February 26, 2024
SEVEN KEY TRENDS THAT WILL SHAPE THE GLOBAL WINE INDUSTRY IN 2024

Wine trends encompass a wide range of developments and shifts in consumer preferences, production methods, marketing strategies, and industry dynamics. These trends underscore the dynamic nature of the global wine industry, with sustainability, technology, changing consumer preferences, and innovation driving its evolution. Adapting to these trends will be crucial for wineries and industry stakeholders to […]

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February 8, 2024
🇲🇽 Exploring the World of Mexico Wines: A Compact Comprehensive Mini Guide.

History: Despite challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and competition from imported wines, Mexico’s wine industry is gaining recognition for its diversity, innovation, and commitment to quality, offering a taste of the country’s rich cultural heritage and winemaking tradition. Major Producing Regions: Mexico has several major wine-producing regions, each with its unique characteristics and […]

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January 17, 2024
THE SCIENCE BEHIND REDUCTIVE AROMAS IN WINE

Reductive aromas in wine refer to a set of characteristics that emerge during winemaking and aging processes when the wine comes into contact with limited oxygen. This reduction, often intentional, contrasts with oxidation, which occurs when wine is exposed to excessive oxygen. Reductive aromas are generally characterized by a range of sulfurous and earthy notes. […]

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January 1, 2024
Are you passionate about wine?🍇🍷

Pour Decisions Lead to Premium Careers! 🍇✨ Join the International Premium Sommelier Job Portal – Where Expertise Meets Opportunity. Uncork Your Future, One Sip at a Time! 🌐🔗 Do you dream of a career where your expertise in the art of wine service can flourish? Look no further! The niche International Premium Sommelier job portal […]

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December 25, 2023
🇨🇭Exploring the World of Switzerland Wines: A Compact Comprehensive Mini Guide.

History: The tradition of wine and viticulture in Switzerland dates back to ancient times, with roots reaching no later than the Roman era. Viticulture was introduced to Switzerland from the Mediterranean basin during the 1st century AD, after the region became part of the Roman Empire. The oldest recorded bottle, made of ceramic, was found near Sembrancher in Valais. It dates back to the 2nd century […]

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December 10, 2023
🇨🇦 the World of Canada Wines: A Compact Comprehensive Guide

History: The historical backdrop of Canadian wines traces back to the mid-nineteenth century when European pilgrims previously endeavored to develop grapevines in Canada. In any case, it was only after the later piece of the twentieth century that the Canadian wine industry started to earn respect on a worldwide scale. Here is a brief overview […]

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November 28, 2023
Sicily’s Etna region gears up for DOCG status

The Etna wine region, situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, is renowned for producing high-quality wines, particularly those made from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grape varieties. Here are some key details about the Etna wine region: Volcanic Terroir: Grape Varieties: Altitude: Wine Styles: Read on: click

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November 8, 2023
🇺🇸 The World of US Wines: A Compact Comprehensive Guide

History: The history of winemaking in the United States traces back to the seventeenth century when European pioneers began cultivating grapes and producing wine in the New World. Here is an overview of the history of wine in the United States. Early Colonization: European settlers, primarily from Britain, Spain, and France, brought with them grapevines […]

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October 6, 2023
UK-News – Sommeliers f/m/d to be eligible for skilled worker visa!

More Info on: info

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August 24, 2023
AUSTRIA APPROVES A LANDMARK CERTIFICATION FOR VINEYARDS

After 30 years of advocacy on behalf of the ÖTW group of upscale wineries, Austria is now the only nation outside of France to have legalized grape site classification. Read more: click Have a look at our great job board where you can easily create a job alert by country: Sommelier vacancies

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August 22, 2023
BRITISH WINE INDUSTRY INCREASED PLANTINGS BY 74% OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the production of high-quality sparkling wines in Great Britain, which encompasses both England and Wales. The success of British wines has been attributed to its terroir and cold environment. Here is a description of British wine. Wine from England The chalk limestone soils of Sussex, Kent, […]

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July 7, 2023
DOES VINE AGE MATTER AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL?

Professor Attilio Scienza, a viticulture expert at the University of Milan, claims that older vines produce fewer grapes than younger ones do and that the extra work an older vine puts into maturing its fruit results in grapes with higher acidity, less sugar, and a dimmer color. What makes the difference between old and young vines? The difference between old and young vines in the context of grapevines lies primarily in their age and […]

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June 16, 2023
2023 – PLANS FOR WHITE AOC MÉDOC ARE MAKING HEADWAY

The Appellation d’Origine ContrĂ´lĂŠe (or AOC) sets the rules on all French wines. This regulatory commission makes sure that producers who wish to use a certain name for their wine (Champagne, for example) must follow a certain set of rules in making their product. White Bordeaux wine is also produced in other appellations. Today, close […]

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May 29, 2023
ASI – Association de la Sommellerie Internationale – The story about…

WHAT`S THE STORY ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION DE LA SOMMELLERIE INTERNATIONALE (ASI): The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) is a nonprofit organization founded in Reims in 1969 as an umbrella organization to raise the bar for restaurant service professionals internationally. While its historical roots are in Europe, ASI is now represented on 6 continents. Every three […]

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May 6, 2023
BORDEAUX 2022, IS NOT A VINTAGE OF THE CENTURY, BUT A DELIGHTFUL MYSTERY THAT RESULTED IN FINESSE WINES.

Some incredible reds were miraculously born during the long and hot summer, which should stand the test of time. In memory of Bordelais, the 2022 vintage is going to live a long time. The year was hot and dry so in some of the regions irrigation had been allowed for the first time, forest fires dominated the news during July. […]

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April 19, 2023
BORDEAUX ORDERED TO UPROOT VINEYARDS AS FRENCH LOSE TASTE FOR WINE

More than 300 Bordeaux vineyards are to switch to growing olives and walnuts and thousands of hectares of vines will be uprooted in an attempt to rescue the claret industry. The measures announced by the French government and local authorities are aimed at softening the impact of a drop in demand for the lower-end appellation wines, which […]

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April 7, 2023
ARGENTINA`S ATTACK ON THE KILLER ANTS

Winegrowers in Mendoza are struggling to fight a tiny – but tenacious – vineyard pest. Winegrowers in Mendoza in Argentina are being terrorized by a species of fauna that has them on the run. This particular nuisance is capable of lifting 10-50 times their body weight and sometimes more. Read on: https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2023/03/argentinas-attack-of-the-killer-ants

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March 12, 2023
12 Types of Corks and Wine Closures

Have you noticed that some wine producers use different types of wine closures than others? If so, and you’re curious about the benefits and challenges of different cork types, we’ve built the following guide on wine closures just for you. Why Do Wines Use Corks? Wine corks have been the preferred wine closure option for […]

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March 11, 2023
ORGANICS TEACHES YOU WHERE YOU SHOULDN’T GROW GRAPES

“Surface, superficial roots [in compacted soils] do not work well, and eat badly – the topsoil is like a Big Mac, while deep down is the gourmet food.” Read on: click

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January 8, 2023
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DECANTER FOR YOUR WINE!

If you enjoy red wine or drink more affordable wine on a regular basis, then using a decanter is a great idea. Decanting may not look like much, but the increased oxygen exposure to wine greatly improves the taste by softening astringent tannins and letting fruit and floral aromas come out. If you’re searching for […]

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January 1, 2023
It’s all in the sauce……….

Five Mother Sauces of Classical Cuisine and Their Pairings The five mother sauces are the base sauces from which most other cooked sauces are made. By incorporating additional ingredients into a mother sauce, you can create numerous small or compound sauces. BĂŠchamel Sauce: This is a simple sauce to make, which is one of the […]

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December 23, 2022
FROM THE 2023 VINTAGE, THE AOC GIGONDAS WILL EXTEND TO WHITE WINES!

From the 2023 vintage, we will have the pleasure of presenting a white Gigondas. Indeed, the committee of the Institut National de l’Origine et de la QualitĂŠ (INAO) has accepted the request to extend the AOC Gigondas to white wines. This is a great victory for the winegrowers of the appellation, who have seen their […]

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November 14, 2022
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DECANTER FOR YOUR WINE!

If you enjoy red wine or drink more affordable wine on a regular basis, then using a decanter is a great idea. Decanting may not look like much, but the increased oxygen exposure to wine greatly improves the taste by softening astringent tannins and letting fruit and floral aromas come out. If you’re searching for […]

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October 23, 2022
HAS BURGUNDY REACHED A PEAK?

Burgundy is never not in demand. It’s a tiny region, which accounts for approximately just 0.3% of the world’s wine production. The trouble is, this production includes the greatest, most prestigious, most famous Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays on Earth. Every top restaurant, every wealthy wine connoisseur wants these wines in their cellars and there is simply […]

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October 4, 2022
SALON 2022: ÖSTERREICHS BESTE WEINE SIND GEKÜRT!

Die Ergebnisse des härtesten Weinwettbewerbs Österreichs liegen vor: 275 Weine haben es heuer in den SALON geschafft. 21 davon sind SALON Sieger. Erstmals wurden die Weine nach ihrer Herkunft und nicht nach Rebsorten verkostet und bewertet. Alle Weine sind unter salonwein.at zu finden. Read more…… CLICK   Looking for an interesting Sommelier position? Have a […]

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September 29, 2022
ARE HYBRID GRAPES THE FUTURE OF WINE?

The National Weather Service began recording temperature across the U.S. in 1901. The year 2016 was the warmest, followed by 2020. This past decade was the warmest 10-year span on record. Vintage write-ups have been filled with notes of extremes in addition to record-breaking heat: drought, humidity, fires. Grape farmers and winemakers across regions are faced […]

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August 5, 2022
TOP TEN WINE CONSUMERS!!!

According to provisional figures released by International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) the top 10 countries that drank the most wine in 2021 are listed below. The US led the field by a comfortable margin over France and Italy. The greatest increase from the previous year was recorded by Argentina (+11%) followed closely by Spain […]

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July 31, 2022
TRENDS IN THE WINE INDUSTRY: FROM SUSTAINABILITY TO CRYPTOCURRENCIES

During a time of change, the wine industry is once again proving its resilience. Read on: click   Looking for an interesting Sommelier position? Have a look or create a job alert by country: Sommelier vacancies

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July 27, 2022
PREDICTING PALATES: CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPROVE WINE BUYING?

Within the next decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the power to transform the wine industry forever. Right now, applications of AI for the wine industry are limited – but AI promises to be one of those immersive technologies that are embedded in everything we do, one way or another. According to a growing number of wine experts, […]

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July 27, 2022
FROM CORK TAINT TO SMOKE TAINT: A NEW HEADACHE FOR BORDEAUX’S WINEMAKERS?

  Read on to report: click ***** Looking for an interesting Sommelier position? Have a look or create a job alert by country: Sommelier vacancies

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June 1, 2022
LA GAFFELIÈRE WITHDRAWS FROM SAINT-ÉMILION CLASSIFICATION

Chateau La Gaffeliere History, Overview First Growth B. Premier Grand Cru Classe B. Formerly labeled as Chateau La Gaffeliere-Naudes Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. Since 2017, the grape blend of Château La Gaffeliere has been 40% Cabernet Franc and 60% Merlot. Before the modern era of Chateau La Gaffeliere took hold, from all the ruins left behind […]

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May 14, 2022
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF SUGAR IN WINE !!!

The sugar in wine is called “Residual Sugar” or RS. That means the sugar in wine is what remains after grapes have gone through the winemaking process. Grapes contain fruit sugars (fructose and glucose) and the residual sugar is what’s left after yeast has chomped on those sugars. Read on: click   Looking for an […]

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April 17, 2022
HOW DO WILDFIRES AFFECT WINE?

Grapes exposed to smoke absorb chemicals that can alter—and sometimes ruin—the taste and smell of resultant wines. This so-called “smoke taint” has become a growing concern for the industry. Chemicals in smoke obscure wine’s flavor and fragrance. Read on: click   Looking for an interesting Sommelier position? Have a look or create a job alert […]

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April 11, 2022
UNDERSTANDING LIMESTONE SOILS IN WINE.

Limestone can produce great wines, but it’s not the only choice. Limestone offers beneficial nutrients to grapes that make them grow better and produce sweeter grapes. It’s special because it retains moisture in dry weather, but also offers good drainage in cool weather. Read on: click   Looking for an interesting Sommelier position? Have a […]

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March 16, 2022
WHAT TO DO WITH OLD WINE CORKS ? – 22 WAYS OF USING CORKS!

Cork is an impermeable buoyant material, the phellem layer of bark tissue that is harvested for commercial use primarily from Quercus suber (the cork oak), which is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa. Because of its impermeable, buoyant, elastic, and fire retardant properties, it is used in a variety of products, the most common […]

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February 22, 2022
FRANCE TO ADD NEW APPELLATION!

The French Appellation d’Origine ContrĂ´lĂŠe (AOC) system may not be perfect, but for winemakers, it can provide crucial recognition of their terroir’s greatness—and serve as a valuable marketing tool. Read on: click   Sommelier Interview Series – interested in some Sommelier’s point of view?  click or are you looking for an interesting Sommelier job? click

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February 20, 2022
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN WINE?

The rapid pace of technological innovation will likely have a dramatic impact on the wine industry over the next decade. In some cases, technology will offer solutions to problems facing grape growers and winemakers; in other cases, technology will revolutionize how we package, buy and consume wine. Read on: click   Sommelier Interview Series – […]

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February 13, 2022
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR ON A WINE LIST – A VERY INTERESTING POLL RESULT!

Some 48% of respondents stated that the regions being represented were the most important factor on a restaurant’s wine list, while 29% highlighted the price point as the key consideration. Read on: click

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January 29, 2022
IT’S NOW AGAINST THE LAW TO SELL A BOTTLE OF WINE FOR UNDER £6.20 IN IRELAND!

Ireland introduced minimum prices for alcohol in a bid to cut abuse and underage drinking, but critics fear the move may drive buyers to seek cheaper drinks in Northern Ireland instead.  Read on: click

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January 15, 2022
BUILD YOUR FUTURE AS A PROFESSIONAL SOMMELIER. SHORT, INSPIRING ARTICLE!!!!

A positive attitude, humble, Storyteller, passion, great communication skills, work under pressure, empathy, knowledge, curiosity, open-mindedness, and being a hospitality professional are just a few of the skills needed to be a world-class sommelier. Read on: click

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January 8, 2022
A BOLD TAKE ON WINE PAIRING WITH INDIAN FOOD!!!

Indian food is incredibly diverse. It’s also extremely complex, featuring a vast array of spices and flavors. It’s the bold, intense flavors that make Indian food so exciting. When it comes to wine pairing with Indian food, it’s those same characteristics that also make the process daunting. Read on: click

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January 6, 2022
CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS – THE THIRD PREMIER GRAND CRU CLASSÉ TO WITHDRAW FROM THE SAINT-ÉMILION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM!

The Château has been one of the four ‘first growths’ of Saint-Émilion and classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A  since 2012. Before that, it had been a Premier Grand Cru Classé  B since 1996. Read on: click

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December 8, 2021
WORLD WINE PRODUCTION IN 2021: ALMOST RECORD LOW, FRANCE DROPS TO THIRD PLACE!!!

Bad winemaking weather in Europe is being blamed for taking down the global production to its third below-average year in a row. Frostbitten France saw one of its worst years in decades. Read on: click

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October 30, 2021
ANCIENT WINE PRESS, CARVINGS FOUND IN IRAQ!

Archaeologists in Iraq revealed on Sunday their discovery of a large-scale wine factory from the rule of the Assyrian kings 2,700 years ago, along with stunning monumental rock-carved royal reliefs. Read on: click

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September 30, 2021
Here’s What You Need to Know About Europe’s Historically Low Wine Harvest

Production across Europe is estimated to plummet 18 percent this year. Read on: click

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September 28, 2021
SALON 2021: ÖSTERREICHS BESTE WEINE!

270 SALON Weine und 17 SALON Sieger: Österreichs härtester Weinwettbewerb hat die besten Weine des Landes ermittelt. Rund ein Drittel der Weine entstammen biologisch bzw. biodynamisch oder „Nachhaltig Austria“-zertifizierten Betrieben. Alle Weine sind unter salonwein.at zu finden. Read on: click

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September 13, 2021
Why Vineyard Soil is So Important for Terroir!!!

As more new world producers start to take an interest in terroir, scientists are turning their attention to defining it and explaining how it affects wine. Read on: click

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September 4, 2021
Future wine land!

Some of the world’s most prestigious winemakers list five top regions for making wine in the future. Read on: click

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September 2, 2021
The Cork Closure Makes a Comeback

3 Reasons Why Wine Corks Are Making a Welcome Comeback: Cork Aids in the Aging Process Cork Taint Can be Eradicated Cork is the Most Sustainable Stopper Read on: click

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August 9, 2021
Champagne growers vote to change century-old rule.

Champagne growers have voted to change a century-old rule that establishes the necessary distance between vines, a move that has sparked an angry response from some sceptics.  Read on: click

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July 28, 2021
The Truth About Gluten-Free Wine!

Wine is naturally gluten-free, but some practices — including using gluten during the fining process and aging it in oak barrels sealed with wheat paste — may add tiny amounts of gluten. Read on: click

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July 14, 2021
AUSONE AND CHEVAL BLANC LEAVE ST EMILION CLASSIFICATION!!!!

Châteaux Cheval Blanc and Ausone have questioned the judging criteria for the classification’s renewal in 2022, as St-Emilion’s wine council expressed ‘regret’ at the two famous estates’ decision to withdraw but also defended the process. Read on: click

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July 1, 2021
WHY AREN’T WINE BOTTLES REUSED?

Glass recycling facts for the UK on https://lnkd.in/ezBm3Pj : – It takes a tonne of glass to make around 4000 bottles or jars. – The average UK household uses 500 glass bottles and jars every year. – Glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused over and over again, without losing quality. – The UK recycles […]

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May 25, 2021
Alejandro FernĂĄndez, Legend Of Ribera Del Duero, Dies

Alejandro Fernandez, who revolutionized Spain’s Ribera del Duero region with his determination and his iconic wine, Pesquera, died May 22 in Santander. He was 88. Read more: click   Copyright Š: Dominik Kozlik – Zeitgeist Sommelier – www.sommelier-jobs.com

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May 17, 2021
World Wine Consumption drops for 3rd time in a row….

Continuing with the downward trend, worldwide consumption of wine dropped declined for the third time in a row to 2.8 percent in 2020 and was at the lowest level since 2002 Read on: click

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May 13, 2021
Tropical Terroir: The Man Turning Taiwan Into Wine Country

On this subtropical island, Chien-hao Chen fought typhoons and monsoons to develop his vineyards — and to produce wines admired by some of the most important oenologists. Read on: click

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April 27, 2021
Could paper wine bottles replace glass bottles?

The prototype is made by a Danish company from an extra-strong paper shell that still contains a thin plastic liner. But the goal is to create a 100% recyclable, plastic-free bottle capable of preventing gas from escaping from carbonated drinks. The barrier must also ensure no fibres flake off into the liquid Read on: click

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April 18, 2021
What’s new in Prosecco?

Changes are afoot across the whole of the Prosecco region in the north. Alessandra Piubello summarises shifts in styles and standards…… Read on: click

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April 5, 2021
Ideas for building a profitable and creative wine list!

A wine list should be a living document that responds to guests’ taste and preference and that pair well with the food dishes being served every dinner and last but not least, it has a huge influence on profitability.   *** By country of origin or region – In many ways, this approach that focuses […]

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March 27, 2021
Understanding German Wines………..

German wines are produced according to an imperfect scale based on the ripeness of the grapes at harvest time. In general, riper grapes produce richer, more complex wines. This system was put into place in 1971 because of Germany’s cool, northern climate, where full ripeness was often difficult to achieve. With global climate change, however, […]

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March 26, 2021
Petrus wine comes back after a trip in space…….

A group of French wine connoisseurs have detected a sprinkle of stardust at their latest tasting, after becoming the first people in the world to sample and review wine that spent a year in space. Read on: click    

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March 25, 2021
VINEYARD OWNERS INCREASINGLY KEEN TO BE PROMOTED BY ‘WINE INFLUENCERS’

Influencer marketing is a hot topic these days. In the wine arena, the influencers whose metrics reveal a sheer number of followers seem to stand out from the larger Instagram community, despite their short-lived history. More often than not, many will challenge the younger generation of wine Instagrammers as non-experts and question their credentials. Read […]

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March 19, 2021
What has become of consumer trends in a post pandemic world?

The last year of self-imposed quarantine have tipped the wine market on its edge. The retail sector has benefited enormously while restaurants, bars and hotels are suffering.  Read on: click

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March 15, 2021
Should Burgundy change grape varieties to survive climate change?

Burgundy grape varieties put to the climate change test. Read on: click

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March 9, 2021
What’s a Sommelier to Do When They Lose Their Sense of Smell?

“Taste and smell are of primal importance to people in our field,” says food and wine writer Jordan Mackay, who contracted COVID-19 in early March while visiting New York City. “I believe that it’s a heightened responsiveness to these senses that drew many of us into the gastronomic world in the first place. Losing them […]

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February 9, 2021
Austrian Winemakers at the Forefront of a Biodynamic Farming Revolution….

Some of the country’s winemakers realized 40 years ago that farming methods had to change. We talk to three forward-thinking producers who are still looking for new solutions.  Read more: click

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January 28, 2021
Bordeaux Approves Six New Grape Varieties to Battle Climate Change……..

White: Liliorila: This white grape variety is a new cross between Baroque x Chardonnay. The crossing took place in 1956 on behalf of INRA by the Basque Pierre Marcel DurquĂŠty (1923-2016) in France with the support of the University of Montpellier.  Alvarinho: AlbariĂąo or Alvarinho is a variety of white wine grape grown in Galicia and Northwest Portugal, where it is also used to make varietal white wines. AlbariĂąo […]

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December 20, 2020
Amorim Announces Enhancements to Eliminate TCA………..

Cork taint is a contaminant in wine caused by musty aroma compounds. The most common culprit is 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA). While some wine flaws, such as brettanomyces and volatile acidity, can be subjective as to whether they hurt or enhance a wine, cork taint is universally considered a flaw at any detectable level. Read more click

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December 7, 2020
New wine growing designation in California/USA – The Tehachapi Mountains AVA

An American Viticultural Area, or AVA, is a specific type of appellation of origin used on wine labels. An AVA is a delimited grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown. Using an AVA designation on a wine label allows vintners to describe […]

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December 5, 2020
UK immigration rules from 1 January 2021

A new immigration system will apply to people arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021 and EU citizens moving to the UK to work will need to get a visa in advance. EU citizens applying for a skilled worker visa will need to show they have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor to be able to apply. Read […]

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November 30, 2020
WORLD PREMIERE: THE FIRST-EVER HYBRID WINE TASTING……..

The Austrian Wine Marketing Board has launched a new series of Covid-safe tastings using a ‘hybrid’ format to ensure the safety of participants; with the first session having already taken place in Moscow and the next scheduled for London in 2021. Read on…  

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November 26, 2020
Are Some Wines Simply Impossible to Pair With Food?

You might try to pair a wine with beef… but it’s not JUST going to be beef, is it? Of course not! It will have herbs or spices, a side dish of veggies and a sauce. There are many things to think about when pairing a dish, but in the end, you have to choose […]

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November 23, 2020
Bordeaux’s New Grape Varieties Take Root……………

New grape varieties were approved last year and some growers have been quick to take advantage. Read on…  

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November 17, 2020
2020 Global Wine Production Is Below Average……………

Based on information collected from 30 countries, representing 84% of the world production, global wine production this year is estimated to be 1% up on 2019 at 253.9mhl and 262.2mhl, with a mid‑range estimate at 258mhl. Read on…  

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November 9, 2020
Devon Broglie (Chairman of the CMS Americas) has stepped down from his role after…..

After the resignation of Geoff Kruth (founder and president of GuildSomm) at the end of October, Devon Broglie (Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas) has stepped down from his role following the sexual harassment scandal within the organization. Read on…    

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November 6, 2020
BATTLE OF THE SOMM: HAS COVID KILLED THE SOMMELIER?

With the pandemic having shuttered restaurants in England for a month, Lucy Shaw explores the shifting role of the Sommelier, which many venues can no longer afford, and how a flexible approach will be key to their survival. Read on…    

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October 30, 2020
The Wine World’s Most Elite Circle Has a Sexual Harassment Problem……………

Report Details Litany of Sexual Abuse Experienced by Women in Master Sommelier Training Read on… Statement from Female Master Sommeliers click The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas apology click  

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October 13, 2020
Wine’s Covid Winners and Losers……………

In many key markets, wine continues to be a ‘beneficiary’ of lockdown and restrictions, with consumers increasingly enjoying wine across a broader range of at-home occasions. Read on…  

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September 28, 2020
POUILLY-FUISSÉ (Mâconnais) GRANTED NEW PREMIER CRU DESIGNATIONS…………….

The 10 year wait for the granting of premier cru status to vineyards in Pouilly-FuissĂŠ is finally at an end, with 22 climats now officially recognised and classified as such. Read on…  

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September 23, 2020
What’s the problem with celebrity wines? By Robert Joseph

If the romantic notion of launching your own wine label is something you’ve daydreamed about, you’re not alone. Many celebrities and pop-culture icons have had the same idea. Some have chosen to partner with established producers to create their own custom labels, while others went all-in and built their own wineries from the ground up. Read on… […]

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September 13, 2020
Wine Glasses Explained – The Glassware Guide by Oliver Hoss

Whether sweet or dry, white or red, robust or light, wine requires very specific serving procedures in order to reach its full flavor potential. In addition to proper serving temperatures, each type of wine requires a specific style of glass for service. To get the most out of your wine collection, browse through the links […]

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August 31, 2020
Coronavirus will have ‘far-reaching’ impact on alcohol: 5 emerging consumer trends

Identifying trends in consumer behaviour has been something of a growth industry for several decades. Exciting and game-changing things are happening more quickly than ever before in many consumer goods categories, as communication technology blurs cultural and community boundaries. New and (mostly) useful goods and services are adopted at a speed that would surprise even […]

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August 28, 2020
CORK SUPPLY ANNOUNCES BREAKTHROUGH IN TCA ELIMINATION……..

Cork taint is typically caused by 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), but it can be caused by a number of other compounds. It presents itself as a musty aroma or taste often described as reminiscent of a damp basement. Most often, the cork is the culprit, though it can have other causes, like TCA tainted barrels. Read on…….

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August 21, 2020
How to get consumers to pay more for their wines…… by Robert Joseph.

15% of the Provence estates make ultra-premium rosĂŠ today, says Master of Wine Louise Sydbeck who has made a study of this wine segment. And many more are thinking of making one. Nearly all of these prestige rosĂŠs were launched after 2006. So it is a fairly new phenomenon. Although some people are sceptics and […]

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August 15, 2020
Wine trash upsycling – new uses for old garbage……..

Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products perceived to be of greater quality, such as artistic value or environmental value. Upcycling is the opposite of downcycling, which is the other face of the recycling process. Downcycling involves converting materials and products into new materials of lesser quality. […]

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August 11, 2020
Ice Wine – Germany’s Frozen Dessert Wine by Oliver Hoss

Read on…    

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July 31, 2020
The World’s Most Expensive Rieslings…………

Read on…   WHAT IS RIESLING? Riesling is a highly aromatic and fruity grape variety. It has been regarded as the greatest white wine grape for hundreds of years. Throughout history, Riesling has been revered for its vibrant personality, its pure fruit flavors, its astonishing diversity of styles, its ability to show you where it […]

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July 23, 2020
Iconic German Vineyards: A guide to some of Germany’s great vineyard sites…..

The vineyards along the Mosel and its tributaries shape a unique landscape. They represent the largest continuous steep slope wine-growing area in the world. The foundations for viticulture along these steep slopes reach far back into the history of the Earth: soils have developed on the dark mineral-rich slate which was formed 400 million years […]

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July 7, 2020
Wine Should Say Goodbye to Blind Tasting by Oliver Styles

Blind tasting is a term we winos use in reference to our ubiquitous penchant for tasting wines without seeing the label or otherwise knowing what the wine is. Apart from being a popular sport among wine geeks, it is also a useful means of testing the abilities of wine students and occasionally a manner of […]

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July 4, 2020
Global consumer trends in the short term…..

The wine industry may evoke images of slow life and bucolic landscapes, but it is a significant business sector. Wine is and always has been enmeshed in certain cultures while completely ignored or even outright banned by others. Many cultures in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (except for the renowned wine-growing country of South Africa) do […]

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June 29, 2020
What’s Next in Wine’s New Normal?…….

Read on…

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June 23, 2020
Dutch Restaurants Recruit Robot Waiters As Covid-19 Restrictions Ease……..

The world is returning to its original state albeit with some changes. As restaurants gear up to reopen their doors in the Netherlands we couldn’t help but notice how innovatively they are planning to bring customers back while keeping safety on high priority. Read on…

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June 17, 2020
France to transform surplus wine into hand sanitiser…….

French winemakers will transform wine that went unsold during the country’s two-month coronavirus lockdown into hand sanitizer and ethanol to make room for the next harvest, a farming agency said on Thursday. Wine sales and exports, particularly to the US, plunged at the height of the coronavirus crisis, leaving winemakers with millions of liters of […]

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June 17, 2020
What does it mean “noble grape” ?

Noble grapes are any grapes traditionally associated with the highest quality wines. Noble grapes are said to retain their character no matter where they are planted. This concept is not as common today, partly because of the proliferation of hybrid grape varieties, and partly because some critics feel that it unfairly prioritizes varieties grown within France. Historically speaking, […]

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June 9, 2020
These 6 restaurants around the world have found creative ways to enforce social distancing…….

The way we eat, where we eat, and what we eat all might change as a result of the coronavirus. Countries around the world are beginning to lift lockdown restrictions, and people are searching for missed experiences. One commonly missed experience is dining at a restaurant. Restaurant owners, chefs, and hosts are all searching for […]

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June 9, 2020
Does The Wine Industry Have A Racism Problem?……..

Read on…

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June 6, 2020
3 Approaches for Organising a Wine List………

So you’re creating a new wine list, overhauling your existing list, or just looking at ways to improve.  Read on…

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May 30, 2020
FIVE FOOD & HOSPITALITY TRENDS FOR A POST-LOCKDOWN WORLD!……….

Following the outbreak of coronavirus, countries around the world started to implement a number of policy measures aimed at avoiding the further spread of the disease and some trends arising…. Read on…

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May 29, 2020
Yeast; The Silent Winemaker……….

The role of yeast in winemaking is the most important element that distinguishes wine from grape juice. In the absence of oxygen, yeast converts the sugars of wine grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide through the process of fermentation. The more sugars in the grapes, the higher the potential alcohol level of the wine if the yeast is allowed to carry out fermentation to dryness. Sometimes winemakers will stop fermentation early in order […]

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May 19, 2020
ARGENTINA EXPERIENCES ‘UNUSUAL’ AND EARLY HARVEST….

Picking during social distancing, an early harvest, and processing grapes in two months rather than four are just some of the ways wineries experienced an “unforgettably challenging” harvest in 2020, according to Wines of Argentina. Read on…

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May 13, 2020
RESTAURANT USES MANNEQUINS TO ENFORCE SOCIAL DISTANCING….

A three-Michelin starred restaurant in the US has decided to use mannequins dressed in 1940s-themed outfits to aid social distancing when it reopens. Read on…

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May 8, 2020
What is Whole-Bunch Fermentation and Why Does It Matter?

The rise of mechanical destemming over the course of the the 20th century means that nowadays the great majority of wines are made from fruit without stems. Traditionally, that wasn’t the case, and a number of producers—for a variety of reasons—still find advantages to fermentation with whole clusters of grapes on their stems. Read on…

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May 4, 2020
COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with Air Conditioning in Restaurant…

Some experts warn that the coronavirus can be spread through ventilation systems, and that means this summer could require a major rethinking of how often we turn on the air-conditioning. Read more ….. click    

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May 1, 2020
22% OF PEOPLE WOULD RETURN TO RESTAURANTS WHEN THEY REOPEN

Masked waiters, half-empty dining rooms, and mobile ordering may all be part of the new reality when restaurants open their doors again. Read more ….. click    

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April 28, 2020
How ‘Very Socially Disruptive’ Measures Will Affect The Wine Trade…

The most established wine markets are in Europe: Portugal, Italy, and France have the highest per capita consumption at over 35 liters per person per year, compared with 23.9 for Australia, 9.9 for the US, and just 3.5 for China. Europe remains the world’s consumption center, at 58% of volume and 50% of the total […]

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April 27, 2020
Wine Industry Consolidation & the Big “W” Recession Threat…

An economic downturn would certainly impact the wine industry. Wine is, after all, a discretionary good for most consumers.  I haven’t heard of anyone filling their Costco wagon with wine the way they have done with toilet paper, although I have seen reports of people stocking up for an anticipated quarantine period. People don’t stop […]

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April 21, 2020
Companies help laid-off employees in variety of ways……

Though much of the industry is suffering from temporary layoffs, companies are trying to provide financial and emotional support as well as food to employees in need. Here’s what two management companies and one California hotel are doing. Read more ….. click    

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April 19, 2020
The Pros & Cons of Virtual Wine Tastings……

Can virtual wine tastings be saved? by Robert Joseph click OR Can Virtual Wine Tastings Ever Really Substitute for Real-Life Interaction? by Kelly Magyarics click

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April 13, 2020
How reliable are wine judges?

Wine tasting is the sensory examination and evaluation of wine. While the practice of wine tasting is as ancient as its production, a more formalized methodology has slowly become established from the 14th century onwards. Read on…

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April 8, 2020
WELL-KNOWN CHEFS BAND TOGETHER TO DEMAND GOVERNMENT ACTION ON BUSINESS INTERRUPTION COVERAGE

The law firm that sued insurers on behalf of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group in California and Cajun Conti in Louisiana has formed a coalition to take on the insurance industry on behalf of restaurants.   read more..

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April 8, 2020
Frost protection using sprinklers: how it really works

Low temperatures under 32 °F (0 °C) and freezing conditions present a great threat to crop growth and could result in partial or total losses if not handled appropriately. Sprinkler irrigation can provide the highest level of protection when compared to a vast majority of currently available systems. It is also one of the most economical frost […]

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April 3, 2020
Ideas on How to Develop a Profitable Wine List?

A restaurant’s wine list is crucial to creating a sense of place and identity. The wines that are added to the list will have all kinds of positive reflections for a restaurant beyond the plate. Even for the most seasoned veterans, creating a wine list—whether from scratch or by reorganizing an existing list—is a challenge. […]

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March 30, 2020
How Anyone Can Become a Sommelier…….

  Read on…

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March 25, 2020
The World of Wine: Visualizing an Industry Ripe for Disruption……

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of international wine trade complexities. Since 2000 the wine trade has grown significantly and its structure has experienced major changes. Such changes are shaping the current competitive scenario of the wine market and are the base elements for its future development. Read on…

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March 21, 2020
Understanding Microbial Terroir in Wine …….

Defining microbial terroir:  In any fermentative process, the impact of the native microbial community is hugely important.  Read on…

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March 17, 2020
Wine, Recession, and Coronavirus: This Time is Different?

As restaurants, shops, airlines and factories shut down around the world, from New York to Paris and Madrid, economists are warning that a global recession is no longer a looming threat. It’s here. Read on…

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March 15, 2020
A study identifies 17 key compounds in wine aromas …….

The aromas of wine are more diverse than its flavors. The human tongue is limited to the primary tastes perceived by taste receptors on the tongue – sourness, bitterness, saltiness, sweetness and savoriness. The wide array of fruit, earthy, leathery, floral, herbal, mineral, and woodsy flavor present in wine are derived from aroma notes sensed by the olfactory bulb. In wine tasting, wine is sometimes smelled before being drunk in […]

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March 12, 2020
GLOBAL WINE EXPERTS DESCRIBE IMPACT OF TURBULENCE AHEAD…..

  Read on…

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March 9, 2020
Coronavirus is Disrupting Wine Trade and Major Events……

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing massive financial and operational headwinds for food and beverage companies operating inside China and beyond. Cargill, Mondelez International, the Coca-Cola Co., and other of the top manufacturers are scrambling to protect their workers, safeguard their supply chains, and adjusting earnings estimates as COVID-19 spreads. Read on…

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March 9, 2020
Reaching Out to Wine’s Lost Generations …….

While many wine marketers have been focusing on selling wine to Millennials, more than 20 million Generation Z consumers have reached legal drinking age since 2016, according to US Census figures. Of course wineries should still pay attention to the other lucrative generation segments of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials, but the fact that […]

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March 2, 2020
What do you know about wine? Not much: ‘We’re now outsourcing memory storage to our phones’

Cognitive offloading refers to our reliance on the external environment in order to reduce cognitive demand. For instance, people write notes on paper or smartphones in order not to forget shopping lists or upcoming appointments. Read on…

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February 21, 2020
Crus Bourgeois du MĂŠdoc updates classification………

The Cru Bourgeois classification lists some of the châteaux from the MĂŠdoc that were not included in the 1855 Classification of Crus ClassĂŠs, or Classed Growths. Notionally, Cru Bourgeois is a level below Cru ClassĂŠ, but still of high quality (formerly there were additional grades of Cru Artisan and Cru Paysan). Many wine writers consider that there is some overlap in quality between the Classed Growths and the Cru Bourgeois, although […]

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February 20, 2020
Winemakers are Using Cutting-Edge Data and Centuries-Old Wisdom to Combat Climate Change………

Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, weather events are becoming more extreme and greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history. […]

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February 11, 2020
How will the coronavirus affect China’s wine industry?

The impacts of the outbreak is so damaging that many economists and think tanks are downgrading growth target for China, with many expecting the country’s growth rate to slip below 6%…… Read on…

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February 7, 2020
Appellation Marlborough Wine comes of age……

Early settlers in Marlborough planted vines as early as the 1870s. A small block of Brown Muscat was planted in 1873 by David Herd, but in 1931 his son pulled up the last of the vines, and no others were recorded in the region for the next forty years. Commercial wine-making began in earnest only in 1973 when […]

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February 6, 2020
The Recent Bulk Wine Conference Addressed What Can Ruin Wine In Cans….

While design for high-end wines continues to build on visual cues that communicate luxury and tradition, with glass bottles being key to that, those reaching to a majority of consumers below that level increasingly are embracing aluminum packaging. Read on…

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February 3, 2020
The glyphosate dilemma………

Glyphosate is an herbicide. It is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to regulate plant growth and ripen specific crops. Glyphosate was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1974. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides […]

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January 27, 2020
Wine trends in the 2010s: Looking back………..

Take the whirlwind tour of the decade that was: Read on…

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January 21, 2020
PAUL BOCUSE’S RESTAURANT LOSES THIRD MICHELIN STAR AFTER 53 years…..

  Read on…

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January 19, 2020
Uncovering the pathway to wine’s acidity….

The acids in wine are an important component in both winemaking and the finished product of wine. They are present in both grapes and wine, having direct influences on the color, balance and taste of the wine as well as the growth and vitality of yeast during fermentation and protecting the wine from bacteria. The measure of the amount of acidity in wine is known as the “titratable acidity” or […]

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December 30, 2019
Is technology shaping how consumers buy wine?

Novice and experienced wine drinkers share the need for basic wine knowledge, particularly when it comes to entertaining. With some basic knowledge and understanding, you can confidently select, buy, and serve wine. Read on…

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December 22, 2019
US CONSIDERS 100% TARIFFS ON EUROPEAN WINE….

Having proposed tariffs of up to 100% on certain French goods earlier this month, the US government has now said it may up its tariffs on European wine and Scotch as part of an ongoing dispute over subsidies given to Airbus. Read on…

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December 15, 2019
HOW THE LOIRE’S SMALL PRODUCERS ARE CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY

Producing sustainable wine begins at the vineyard and grows from the ground, up. To choose the right grape variety and rootstock is the first step in wine production. To make the right decision it is important to have a clear understanding of the region climate, the farm soil and other environment aspects (e.g., wind, water, […]

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December 5, 2019
French Wine Could Face 100% Tariffs ….

as Trump Confronts France Over Tech Taxes A report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative renewed a conflict between the countries, which had negotiated a temporary truce in August. Read on…

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December 3, 2019
Wine & Beer consumption worldwide….

Vatican City is at the very top of the wine-drinking league with an average resident consuming an impressive 54.26 liters a year. Although it may seem surprising that the Holy See grabs top spot, it does have a uniform and unusual demographic. Its residents are older and tend to eat together in large groups while the […]

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November 25, 2019
Michelin Guide Acquires The Wine Advocate….

Michelin Guides are a series of guide books published by the French tyre company Michelin for more than a century. The term normally refers to the annually published Michelin Red Guide, the oldest European hotel and restaurant reference guide, which awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few establishments. The acquisition or loss of a star can […]

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November 21, 2019
Grape Britain: the rise of UK wine….

Wine production in the UK has historically been perceived as less than ideal due to the cold climate. The current market, however, is growing. Recent warmer summers have played a role in increasing investment and sale of wines. Most of the wine produced is of a white and sparkling variety, with the majority of vineyards in […]

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November 18, 2019
China’s Wine List of the Year Awards

The highly anticipated results of the 2019 China’s Wine List of the Year Awards – Mainland China and also Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan were announced on 22nd October 2019, to an audience of greater China’s leading sommeliers, VIPs, Award Partners and Supporters, Wine judges from around the world, government representatives and media with a […]

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November 16, 2019
Trade War Roils European Wine Industry……….

Four weeks after the United States slapped a punishing 25 percent tariff on many European wines in retaliation for subsidies to airplane manufacturer Airbus, wine professionals on both sides of the Atlantic are grappling with evaporating profits as they navigate an uncertain business environment… Read on…

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November 7, 2019
Rioja declares 2019 ‘the’ vintage……….

As the 2019 harvest in the DenominaciĂłn de Origen Calificada Rioja drew to a close, the denomination has declared a smaller yield. However the “outstanding overall health of the vines” is said to be made possible by good weather conditions throughout October.   Read on…

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October 26, 2019
Why industry is going green on the quiet……….

Sustainable winegrowing is a comprehensive set of practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable.  The sustainable vineyard and winery practices conserve water and energy, maintain healthy soil, protect air and water quality, enhance relations with employees and communities, preserve local ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and improve the economic vitality of vineyards and […]

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October 21, 2019
The sommelier cheating scandal just won’t go away – by Wine Curmudgeon

How did the sommelier cheating scandal get to the point where people are afraid to talk about what happened? Read on… more on it read the article from the New York Time from 18th October 2018 – click

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October 13, 2019
Champagne Faces Another Challenging Vintage……….

 Despite the worldwide rise in temperatures, many agricultural products will continue to be cultivated without any noticeable difference or change discerned by consumers. This is not the case with the wine industry, where wine quality may be impacted. According to Spanish winemaker Miguel Torres, “Climate change is the greatest threat for the wine business in […]

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October 4, 2019
BURGUNDY HARVEST SUFFERS IN SUMMER HEAT……….

THE SUMMER OF 1540 was burning hot in the vine-covered hills of Burgundy, France—so hot as to be “almost unbearable,” according to one written account from the time. In fact, it was hot all across Europe that year. In the Alps, glaciers melted, their snouts retreating up steep-sided valleys. Fires burned from France to Poland. And […]

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September 28, 2019
The end of Cabernet in Napa Valley?

Napa wineries are confronting climate change by planting new experimental vineyards — without the region’s lifeblood, Cabernet Sauvignon. Read on…

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September 14, 2019
How will Britain treat EU citizens after Brexit? They need to know – and so does business

Conflicting immigration policies being floated by ministers are not just unworkable, they risk causing economic chaos… Read on…

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September 9, 2019
France’s wine harvest plunges by 12%……

The latest figures from Agreste show that wine regions across France have been affected by frost, heat and damp. Read on…

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September 1, 2019
The Effects of Drought on Cork Growth – How Climate Change Impacts the Cork Forest….

Mediterranean regions have a growing number of extreme weather events due to rapid change of climate. Cork oak, which is located in the western Mediterranean area, has become a very valuable resource within the western Mediterranean forests. Therefore, assessment of the impacts of climate extremes upon cork oak can help us produce better forest management […]

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August 27, 2019
The Blind Can’t Lead the Blind Tasting….

I read it and hear it from wine critics all the time (and if they don’t say it, they’re cheating, right?). Indeed, judging wine blind has long been the ethically noble way of doing it. Wine competitions everywhere taste “blind”, as do most publications. But it’s a lie. Or at the very least, it’s not […]

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August 18, 2019
What will the new grape varieties mean for Bordeaux?

Jane Anson visits the Bordeaux estate already looking at the new permitted grape varieties in Bordeaux… Read on…

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August 7, 2019
FRENCH AUTHORITIES GIVE A CORSICAN WINE PRODUCER THE BLUES……

Authorities in Corsica have launched an investigation into a producer of “naturally” blue wine after a study published earlier this year found an “unusually high” quantity of an artificial blue dye in the product. Read on…

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July 24, 2019
Bordeaux Approves 7 New AOC Grapes Amid Concerns About Climate Change….

The Bordeaux and Bordeaux SupĂŠrieur wine producers’ syndicate has approved the use of seven new grape varieties, in an attempt to grapple with climate change. Read on…

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July 1, 2019
The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants….

At a ceremony in Singapore, chefs from around the world gathered to learn whose restaurants were named one of the World’s 50 Best on a list sponsored by San Pellegrino. The list, which has faced years of criticism for acting as a self-perpetuating collection of expensive, European-leaning tasting menu restaurants run by white men, finally […]

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June 24, 2019
WHAT IS ACIDITY IN WINE?

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT POINTS The principal acids of wine are tartaric and malic. Volatile acidity (undesirable) is due to acetic acid (vinegar). Cool climate grapes have high acid and low sugar. Warm climate grapes have low acid and high sugar. The malolactic fermentation can be used to lower acidity of wine. Total acidity is reported […]

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June 9, 2019
DOES BLIND TASTING WORK?

A taster’s judgment can be prejudiced by knowing details of a wine, such as geographic origin, price, reputation, color, or other considerations. Scientific research has long demonstrated the power of suggestion in perception as well as the strong effects of expectancies. For example, people expect more expensive wine to have more desirable characteristics than less expensive wine. […]

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June 6, 2019
It could be iconic – quality high as Champagne faces early vintage….

Champagne is facing its fourth August harvest in the past 15 years as the recent heatwave continues – but 2018 could turn out to be an ‘iconic’ vintage, with quality described as ‘very promising’ so far.   Read on…..

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May 30, 2019
CANNED WINE GROWING IN POPULARITY….

Selling wine in a can is nothing especially new, it just hasn’t been embraced by wine producers, but is it time to look at canning wine as well as selling it in bottles? Read on…

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May 16, 2019
TURNING A CRITICAL EYE ON WINE CRITICS…. by Oliver Styles

The prominence of wine both for drinking and investment has spawned an entire industry of wine critics and journalists with their own trade publications, magazines and websites that regularly taste and score wines. A number of these critics have become extremely influential in their fields and hold a great deal of power as taste-makers and […]

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May 12, 2019
HOW WOMEN’S SEXUALITY IS USED TO SELL WINE…. by Jess Lander

Bâtonnage is a forum opening up a conversation about women in wine. Intention Bâtonnage is the brainchild of all those who identify as women working in all the different facets of the wine industry… even (especially) those who have traditionally been overlooked or spoken over. We strive to educate wine professionals as well as wine industry […]

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April 30, 2019
7 WAYS TO TELL A GOOD RESTAURANT WINE LIST FROM A BAD ONE, ACCORDING TO WINE EXPERTS……

“Great wine lists, simply put, should make wine feel fun, like the bacchanalian celebratory beverage it is,” says Aureole’s head sommelier, Morgan Harris Read on…     Zeitgeist Sommelier – Sommelier jobs & more www.sommelier-jobs.com

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April 21, 2019
WHY ARE MOST WINE LISTS SO BAD? CAN ANYTHING BE DONE?

The only wine lists that work for me are in high-end places where they focus on natural/authentic wines that I know pretty well, or where there is a good sommelier who can read the table well and make good suggestions. That’s a very small proportion of the restaurants out there. Not many of them have […]

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April 12, 2019
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CANADA’S ICEWINE INDUSTRY…

Climate change has affected the wine industry, making Canada the world’s largest ice wine producer. But could those days soon be over? Read on…     Zeitgeist Sommelier – Sommelier jobs & more www.sommelier-jobs.com

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April 9, 2019
BORDEAUX REGION MAKES PUSH TOWARD MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY VITICULTURE….

Part of what makes French wine so incredible — beyond taste — is the country’s wine history and its reverence of that history. For instance, in Bordeaux, the Wine Classification of 1855 still holds weight over 150 years later. But recently, the region has been looking to the past in an attempt to create an environmentally-friendly future — […]

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April 2, 2019
HOW THE WINE INDUSTRY CAN CAPTURE THE ATTENTION OF GENERATION X…..

For as long as we can reasonably remember, everyone in the wine industry has been chasing millennials. After comfortably selling wine to the baby boomer generation for years, millennials became the next big target of importers, producers, and PR firms. For several reasons, baby boomers are aging out of wine buying and drinking, and for […]

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March 25, 2019
HOW PRODUCERS DIAL IN THE RIGHT SHADE OF PINK FOR ROSÉ…

Midway between red and white wines, rosĂŠ is a style that requires precision—getting the balance right, in terms of color, aromatics, texture, and freshness. An appealing rosĂŠ needs aromatics, but to please a broad range of consumers it also needs to stay on the bright and refreshing side of things. Read on…

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March 9, 2019
FLAT WINE BOTTLES COULD CUT COSTS AND EMISSIONS….

Wine may soon be distributed in flat plastic bottles, in a move that could reduce carbon emissions and costs in the industry’s supply chain. The bottles are a novel alternative to the glass model that has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. The global wine industry is estimated to use more than 35bn glass bottles a year […]

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March 9, 2019
Discovering the Origin of Zinfandel….

The pursuit of ancient vine material provides an avenue for cultural and technological exchange in wine—from Croatia to California Read on…

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February 20, 2019
TIM HANNI MW: FOOD AND WINE PAIRING IS BULLSH*T

Speaking at the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough last month, Hanni spoke passionately about the need to completely rethink the concept of food and wine pairing. “A perfect wine pairing doesn’t exist. We’re doing a lot of damage the way we’re matching wine and categorising it. We need to start a campaign to stop wine […]

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February 17, 2019
Climate change is turning China into wine country….

Mention climate change and some will think of Pacific island states disappearing under glacial meltwater, or global apocalypse like that depicted in The Day After Tomorrow. Calmer heads may consider the recent discussions in Poland over the Paris Agreement. Very few would think about impending changes to what we grow and eat. Even fewer would picture wine.   Read on…

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February 11, 2019
Canines coming to Napa and surrounding wine nation to fight cork taint …

North Coast wineries and coopers may soon have a new line of defense against dreaded cork taint: former drug sniffing dogs from Chile. The musty bane of the industry, cork taint spoils wines from the highest prices to the lowest by way of chemical compounds that leave a “corked” wine with aromas of damp newspaper, […]

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February 3, 2019
Is Copper Safe for Wine?

It’s a top tool of organic grape growers. But is copper sulfate truly safe for vineyards? A new push by European leaders to reduce—and eventually eliminate—copper compounds used by organic and biodynamic winegrowers is making the future of organic viticulture uncertain in some wine regions.   Read on…

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January 22, 2019
Champagne aims to be herbicide-free by 2025….

“The die is cast: the political debate on glyphosate, which is certainly not the most dangerous molecule, is a good example of what to expect”, said Jean-Marie Barillère, chairman of the association of Champagne houses, at the AGM of the Champagne winegrowers’ association on December 6 in Epernay.   Read on…

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January 16, 2019
Gerard Basset (1957-2019): ‘He changed the game for sommeliers in the UK…& in the world ’ RIP

The wine world and the UK on-trade, in particular, are in mourning following the announcement of the death of Gerard Basset MS MW MBA OBE. The godfather of British sommeliers passed away at home yesterday after a 15-month battle with oesophageal cancer.   Read on…

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January 14, 2019
PORTUGAL RECORDS ‘LOWEST WINE PRODUCTION OF THE LAST TWO DECADES’

LISBON (Reuters) – Wine output from Europe’s fifth-largest producer Portugal slumped by an estimated 20 percent this year to two-decade lows due to a heatwave in August and heavy rains that interrupted harvesting in October. The National Statistics Institute said all the country’s wine-producing regions were likely to churn out just 5.2 million hectolitres, in […]

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January 6, 2019
EXPLORING THE MANY INDIGENOUS GRAPES OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE…

In a modern wine landscape that values the offbeat and interesting, wine lovers need not look to far-off lands in order to find unique grape varieties. Dozens of native grapes are hiding in plain sight, tucked into the vineyards of Southwest France’s diverse appellations. Even for in-the-know oenophiles, there’s much to discover from the indigenous […]

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December 21, 2018
HOW MILLENNIALS MADE THE MODERN SOMMELIER…..

The role of sommelier has been redefined by a younger generation looking for adventure. Sommelier. For many, the word evokes images of a long-held cultural stereotype: A sniffing French man sent to restaurants tables to shame guests into choosing an expensive wine they don’t particularly want and won’t enjoy. Saw-mill-eeeeeaaaahhhhr. The word sounds crusty, reminiscent […]

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December 17, 2018
WINE STUDY TO FOCUS ON ‘SMOKE TAINT’ CAUSED BY WILDFIRES…

After several major wildfires up and down the West Coast the past couple years, “smoke taint” has become a popular topic in the wine world. Though smoke taint—which occurs when smoke-exposed grapes lead to unwanted flavors in the final wine—is a real threat, the phenomenon isn’t well understood, often causing winemakers to be overly cautious, which can be […]

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December 12, 2018
SOPEXA’S WORLD TRENDS: VARIETIES AND COUNTRIES MOST IN DEMAND…

Which country’s wines feature most prominently on global wine lists, what varietals are most in demand, and what trends are likely to emerge in the next two years? A Sopexa survey of nearly 800 wine trade professionals in six key global markets, all at the sharp end of the industry, including importers, retailers, wholesalers and […]

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December 5, 2018
WHAT MAKES A WINE EXPENSIVE?

There’s more to what makes a wine expensive than just the materials that made the wine. Sure, a $100 wine is much more expensive to make than a $10 wine. But is there such a big gap between a $100 wine and a $100,000 wine? What makes the world’s most expensive wines so expensive? Outside […]

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November 30, 2018
UNCOVERING AUSTRALIA’S EMERGING VARIETIES…..

The Australian grape and wine community is well known for its experimental and innovative attitudes towards growing and producing wine.The Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS) has both encouraged interest in different varieties and showcased new gems. With the next AAVWS to be held in Mildura from 7-10 November, it seems appropriate to gauge what’s happening […]

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November 22, 2018
NEW ZEALAND NOW 16TH LARGEST GLOBAL WINE PRODUCER…

According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), New Zealand has slipped from 14th to 16th largest wine producing country in 2017 after being overtaken by Hungary and Brazil. In 2018 wine production rose in Italy by 14%, France by 27% and Spain by 26%.Italy has been the largest wine producer since 2015 when it overtook France, […]

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November 22, 2018
TRUMP SHOT AT FRENCH WINE TRADE LEAVES SOUR TASTE IN PARIS….

Bafflement and derision in capital as US president in spat with Macron slams wine trade tariffs as ‘not fair’………….   Read on…

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November 10, 2018
GLOBAL ECONOMIC VITIVINICULTURE DATA ….

With 282 million hectolitres (mhl), 2018 vitivinicultural production is one of the highest since 2000. ●In Europe: Italy (48.5 mhl), France (46.4 mhl) and Spain (40.9 mhl) recorded very high production levels. Germany (9.8 mhl), Romania (5.2 mhl), Hungary (3.4 mhl) and Austria (3.0 mhl) have also forecasted harvests above their 5-year averages. Portugal (5.3 […]

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November 10, 2018
CANNED WINE IS NO LONGER A FAD, IT’S A $45 MILLION BUSINESS IN US

Sales of canned wine grew 43 percent in the U.S. from June 2017 to June 2018. While canned wine is still a tiny portion of the wider industry, it is one of the fastest growing categories thanks to millennial drinker. These cans can be brought to places that glasses cannot, like the beach, the park […]

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November 6, 2018
BURGUNDY 2018: BIGGEST WHITE WINE HARVEST ‘EVER’…

  “It may be the biggest ever,” said Latour and while the Maconnais and Chablis were the chief beneficiaries of this boon, white-producing villages across the region had enjoyed large crops.   Read more…

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October 26, 2018
GRAPE PRICES IN CHAMPAGNE SET TO RISE AGAIN…

Champagne has produced one of its biggest vintages ever, but grape prices are set to rise by as much as 5%, making 2018 the tenth consecutive year of increases.   Read on….

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October 21, 2018
STORING WINE ON ITS SIDE IS NONSENSE, SAYS SCIENTIST…

During a discussion in Portugal last week, Cabral said that the headspace of a sealed bottle of wine was so moist that there was no need to place bottles on their side to keep the cork damp.   Read on…

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October 18, 2018
FUTURE OF WINE MAY INCLUDE DRONES AND EDIBLE BOTTLES, SAYS MERCHANT…

Future wine lovers may be able to eat the bottles as well as drink the contents, after receiving their latest order via drone, suggests a report on the future of wine ordering and drinking, published by Armit Wines in collaboration with a food futurologist.   Read on….     Zeitgeist Sommeliers

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October 12, 2018
THE BIG CHARDONNAY DEBATE….

Chardonnay is arguably the world’s most popular white wine so why are consumers more confused than ever before about how to find the style they want to drink?   Read on…

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October 8, 2018
WHY OLD VINES REALLY MATTER…..

Wine lovers everywhere, regardless of nationality or preferred grape varieties, are fascinated by old vines. On the surface, the reasons are easy to understand. One is a fascination with longevity. Wine-loving has a powerful streak of antiquarianism running through. Nothing makes wine lovers dream more than sagas about impossibly old (and thus rare) wines that […]

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October 1, 2018
WOMEN SHOULD TEST WINE AT DINNER AS THEY HAVE BETTER PALATES, STUDY SHOWS…

For any man who has ever lifted a glass of wine to taste, hoping to feign an appreciation of vintage and terroir, it is a sobering discovery: women make better wine tasters than men.   Read on….

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September 27, 2018
NEW TECHNOLOGY TO SHED LIGHT ON FAULTY BOTTLES…

Dr Cecilia Muldoon was on a train in Switzerland when she took a phone call from her boyfriend, who had a question. Why was nobody applying optical spectroscopy to wine? It’s not the kind of conversation most people have on the way to work. But Dr Muldoon, a physicist, thought about the question for the […]

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September 16, 2018
VALUING WOMEN THROUGHOUT THE WINE CHAIN…

Once upon a time, winemakers prepared their daughters for sales and hospitality roles while they groomed their sons to take over from them in the vineyard. Now, women are more prominent than ever in winemaking.   Read on…

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September 15, 2018
LASERS BATTLE BIRDS IN SONOMA COUNTY VINEYARD…

Scarecrows, raptors and robotic facsimiles, propane cannons, reflective flags, netting — farmers have been trying all kinds of methods over the centuries to keep birds from turning their hard work into a feast just as the crop is ready for market. One North Coast grower decided to bring in the lasers.   Read on…

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July 31, 2018
The Top Ten Grape Varieties In The World…

Which grape variety is the World’s favorite? Not what you think! Would you be surprised if I told you that the most grown grape variety in the world is Kyoho? Probably. That is because all grapes are not grown for winemaking. Some are destined to be table grapes or to be dried or to be […]

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July 21, 2018
Midweek words……
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July 21, 2018
HOW CLIMATE CHANGE MAKES WINNER AND LOSER OF THE WORLD’S VINEYARDS…..

European wine production has fallen by 14.6pc last year because of ‘adverse weather conditions’, according to global industry trade group OIV…..   Read on……

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July 7, 2018
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS: SHEEP MUZZLED TO PROTECT GRAPES

David Robertshaw, a social worker from McLaren Vale, is the brains behind Wine Baa – a plastic snout that can be attached to grazing sheep to protect low-hanging fruit while retaining the benefit of using sheep to tend vineyards.   Read on….

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July 7, 2018
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS: SHEEP MUZZLED TO PROTECT GRAPES

David Robertshaw, a social worker from McLaren Vale, is the brains behind Wine Baa – a plastic snout that can be attached to grazing sheep to protect low-hanging fruit while retaining the benefit of using sheep to tend vineyards.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
Global decline in per capita alcohol consumption as change sweeps wine world

Disruption is the new political norm, with fundamental changes in consumer behaviour fuelling an ongoing global decrease in personal alcohol consumption, according to the latest research from Wine Intelligence.   Read on…

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June 30, 2018
What Does it Mean When the Same Grape has Different Names?

What’s really the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? Syrah and Shiraz? Zinfandel and Primitivo? While these may be the same grape varieties with different names, local terroir can change their flavor more than you think. Learn how it works.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
How Aluminum Screw Caps are made?

A screw cap is a metal cap that screws onto threads on the neck of a bottle, generally with a metal skirt down the neck to resemble the traditional wine capsule (“foil”). A layer of plastic (often PVDC), cork, rubber, or other soft material is used as wad to make a seal with the mouth of the bottle.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
How Aluminum Screw Caps are made?

A screw cap is a metal cap that screws onto threads on the neck of a bottle, generally with a metal skirt down the neck to resemble the traditional wine capsule (“foil”). A layer of plastic (often PVDC), cork, rubber, or other soft material is used as wad to make a seal with the mouth of the bottle.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
An Italian entrepreneur plans to launch a leather made from wine extracts in Milan later this year…

“We have created and patented an innovative manufacturing process – says Tessitore, founder of Vegea srl and Wineleather’s inventor – that turns the fibers and vegetable oils present in grape pomace into an eco-friendly material with the same functional, esthetic and sensory characteristics as leather.”   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
Wine label descriptions influence consumers more than shop staff, awards….

Australian consumers pay more attention to the flavour descriptions on the back of a wine bottle than to shop staff recommendations, according to a report by global market research firm Wine Intelligence.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
BEING A SOMM IS ABOUT SERVICE, NOT STARDOM…..

Brahm Callahan is used to being the most knowledgeable wine professional in the room. Thirty-two years old with a face that looks 10 years younger, Callahan is one of only 149 Master Sommeliers in the United States.   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
Oak Alternatives……

Fashion comes and fashion goes in winemaking as in life. Hank Chorley got it right though, because oak has ruled for a very long time. The use of oak in the right amount can turn a merely average wine into a prize-winner.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
Wine Label Design Is More Important Than You Think……

Wine Label Design Is More Important Than You Think…….   Read on…

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June 30, 2018
Describing a wine’s taste for a mass consumer audience is a tricky task – is it worth it?

Conveying the essence of both the style and flavour of a wine is an enduring challenge of the category. How can a few words on a wine label convey a whole sensory experience?   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
Should wine be natural or democratic? An Internet wine controversy…..

Alert: wine controversy! The latest missile to ignite debate within the wine community comes from Bianca Bosker, who wrote in a March 17 New York Times article that “the time has come to learn to love unnatural wines.”   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
How Synthetic Corks are made?

Synthetic corks are made from plastic compounds designed to look and “pop” like natural cork, but without the risk of TCA contamination. Disadvantages of some wine synthetic corks include a risk of harmful air entering a bottle after only 18 months, as well as the difficulty in extracting them from the bottle and using the plastic cork […]

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June 30, 2018
How cork stoppers are made?

There are about 2,200,000 hectares of cork forest worldwide; 34% in Portugal and 27% in Spain. Annual production is about 200,000 tons; 49.6% from Portugal, 30.5% from Spain, 5.8% from Morocco, 4.9% from Algeria, 3.5% from Tunisia, 3.1% Italy, and 2.6% from France.[3] Once the trees are about 25 years old the cork is traditionally stripped from the trunks every nine years, with the […]

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June 30, 2018
Fears over sommelier shortfall as Brexit looms…

Brexit is making it harder to recruit talented sommeliers from Europe, according to senior members of the UK trade – echoing growing concerns throughout the UK hospitality industry.   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
Physicist invents first ever drip-free wine bottle…..

If you’re a wine lover, chances are you’ve grimaced many-a-time as that post-pour dribble streams down the side of the bottle. It’s bad news all round, both for your alcohol intake and your white tablecloth but luckily, one biophysicist has the answer.   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
Physicist invents first ever drip-free wine bottle…..

If you’re a wine lover, chances are you’ve grimaced many-a-time as that post-pour dribble streams down the side of the bottle. It’s bad news all round, both for your alcohol intake and your white tablecloth but luckily, one biophysicist has the answer.   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
Will wine recommendation apps spell the end for sommeliers, critics and experts?

Tens of millions of people are signed up to TripAdvisor-style wine apps, so who cares what sommeliers have to say?   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
Will wine recommendation apps spell the end for sommeliers, critics and experts?

Tens of millions of people are signed up to TripAdvisor-style wine apps, so who cares what sommeliers have to say?   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
How A Traditional Wine Barrel Is Made…….

Oak is used in winemaking to vary the color, flavor, tannin profile and texture ofwine. It can be introduced in the form of a barrel during the fermentation or aging periods, or as free-floating chips or staves added to wine fermented in a vessel like stainless steel.   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
These Are the World’s 50 Best Restaurants….

Eleven Madison Park in New York triumphed Wednesday in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, becoming the first U.S. establishment to win the top spot since 2004.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
How Pinot Noir From Around The World Is Changing Wine-Drinking Perceptions

Pinot Noir continues to be a critical and consumer favorite, with growing awareness of the grape variety among even the newest wine-lovers. And Pinot’s reputation as an intrinsically high-quality wine has benefited even lesser bottlings: As with all grape varieties, perception can be a make-or-break phenomenon.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
What’s the Big Deal about High-Altitude Wines?

There’s a big deal? You’re kidding me? Take me higher! There really is. But, much of the noise is spin. Unwittingly perhaps, certain wine regions, countries and even individual winemakers have developed a “mine’s higher than yours” attitude when discussing vineyards’ height above sea level. Wine publicists and geeks alike are lapping it up. So, […]

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June 30, 2018
Does Shiraz wine come from Iran?

Until the Islamic revolution, Iran had a tradition of wine-making which stretched back centuries. It centred on the ancient city of Shiraz – but is there a connection between the place and the wine of the same name now produced and drunk across the world?   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
OAK SWEETER THAN SUGAR FOR WINE…..

The scientists – naturally – gave them an easy-to-spell name: quercotriterpenosides.   Read on…

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June 30, 2018
WAIRARAPA REBRANDS AS WELLINGTON WINE COUNTRY…

Located on the north island, east of Wellington, the Wairarapa Valley comprises the Martinborough GI, Gladstone GI and Masterton, regions connected by the Ruamahanga river.   Read on….

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June 30, 2018
Are we ready for genetically modified wine?

But now, a number of studies are underway to introduce new traits in wine grapes through GMO techniques. While the techniques could help winegrowers face significant challenges to grape harvesting, many issues could stand in the way. Surprisingly, they nothing to do with anti-GMO activism.   Read on…

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June 30, 2018
Vinventions and Cork Supply Join Forces to Launch New Generation of Wine Closures…

During a joint presentation held at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, Presidents and CEOs of two global leading closure providers to the wine industry, Heino Freudenberg of Vinventions and Jochen Michalski of Cork Supply Group, have announced the market introduction of SÜBR, a next generation wine bottle closure made of natural cork and biodegradable materials. The product […]

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June 30, 2018
The future of wine packaging…..

In this, they are wrong. Wine packaging has remained the same for centuries – a bottle with a cork – and there is absolutely no reason to believe that canned wine’s future is any different than screwcaps or boxes. It will occupy a niche, and lots of people will like it. But most of us […]

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June 30, 2018
Smoke taint a problem for winemakers in bushfire season…

Smoke can enter the leaves of the vines in the vineyards and then adhere to the sugars that grow in the berries,” Ms Davies said.   Read on…..

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June 30, 2018
Is some French wine really from Spain?

France has the third-most acres of vineyards in the world, according to the United Nations, behind Spain, which has a whopping 25% more vineyard acreage than France, and China.   Read on  ……

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February 16, 2018
Bordeaux: Robot vineyard worker impresses at Clerc Milon …..

Robots may soon have a bigger role in some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards, after successful trials in Bordeaux and Portugal this year, including at Château Clerc Milon, owned by Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Read on click right & video

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February 13, 2018
WARNING TO WINEMAKERS: GROW NEW GRAPES OR PERISH…..

To survive climate change, vignerons need a war on terroir. Click to Read On…

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January 12, 2018
THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE 2017 HARVEST – AN OVERVIEW ….

For many wine producers around the globe, 2017 was a year they were glad to see the back of. To say it was a challenging vintage is an understatement, from the Californian wildfires to frost and heatwaves gripping most of Europe. Read on….

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