After three years of drought (2007-09) and two wet years (2010-11) — this year is shaping up to be another very dry year. There were two decent rains that somewhat recharged the soil profile, unfortunately they occurred as the 2011 harvest was wrapping up. Those were followed by one rain in November and a shower […]
In his book, “The Advanced Oenophile” (ISBN), Denman Moody presents wine fans with a new, entertaining and educational book that provides practical information that can only be obtained from a professional who has spent more than three decades reviewing and critiquing wine. Moody shares his vast knowledge gained from his evolution as a wine journalist […]
Bordeaux’s classified growths have approved the first-ever standardised Chinese translation of their names, Decanter.com can exclusively reveal. Auction house Christie’s has unveiled an official translation of each of the 61 chateaux in the 1855 classification, after 12 months of collaboration with the Medoc estates. Simon Tam, head of wine, China, for Christie’s told decanter.com: ‘We […]
Wine drinkers are being spoilt for choice because of a surge in imports, figures reveal. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released yesterday show wine imports grew 4.2 per cent to 67 million litres in 2010-2011 as wine exports dropped 5.2 per cent to 746 million litres. But there was a marked increase in the value […]
Chinese investors have bought five more Bordeaux chateaux in recent weeks, according to reports. A further 12 are likely to be bought by Chinese buyers in the near future, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce says. Chateau du Grand Moueys, a 170-hectare estate in Entre-Deux-Mers, was acquired last week by Hong Kong-based Zhang Jinshan. Qu Nai […]
Interest in Burgundy and beyond continues to rise in the fine wine auction market. The latest sale at Sotheby’s London (22 February) suggests Asian collectors’ appetite for Domaine de la Romanee Conti and top Burgundies is insatiable. A single bottle of DRC’s Romanée Conti 1962 sold for £9,400, more than double the high estimate, while […]
New Zealand expects a small 2012 vintage, which is likely to put the brakes on its decade-long growth spurt. The industry is predicting crops could be as much as 30% lower compared to 2011’s 328,000 tonne harvest. A lighter crop could lead to a grape shortage, which marks a massive turnaround for an industry that […]
Brand manager for Moët Hennessy, Romain Brunot, has been jailed and fined for stealing £75,000 of Champagne and spirits. Over a four year period he appropriated 400 bottles of Krug and 400 bottles of Belvedere vodka that had been left over from events, including those held at the Dorchester Hotel and Heston Blumenthal’s restaurants. Brunot […]
Bud break is typically the middle of March, but vintners are hoping it’s later this year. Vintners say they’re worried frost will kill the buds and that the secondary buds that push out could pare the crop down by half. For the uninitiated bud break is the beginning of the life cycle of the grapes. […]
Appellations can force wine producers to pay membership fees, a French court has ruled. In an important test case that will have an impact across France, the Constitutional Council in Paris has ruled that it is legal for syndicates, or growers’ organisations, to make membership payments mandatory. The decision has a direct impact on the […]