ith the new Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and South Korea France is hoping to win back its place as the major importer of wine to the country. French wine had enjoyed more than a decade of supremacy in South Korea until 2008, when Chilean wine topped sales, forcing the first change in the … Read more
A major study is under way to analyse the ageing of wine beneath the sea. The Basque Country University is making use of aquatic cameras and monthly checks by divers to track the wine’s evolution on the seabed off the Basque Country’s coast. Iñaki Etaio, a researcher at the Basque Country University, says that each underwater … Read more
With the snow and freezing temperatures we have been suffering here in the UK with I thought it timely to write about protecting your wine. I heard a horror story recently from a friend where wine froze in his back yard . . . the bottles burst. Obviously the wines were insured but in the chaos … Read more
With Chateau La Conseillante 2009 being one of my favourite wines of the vintage (I think it could be superb) and Neal Martin posting his notes and praising a selection of vintages from 1981 – 2005 on Robert Parker’s site, I thought it was about time to look at this chateau again. (I wrote about La Conseillante and its namesake in Chateau La … Read more
The Fourth Growth Chateau Branaire Ducru was once part of Château Beychevelle but became separate in the 1600s when the estate was partitioned. The other Château that was formed from this division was Château Ducru Beaucaillou. Branaire Ducru (sometimes known as Chateau Branaire Duluc Ducru) takes its name from Jean Baptiste Braneyre who purchased it in 1680 and from the Duluc family. … Read more
Five teams of architects and scenographers will be short listed from the 114 candidates who entered the Competition to design Bordeaux’s Centre of Wine Culture and Tourism on December 17th, according to Bordeaux Wine News. The teams represent twelve different nationalities, spread over three continents: Europe, America and Asia. The project has generated a passionate world … Read more
I enjoy taking a look back back at what has gone before at this time of year and it actually reveals quite a lot about current trends as well as rising stars. I thought I would highlight some of the miles we have travelled in the world of wine and food over 2010 and share my … Read more
AFP are reporting that wine growers in France are starting to worry that global warming is giving them too much of a good thing. Predicted increases in average temperatures of two, three or even four degrees Celsius (3.6 to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) this century could spell the ruin of many of Europe’s most fabled vineyards. Veterans … Read more
The Chateau Pontet Canet in Pauillac is the only Grand Cru Classé in Bordeaux that is produced 100% biodynamically. As of August this year the Fifth Growth has completed the 3 year pesticide-free period and the property can label its wines as biodynamically produced. Pontet Canet actually began its conversion to the biodynamic farming philosophy several years ago … Read more
The press is reporting that Remy Cointreau SA has hired Credit Agricole-CIB to find a buyer for its Champagne division. Remy’s Champagne unit, whose brands include Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, posted an operating loss of 4 million euros in the 12 months through March, the company said in June. Sales declined 24% in the period. Remy Cointreau sold its … Read more
