Beringer Blass Wines Estates (Beringer Blass), the world's leading premium wine company and a major division of Foster's Group, today announced the results of its 2001 California grape harvest intake, which totalled a record 148,234 tonnes (163,400 US tons) including grapes the company grows, purchased grapes and purchased bulk wine.
The 2001 intake, which equates to approximately 11 million 9-litre cases of wine, is 4.8 per cent greater than the 2000 intake of 141,368 tonnes (155,832 US tons), largely due to increased bulk wine purchases. Beringer Blass increased its bulk wine purchases by 30 per cent to meet growing demand for its White Zinfandel, White Merlot, and the Stone Cellars by Beringer line.
Of the total intake, red grape varieties accounted for 52,980 tonnes (58,400 US tons), up approximately 20 per cent from the 2000 crush; white varieties and red grapes grown for blush wines totalled 95,254 tonnes (105,000 US tons), down approximately 3 per cent from the 2000 crush.
The quantity of grapes grown in Beringer Blass' own vineyards increased by 9 per cent, from 29,392 tonnes (32,400 US tons) to 32,024 tonnes (35,300 US tons). A total of 66,497 tonnes (73,300 US tons), amounting to 75 per cent of the owned and purchased grape intake (excluding bulk wine), was crushed at the company's own facilities.
"2001 was an exceptional vintage in terms of quality throughout California's growing regions, and particularly in the premium coastal regions where we grow our own grapes," commented Walt Klenz, Managing Director of Beringer Blass Wine Estates. "While the overall California wine industry crop size was lower than estimated, we are confident that the volume results from 2001, coupled with the large 2000 harvest, gives us adequate supply to meet the company's projected needs and growth plans."
"I think 2001 will be remembered as one of the truly exceptional vintages in California," commented Bob Steinhauer, Senior Vice President of the company's California vineyard operations. "The weather cooperated beautifully, with a relatively cool summer, several very warm days in late August/early September, and sunny skies throughout September and October with only one brief cloudburst. The grapes ripened fully and evenly; both reds and whites show concentrated flavours, good acids and, for the reds, excellent colour. All in all, one of the best harvests I've seen."
Further information:
Media
Rell Hannah
Beringer Blass
Tel: +613 8626 3307
Mob: 0419 369 075
Email: rell.hannah@beringerblass.com.au
Analysts
Domenic Panaccio
V-P Capital Markets
Tel: +613 9633 2641
Email: domenic.panaccio@fostersgroup.com
