The HC Commodities Podcast Wine with Nick Brewer
Nov 26, 2025
Join Nick Brewer, the former COO of Noble Group and owner of Oastbrook Winery, as he dives into the fascinating world of wine. Discover how wine is made, from fermentation to pressing, and explore the impact of climate change on production. Nick discusses the rising popularity of English wine, highlighting Oastbrook's unique offerings, and explains the complexities of wine as a commodity. With insights on market trends, supply chains, and changing consumer tastes, this conversation is a must for wine enthusiasts!
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Grapes Define Wine And Its Geography
- Wine must be made from grapes; fruit wines are a different category and not true wine.
- Global vine plantings cluster between the 30th and 50th parallels, shaping production geography and styles.
Pick And Press With Purpose
- Monitor sugar and acidity through veraison to pick at the style you want and avoid unripe grapes.
- Press whites early and ferment reds on skins to control color and tannin extraction.
Bulk Wine Makes Wine Trade Fungible
- A large share of international wine trade moves as bulk wine, enabling post-shipment blending at destination.
- Bulk and bag-in-box flows make parts of the wine market fungible and commodity-like.
