry. While the competition’s popularity remains undeniable, a critical examination of its structure and outcomes reveals aspects worth contemplating.

    Read More »
  • Rootstocks: Are Ungrafted Vines Supreme?

    Rootstocks: Are Ungrafted Vines Supreme?

    Rootstocks represent a pivotal yet often enigmatic facet of the wine industry. Despite their prominence in discussions, own rootstocks are commonly viewed as supreme. 

    Rootstocks are hybrids with the genetic heritage of American Vitis species and serve as the root system onto which the fruiting vine of any desired variety can be grafted. The grafting process involves a precise omega cut to remove the top half, followed by the grafting of a Vitis Vinifera scion, encompassing iconic varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, and Pinot Noir. This amalgamation yields two distinct species, allowing for intriguing possibilities, including my own home trials that have seen the fusion of two distinct genus plants, such as one trunk bearing four different chili varieties. This diversity extends beyond the boundaries of winemaking.

    Grafted rootstocks wield the potential to significantly enhance both quality and yield, thereby translating into tangible commercial advantages. These versatile plants can be harnessed to cultivate balanced vines, fend off pests and diseases, and combat the relentless specter of drought. Moreover, they can exert influence over grape maturation, either accelerating or postponing it, ultimately impacting the volume of the harvest. An exemplary case in point is SO4, which advances maturity by 1-2 weeks. This temporal divergence can prove invaluable in ensuring that not all grapes reach phenolic ripeness simultaneously. In the realm of viticulture, where economics looms large, such nuances assume paramount importance.

    On the other hand, own rootstocks can tolerate saline soils, as commonly found in Chile. Being isolated by the Andes and phylloxera-free, winemakers choosing ungrafted vines miss out on an option to adapt the vine better to its terroir. Saline soils contribute to a smaller harvest crop. If the salinity is too high, the vine dries out, requiring the water-intensive leaching method, which might not be the most sustainable approach in the future. However, it enables them to use their own cuttings or vines through layering, retaining their genetic pool in the vineyard.

    Do Old Vines really thrive just because they are ungrafted?
    Do old vineIs “ungrafted” the recipe to a long life? (Credit: DallE)

    How Rootstocks influence Grape-Quality

    In pursuit of high-quality grapes, viticulturists strive to nurture balanced vines. Such vines strike an equilibrium between vigor, crop yield, and economic viability. Achieving this equilibrium hinges on thorough climate and soil analysis, highlighting crucial factors such as drought resistance, water holding capacity (WHC), pH levels, and nutrient availability. However, empirical tests, such as the one featuring the rootstock 5C Teleki and Chardonnay conducted by the Australian viticulturist Nick Dry, reveal that grafted vines can yield 10 kg more per vine while maintaining consistent quality compared to ungrafted counterparts. This highlights the pivotal role of rootstock selection in shaping grape quality.

    In regions with limited water resources, rootstocks adapted for drought resistance, typified by V. Rupestris varieties like 110 Richter, become indispensable for enabling viticulture. Planting a high-vigor rootstock like SO4 in such environments, with its elevated water requirements, would result in leaf wilting, vine shutdown, and eventual demise.

    Rootstocks also emerge as valuable assets in integrated pest management (IPM) and organic viticulture. Nematodes, microscopic worms that can proliferate rapidly, pose a severe threat to vines, with the dagger nematode being a common antagonist. This nematode not only feeds on rootstocks as some also serve as a vector for the Fanleaf virus, which causes small and uneven developed berries in short clusters. Here, rootstock selection can be instrumental in pest mitigation.

    Ultimately, pragmatism emerges as the guiding principle in rootstock choices. A seasoned viticulturist’s counsel rings true: “Ask what they have and order at least 3 years in advance.” This sage advice acknowledges the possibility of nurseries relabeling vines, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and research.

    Challenging the Ungrafted Vines

    While some venerable vines continue to flourish on their own roots, their success often results from careful pruning decisions and effective management, rather than solely relying on the fact that they are ungrafted. However, not being grafted does offer a higher frost resistance of the trunk, reducing the labor costs of layering protective soil around the graft. 

    One of the most famous examples is ‘Hills of Grace,’ owned by Henschke, which was planted in the mid-19th century. Despite its fame and age, one may question whether these pre-phylloxera vines survive solely because they are ungrafted. A fascinating experiment in Priorat involved removing the scion, pulling up a watershoot of the American Vitis, and allowing the rootstock to grow leaves and store carbohydrates. After its rejuvenation, it underwent field grafting with its own Garnacha cutting, preserving the ancient root system while fostering a young scion that bears fruit. 

    This raises intriguing questions about the definition of an ‘old vine,’ a topic ripe for exploration in future discourse. Since ungrafted vines are mythical and commonly found in the premium to high-premium section and can potentially develop into old vines, the mass-produced wines on the shelf are calculated to require the benefits of the rootstock to remain a long-term feasible solution.

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    Did you find this article helpful? Please share it. If you’d like to discuss it further, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you’re in search of an educator for your masterclass or brand presentation, feel free to check in with us, and we can schedule a call.

    Disclaimer

    This text was neither commissioned nor compensated. It reflects exclusively my own opinion.

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    Peter Douglas DipWSET on Podcast Wein Verkauft! with Diego Weber (Photo: AI generated with Adobe Firefly)

    Live on Wein Verkauft!

    I recently had the opportunity to join freelance consultant Diego Weber from Germany on his podcast, On German!. Over the course of the two-hour episode,

    Read More »
    Peter Douglas Wine Consultant

    Live on the Morning Show

    In July 2024, I had the exciting opportunity to appear on New York’s WTBQ Frank Truatt’s Morning Show, the #1 drive time morning show, with

    Read More »
    French Wine Exports Decline

    Challenging Year for French Wines & Spirits Exports 2023

    In the year 2023, the French wine and spirits sector navigated through challenging waters to post exports worth €16.2 billion. Despite representing a 5.9% decline from the previous year, this figure stands as the second-highest in the industry’s export history. The volume of exports also saw a considerable reduction, falling by 10.4%. However, the sector managed to maintain its status as the leading contributor to France’s agri-food surplus and the third largest in the nation’s overall trade balance, with a trade surplus of €14.8 billion, down by 5.8%.

    Read More »
    DWI Sommelier Cup

    DWI Announces Winner of the Sommelier Cup 2024

    The DWI Sommelier-Cup 2024, hosted by the German Wine Institute (DWI), concluded on January 22, 2024, with Katharina Iglesias from wineBank in Hamburg claiming the title. The event, held at the Atrium Hotel in Mainz, witnessed participation from 28 professionals across various sectors of the wine industry. While the competition’s popularity remains undeniable, a critical examination of its structure and outcomes reveals aspects worth contemplating.

    Read More »