French winemakers say outlook is bleak
The vast majority of French wine producers are worried about the performance of their wines on the international stage, a report has revealed.
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Bordeaux strike action 'ludicrous'
Threatened strike action in Bordeaux as an attempt to shore up prices has been dismissed as ‘lamentable and ridiculous’ by major negociants.
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joyce Bloomsday celebrated with rivers of burgundy
Sales of burgundy went through the roof in Dublin yesterday as thousands of James Joyce aficionadoes followed the route taken by the hero of Ulysses on a single day in 1904.
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Microchip technology to help vines
A microelectrical system that could help winemakers avoid drought and botrytis is to be showcased in Australia.
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Revue du Vin de France sale: Bettane, Desseauve to quit?
As French wine magazine La Revue du Vin de France looks set to be acquired by French publishing group Marie-Claire, reports suggest Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve will leave La Revue.
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Sotheby’s sells Spencer cellar selection
A 105-lot collection from the cellars Earl Spencer - the brother of the late Princess of Wales - fetched over £100,000 (€150,000) at Sotheby’s yesterday.
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Vines for war-ravaged land
Vines are being sent to Afghanistan by an organisation dedicated to replanting agricultural land destroyed by wars.
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Bordeaux cru classé gets screwcap
The first Bordeaux cru classé to be sealed under screwcap is set to hit the European market.
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Chandon Crown Seal Chandon release sparkling wine under ‘beer-bottle top’
Australian sparkling wine producer Chandon has released the first ever high-profile bottle of sparkling wine under a crown seal.
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US wine giants cash in on low-carb fad
Diageo, Sutter Home and Brown-Forman are set to market their wines as ‘low-carbohydrate’ as US authorities ease their stance on nutritional information for alcohol.
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TV documentary highlights French wine crisis
The French are not ready to hear what a documentary highlighting the problems of French wines abroad has to say, according to its director.
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University to teach ‘garage’ winemaking
South Africa’s University of Stellenbosch is responding to the current trend in ‘garagiste’ winemaking by offering a course in home winemaking.
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French vineyard land snapped up in tax breaks
French industrialists are increasingly buying vineyard properties in order to lower their tax bills and increase their social standing, according to French newspaper, Le Monde.
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French deputies propose change in wine law
Left and Right-wing ministers have asked the French government to consider removing wine from certain clauses in the strict Evin law.
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Quarter of Britons say alcohol is good for you
Over 25% of Britons think that alcohol is good for their health, a survey has revealed.
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Parker and Robinson in war of words
The en primeur debate surrounding the quality of the 2003 Château Pavie has deepened with the highly influential American wine critic Robert M Parker Jnr breaking his silence to attack Master of Wine Jancis Robinson’s Pavie tasting note.
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Australia dumbing down wines for US market
Following on from the runaway success of the wine brand Yellow Tail, larger Australian producers are set to cash in on the so-called ‘fun’ brands.
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Chirac and the Queen Mouton on the list again as Chirac toasts entente
At a gala dinner to celebrate 100 years of the ‘entente cordiale’ between England and France, Jacques Chirac managed to avoid last year’s controversy over his choice of wine.
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CIVB advert banned
The CIVB has had its advertising slogan outlawed by the grand magistrate’s court in Paris.
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Tesco aims to harness taste of expecting mothers
UK supermarket Tesco has a new secret tasting weapon - ‘super-sensitive’ pregnant women.
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Record year for Champagne in UK
Champagne sales in the UK hit a record high last year on the back of a hot summer. But the 2003 summer heatwave may yet prove to be a double-edged sword.
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Leaked document fuels French wine debate
The French government is considering proposals to reduce annual alcohol consumption in the country by 20% per head over the next 5 years, according to French newspaper Libération.
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Man of the year: Brian Croser
Australian winemaker Brian Croser has been awarded ‘Man of the year’ by Decanter magazine, recognising his massive contribution to the wine world.
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Chinese wine imports worth US$32.2m
The value of Chinese wine imports increased by nearly 50% last year and is now worth approximately US$32.2m.
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Allegations of ‘irregularities’ mar empowerment deal
The head of the South African Wine Industry Trust (SAWIT), has denied accusations of wrongdoing in the multimillion rand deal with KWV.
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Raffarin et al - service photographique de Matignon Is “no” the only future for wine in France?
French wine bodies have taken the argument about the crisis in French wine to the media with an ‘existentialist’ advert slamming the government’s position on French wine although the government shows no sign of giving ground on the Evin law of 1991.
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Alsace wines to feature in film
The Alsace wine trade body, the CIVA, has reportedly paid €30,000 to have Alsace wines prominently displayed in a French film.
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Burgundy producers in break from BIVB [updated 19/03/04]
A handful of small producers have distanced themselves from the Burgundy wine trade body, the BIVB, to promote their wines independently.
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Michael Mondavi cites father's 'shadow' as reason for sabbatical
Michael Mondavi, vice chairman of the Robert Mondavi wine corporation, has taken an extended sabbatical – citing his father’s ‘presence’ as a factor.
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Goats do Roam in Villages Goats continue to Roam despite Rhône objections
South African winery Fairview has introduced a new line of wines called ‘Goats do Roam in Villages’ as a trademark fight with the French continues in the US.
