For those of you who are interested, Wine Enthusiast Magazine published the 2006 Harvest Report in their February issue, leaking some very valuable and interesting information. Especially for those of you concerned with finding out which New and Old World regions are expected to provide the best vintages. In the interest of the article and your reading enjoyment, I will only provide highlights of what the article states.
France
Due to unusual weather, the Bordeaux region had a turbulent year. The only producers that can proudly gloat are those of Sauternes. As a result, we may see huge price drops for Bordeaux wines. Other regions in France had their troubles as well, but not quite as significant. We could see some quality white wines from Burgundy, however Pinot Noir will not fare as well. The Whites of Champagne and Loire will delight us, while again, the Pinot is likely to disappoint due to problems with rot. While Alsace had rather sad weather conditions, the producers say the future looks bright for Riesling and Pinot Gris. Rhône Syrah and Viognier benefited from slow maturation. However, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Côtes du Rhône producers might not be smiling as much.
Italy
You Italian wine lovers should expect exciting things from the 2006 vintage. And we're not just talking about one varietal, we're talking the full monty, all 20 regions! According to Giuseppe Martelli, “2006 will be remembered as the best harvest in the last five years.” Need I mention more?
Spain
Unfortunately, I follow that up with a "good, but not great" vintage for Spain in 2006. While there was more quantity overall, the quality was compensated. Rías Baixas, Albariños, Rioja, and Ribera Del Duero will please the palate. Where as, the Grenacha of Priorat, Penedès and Montsant caused a lot of extra work for producers, without a lot of return.
Portugal
While this region received a lot of high temperature days, quantity was down and quality was up. Therefore, we can expect somewhat good quality, both red and white, from this vintage.
Austria
Low yields=high quality! Happiness will come in both shades - red and white - with some botrytis wines mixed in.
Germany
In the rush to avoid stormy weather, harvest was completed earlier than usual. Regions adversely affected were Franken, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and Baden. The Rheingau, however, did much better, producing sweet Auslese and Beerenauslese.
Chile
A relatively impressive year for these regions, due to cool and dry weather conditions. The whites will be as good as the previous year's vintage, while the reds will not do quite as well.
Argentina
Although relatively warm year, the quality of wine produced is high. Quite excellent for Malbec, more sub-par for Cabernet Sauvignon. Mendoza faired well also, despite the lashing hail storm received.
South Africa
Across the board, the Cape Winelands had a prosperous vintage in 2006, which makes me happy as I have ever-increasing aspirations for this region.
Australia
Another year of high yield for this area. Unfortunately, Coonawarra and Barossa are likely to disappoint, but Cabernet Sauvignon will impress. Also, expect wonderful things from Australian Rieslings this 2006 vintage. Perhaps from Muscat and Tokay varietals as well. Tasmania did superbly, so expect magical Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Over in Western Australia, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc didn't do so hot, as a result of conditions too cool to produce quality.
New Zealand
Warm weather > early harvest > good wines.
California
It is expected that 2006 vintage will be as good as 2005 is predicted to be. However, we won't know much until the wines begin to show face. Due to more mild conditions, red wines are anticipated to have more balance and less alcohol content. We should see some wonderful Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons. Merlot News: oversupply! Lets help producers out by drinking it - it's not that bad after all!
Washington
Happy faces allude to yummy tasting white wines and powerful red wines that will be worth holding on to.
Oregon
More wine, same ever-increasing impressive quality.
* side note: we should be keeping our eyes on Washington and Oregon - the NW is hot!
New York
Chardonnay and Riesling will be about all we can gossip about for this region. Otherwise, yucky weather dumped on the harvest quantity and quality. Not sure we'll see much, otherwise.
Please check out the full article for complete information.
Ta ta for now...
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