Washington Cabernet Sauvignon production dropped sharply in 2011, decreasing from 31,900 tons produced in 2010 to 23,100 tons – a 28% decline. Overall, grape production in the state was down 11% from the previous year. This marked the first time in more than five years that grape production decreased in Washington.

The crop reductions were caused by a November 2010 frost that came shortly after the end of that year’s growing season. Red grape varieties were particularly affected, with production decreasing 20% in 2011. Meanwhile white grape varieties were down 2% from the previous year’s figures.

Riesling was again Washington’s most produced grape in 2011. Meanwhile Cabernet Sauvignon fell from second to third behind Chardonnay (see table below).

Several other interesting pieces of data came out of yesterday’s production numbers from the USDA. Whereas Malbec had been the state’s most expensive grape per ton for the last four years, Grenache was the most expensive grape in 2011 ($1,606 per ton) followed by Petit Verdot ($1,546). Malbec, meanwhile, came in third at $1,413.

The high price of these grapes reflects the increased interest in Grenache and Petit Verdot in Washington in recent years (NB: 2011 is also the first year that production numbers and average price per ton were listed independently for these grapes). The overall average price per ton for grapes in Washington decreased in 2011, from $1,040 to $987. This reflects the significant decrease in red grape production compared to white.

While the production numbers released yesterday laid bare the full extent of the 2010 freeze, the figures were actually a slight improvement over the 15-20% crop loss that many had initially projected. Consumers should start seeing 2011 white wines on the shelves in the next several months. Most 2011 reds will not be released until 2012 or later.

Variety

Quantity Utilized in Tons

2010

2011

Riesling

33,500

31,700

Chardonnay

28,600

28,500

Cabernet Sauvignon

31,900

23,100

Merlot

28,300

21,900

Syrah

10,900

10,100