2013 Wine Vintage Report

Contents

🏆 Was 2013 a Good Wine Vintage Year?

2013 was a mixed year, with exceptional vintages in some areas and challenging conditions in others.

In the northern hemisphere, Europe as a whole faced some challenges with delayed flowering and variable summer weather. France, Germany, and Austria were the most uneven. It was a better year for Italy and Spain. Across the pond, it was a much better year for America, with California producing a legendary vintage.

In the southern hemisphere, South America had a great year, with good showings from Argentina and Chile. Australia and New Zealand also enjoyed excellent years, and South Africa survived some rainfall and came through too.

Despite the strengths of Italy and Spain, it’s fair to say that New World wines outperformed Old World wines in 2013.

But there are plenty of nuances to be found. Let’s dig in.

📈 Global Wine Trends in 2013

🌍🍇 Global wine production in 2013 was 290.1 million hectoliters, up 12% from 2012. This year was a significantly large harvest.

🌎🍷 Global wine consumption in 2013 was 243 million hectoliters, down 0.4% from 2012. The US consumed the most wine (30.8 mhl), followed by France (27.8 mhl), Italy (20.8 mhl), Germany (20.4 mhl), China (16.5 mhl), the UK (12.7 mhl), and Argentina & Russia (tied at 10.4 million hectoliters each).

🌐 The 2013 Vintage by Country

📍 The Big Four

France, Italy, Spain, and the US consistently dominate the modern global wine scene.

FRANCE produced 42.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2013, coming in THIRD to Italy and Spain. It was a challenging year, delayed by a cool wet spring, ravaged by hailstorms, and drenched with autumn rains during harvest.

BORDEAUX didn’t have the best year, struggling with the difficult conditions.
SAUTERNES was a standout, producing some of the best wines of the year.
BURGUNDY managed slightly better than many regions, though still faced challenges.
BEAUJOLAIS also stood out, with wines that are highly recommended for 2013.
CHAMPAGNE had a better-than-average year compared to other French regions.
ALSACE didn’t have the best year, with the tough conditions taking their toll.
THE LOIRE VALLEY struggled, with less-than-ideal results.
THE RHÔNE VALLEY managed slightly better, producing some quality wines despite the challenges.

ITALY had a good year, producing 54 million hectoliters of wine, a strong yield. A cool, wet spring was followed by a dry summer, and many harvests were delayed due to rain. Grape quality was a little above average due to slow and steady ripening, with Tuscany being noted for quality, as well as (especially) Nebbiolo grapes.

SPAIN produced 45.3 million hectoliters of wine. They had a cold and wet winter and spring, eliminating earlier drought conditions. A long, dry summer helped save the vintage, but the rain did lead to reduced yields in some regions and mildew pressure in others. Wines from this year are fresh and fruit-focused. Rioja and Toro both saw beautifully-ripened grapes, and Ribera del Duero produced lots of quality wine.

THE UNITED STATES increased production to 24.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

CALIFORNIA had an incredible year. Near-perfect growing conditions led to exceptional, even legendary wines. A dry, mild spring and steady summer led to an early and even harvest. Grapes were concentrated and rich in flavor thanks to the drought-like conditions. Napa Valley stood out as the “vintage of a generation” and the best in careers, with structured, complex, and ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and other regions across the state also shone with Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Rhône varieties especially. A spectacular vintage for California.
WASHINGTON STATE had a warm year that cooled just in time for harvest. You won’t fine many overripe grapes from this year, but maybe a few underripe grapes, with higher sugar and lower acidity. A good year for Syrah.
OREGON had a warm and pleasant year, right up until late rains broke in during harvest time. Early-picking vineyards got lucky, while it was luck-of-the-draw for late-pickers (anything after Sep 22). Reds are your best bet for early harvests; if you must choose a late harvest, go for Chardonnay.
NEW YORK STATE had a wetter-than-ideal year, though some regions did dry up a bit towards harvest time (especially Long Island). Riesling from the Finger Lakes will be less potent than usual, but perhaps more interesting. Long Island reds should be sought.
VIRGINIA had an extremely wet growing season, which thankfully relented in time for harvest. Although it was a challenge for vintners at the time, a lot of good whites came from the chaos. Reds are likely to be a little less ripe.

📍 Europe

The heart of the wine world, Europe boasts centuries of expertise and massive variety.

PORTUGAL had a good year–especially for those vintners that managed to harvest before the late rains. It was a lower-yield year (6.2 million hectoliters) due to weather conditions that just couldn’t make up their mind, with a cool spring and dry summer. It was a good year for table wines, especially reds. It was not a widely declared Port vintage year, but some producers, like Quinta do Noval, did release limited Vintage Ports, which are likely to be fruity and fresh.

GERMANY produced 8.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. It was a tough year marked by cold spring delays, a variable summer, and wet autumn weather that challenged ripening and rot management. In the Mosel region, late harvests produced rich Auslese wines, while Kabinett and Spätlese styles featured great acidity and aging potential. Dry wines performed best in the Nahe and Rhine regions. While 2013 wasn’t Germany’s best year, it wasn’t all bad, either.

AUSTRIA produced 2.4 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. A cold winter and spring delayed flowering, and wet conditions persisted through June. Then a sudden heatwave occurred, causing coulure in Grüner Veltliner and significantly reducing key yields. The summer was one of the hottest on record, with drought stress impacting younger vines especially. The wet conditions early in the season kept the soil healthy enough, though, and further September rains brought relief. Grapes ripened evenly in October. Grüner Veltliners were nicely concentrated, and Rieslings featured high acidity, sometimes even austere. Red wines like Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir were vibrant, if lighter and less complex than usual. 2013 wasn’t a standout year overall, but did deliver some nice wines.

Hungary produced 2.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

Greece produced 3.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

Romania produced 5.1 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

Moldova produced 2.6 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

Russia produced 5.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

THE UNITED KINGDOM produced about 33,375 hectoliters of wine in 2013. Cool weather delayed budbreak, and slow-ripening grapes led to one of the latest harvests in history. A good year for sparkling wines. Less of a good year for others.

📍 North & South America

The Americas continue to expand their influence, from the rugged Andes to Canada’s icy valleys.

ARGENTINA produced 15.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. It was an excellent year, marked by a steady growing season with cool temperatures. In Mendoza, the lack of spring frosts ensured a verdant budburst, while cooler nights preserved acidity, especially for Malbec. Wines this year have vibrant freshness and refined structure, and 2013 is considered an especially elegant year.

CHILE produced 12.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. It was a cool year, with a long growing season that benefited later-ripening reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. A dry winter gave way to violent late-spring rains, replenishing soils but reducing yields a bit. Cool temps favored excellent reds over unripe whites, and it was a great year for reds from Chile across the board.

Brazil produced 2.7 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

URUGUAY had some regional hail, cutting yields to a degree. Otherwise, it was a regular harvest.

📍 Oceania

Oceania’s unique climates and soils produce globally distinctive wines.

AUSTRALIA produced 12.3 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. It was an excellent year, with a dry growing season and temperatures ranging from moderate to hot depending on specific region. Hot areas, like Barossa and McLaren Vale, had reduced yields, but very concentrated fruit. South Australia in general can be expected to have intense wines this year, across the board. Coastal regions still reported a great year, with more balanced wines.

NEW ZEALAND produced 2.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. It was an extraordinary vintage, with a long, warm summer, clear skies, and no major adverse weather. Marlborough had greatly concentrated Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, while Hawke’s Bay delivered legendary Merlot. Martinborough and Central Otago produced exceptional Pinot Noirs. 2013 is considered one of New Zealand’s greatest vintages.

📍 Africa & Asia

Emerging markets in Africa and Asia bring fresh perspectives to the industry.

SOUTH AFRICA produced 11.0 million hectoliters of wine in 2013. A wet winter replenished water reserves and set the stage for a warm, dry summer. Late-season humidity and rain near harvest season added to disease pressure. But those who waited for drier conditions were rewarded with a strong crop, resulting in a higher-than-average yield. Rhône-style reds and Chardonnay particularly stood out.

China produced 11.8 million hectoliters of wine in 2013.

Sources: OIV, Italy Magazine, Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Wine-Searcher, Vintage Wine & Port, Washington Wine, Jancis Robinson (2), K&L Wines, Napa Vintners, South America Wine Guide, Austrian Wine.

🍷 Wines from 2013 I’ve Tried

See all Vintages (Years) of Wine, or jump straight to: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024. See also: No Vintage.