Yes, of course,Christmas is fast approaching, and this is the time or year that we all might normally stock up with wine – but this year there is another significant reason why you should consider buying a bit extra. Apparently there is a worldwide wine shortage (try saying that after two or three stiff drinks!). The predicted production over the last 12 months is said to be at it lowest for 37 years. There is a overall reduction of some 16 million hectolitres, with leading countries suffering some significant losses. France, for example, is down by some 19%, and whilst Italy has also fallen, their production for 2012 will now be slightly larger than that of their Gallic neighbours.  

This deficit in production is due to a veritable myriad of freak weather conditions – drought, heat, cold, wet, hail – pretty much everything that nature could throw at the poor beleaguered wine producer. The crop in Argentina is expected to be down by about 24%, whilst other notable losses have been experienced in Spain, New Zealand and Hungary. Perhaps the only country to come out on top was the USA, with increases in production of around 7%. Let’s just hope that not too much bottled stock was lost during Hurricane Sandy recently!

To quote some sources “it is likely that these shortages will put pressure on stocks, inevitably leading to prices increases”, but not at Castro Martin we are happy to report.

Yes, of course,Christmas is fast approaching, and this is the time or year that we all might normally stock up with wine – but this year there is another significant reason why you should consider buying a bit extra. Apparently there is a worldwide wine shortage (try saying that after two or three stiff drinks!). The predicted production over the last 12 months is said to be at it lowest for 37 years. There is a overall reduction of some 16 million hectolitres, with leading countries suffering some significant losses. France, for example, is down by some 19%, and whilst Italy has also fallen, their production for 2012 will now be slightly larger than that of their Gallic neighbours.  

This deficit in production is due to a veritable myriad of freak weather conditions – drought, heat, cold, wet, hail – pretty much everything that nature could throw at the poor beleaguered wine producer. The crop in Argentina is expected to be down by about 24%, whilst other notable losses have been experienced in Spain, New Zealand and Hungary. Perhaps the only country to come out on top was the USA, with increases in production of around 7%. Let’s just hope that not too much bottled stock was lost during Hurricane Sandy recently!

To quote some sources “it is likely that these shortages will put pressure on stocks, inevitably leading to prices increases”, but not at Castro Martin we are happy to report.