Saint Clair Family Estate Party Just Beginning!

Saint Clair Family Estate Party Just Beginning!

Saint Clair Family Estate celebrated the end of a successful vintage on Friday night with a gathering of staff, including interns from around the world, family, growers and friends. Although that party is over, the real excitement is now in the tank working its magic.

Along with many other Marlborough producers Saint Clair Family Estate welcomed a smaller 2010 harvest than expected. 60% of Saint Clair Family Estate’s production is Sauvignon Blanc and this year it’s down 10% in volume. While the volume is down, the quality continues to remain true to Saint Clair standard with exceptional flavours seen across all varieties.

The world recession, plus the recent excess in plantings and production from many areas of New Zealand, but especially Marlborough, has lead to global pricing pressures that have ultimately seen New Zealand wine on the shelf at heavily discounted prices in many world markets.

Neal Ibbotson Managing Director of Saint Clair Family Estate comments, “Although this is not ideal as profitability for both growers and wineries has been compromised, it has lead to many consumers from all corners of the world being able to experience New Zealand wine for the first time. These consumers will hopefully remain and trade up when the recovery occurs.”

“The global market continues to demand Marlborough wines with exports for the last 12 months growing at over 30%, so while there remains an oversupply of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc the unique Marlborough flavours continue to increase sales in many markets,” comments Neal.

The slow, but sure world financial recovery, the lower yields from the 2010 vintage, coupled with increasing sales, is seeing the oversupply pendulum slowly swinging back towards a balance. The bulk price for Sauvignon Blanc is showing some signs of recovery and uncontracted grapes from the 2010 vintage, while still at uneconomic prices, have increased from 2009.

As long as the oversupply continues profitability will be affected and some players will continue to exit the industry. However Neal Ibbotson believes the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and the worst is over.

The Saint Clair Family Estate team have celebrated another successful vintage, the fruit is off the vines, the party lights are dimmed and the vintage staff make their way toward their next adventure. The Saint Clair team wait with true anticipation to sample the first of the world class 2010 wines, as this is when the next party will commence!

ENDS

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