Quake Resonates Across the Wine World

If you are living, breathing, news watching human being you have no doubly heard about the now four major earthquakes around the pacific tectonic plate.  They are tragedies that most of us cannot begin to grasp.  Countries that already suffered from plights of economic, social and military nature have now been faced with some of the greatest devastation mother nature has to offer.  As I watched in awe the news footage of broken families, dilapidated houses and destroyed infrastructure during the first quake I was thankful that here in Texas I only worry about Tornados.  Then the news broke of the Chilean quake.  As I watched the first few hours of coverage it never occurred to me that my connection to Chile may be affected.  I have a special place in my heart for Chile because of the fabulous, bold and tantalizing wine produced in various regions of the country.  It never occurred to me that the quake would affect the wineries.  Surely some shaking can’t hurt grapes too bad right?!?! 

As I paroozed CNN this weekend I found devastating information for true oenophiles …Chile’s wine production has been spoiled by the quake. 

This last weekend was scheduled to be the three-day long harvest celebration in Santa Cruz, near the Calchagua Valley wine region.  The festivities were all cancelled after the destruction was discovered in the wine cellars of the area.  It was unfortunate that the quake affected the celebration, but luckily for wine growers it is time to harvest, which will save some of their crop.  Bisquertt Winery, a 1400 acre vineyard, reported cracked tanks, bursting barrels and shattered bottles that released approximately 20,000 liters of red wine.  CNN reported five days after the quake that the 300-foot-long road to the winery still sour and slushy with the red torrent that streamed down the road and into the vineyards.  Another winery in the area, Montgras, estimated loosing 30,000 liters of wine.  Many more wineries in the valley, as well as the well-known central-south region which is responsible for 70% of the wine production in Chile, were hit by the magnitude 8.8 earthquake.  The Vinos de Chile, Chile’s largest wine growers association, estimates total losses at $250 million and estimates 12.5% of current production has been destroyed.  Chile exports $1.3 billion or approximately 70% of total production.  The United States is only the second biggest buyer, Europe being the biggest, importing about $250 million of the exported production.  Santa Cruz, which is the largest city in the Colchagua Valley, provides about 20% of its employment from the local wineries.  A winery near the town of Peralillo, Ureta Winery, has posted a sign for temporary day laborers to assist in harvesting their vineyards that are swamped with the spilled and souring red wine.  Ureta estimated needing 30 individuals, but CNN only reported 9 workers showing up.   U.S. wine importers are concerned about shortages in the Chilean supply, but Chilean wine growers say that Chilean people are familiar with overcoming adversity and feel that through hard work and dedication they will be back on their feet in no time.  One wine importer, Greg Livengood, was reported by CNN as saying “The feeling is that we will ride out the storm with Chile” this referring to a question about whether importers are looking to competing regions to fill up the potential lack of Chilean supplies.  Wine is a part of local culture and pride in these regions of Chile.  It is my hope, and most likely the hope of the entire wine world, that Chile’s wine makers not only rebound, but gain strength through this adversity. 

I personally prefer Chilean Cabernet to almost any other California production.  You can almost taste the culture, hard work and innovation they put into each bottle.  In my wine buyers mind Chile’s greatest competitor is Argentina, whose Mendoza valley is creating world-class reds like Malbec.  CNN sites more commercialized Australia as the largest competitor.  Either way you can’t beat the price on a bottle of Chilean Cab, it will present bold flavors and a rich tradition unmatched by the common glass.  My thought are with you Chile.  May your wine soaked streets, devastated housing, and grieving people teach the world how dedication, passion and love will keep you strong.  To the wine makers of Chile, please continue to give us your best…the wine world supports you 100%.