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Issues affecting the wine industry and the wine you drink

  • The Effects of Climate Change on Winemaking

    The Effects of Climate Change on Winemaking

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    Researchers from Italy have put together a useful paper (pdf) on the effects of climate change on wine composition and winemaking processes, focusing on the challenges posed and strategies to address them. This research is relevant because climate change will increasingly alter the flavour profiles, quality and availability of wines. It highlights how increasing temperatures,…

  • Insights from Vivino vs Expert Bordeaux Reviews

    Insights from Vivino vs Expert Bordeaux Reviews

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    A new paper from Cambridge University Press examines the validity of crowdsourced wine ratings, focusing on the Vivino platform, by comparing them with professional critics’ assessments and exploring their sensitivity to weather variations that impact wine quality. Using a dataset of Bordeaux red wines, the study finds substantial correlation between Vivino ratings and professional evaluations,…

  • Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting

    Exploring Regional Differences in Wine Tasting

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    The new study (pdf) explores whether distinct groups of wine experts differ in their sensory and quality assessments of the same wines. Blind tastings were conducted with panels from two Canadian regions, the Okanagan Valley and Montreal, which have different socio-cultural and training backgrounds. The Okanagan panel included winemakers and winery employees with training in…

  • Sparkling Wine, Champagne and Premium Own-Label Fuelled Christmas Growth in UK

    Sparkling Wine, Champagne and Premium Own-Label Fuelled Christmas Growth in UK

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    Kantar data shows that sparkling wine and Champagne were standout performers in the UK festive retail market, with sales growing by 4.4% to reach a total of £187 million across December 2024. This increase reflects a strong consumer appetite for celebratory drinks during the holiday season, despite rising grocery price inflation. Fortified wines also saw…

  • The Battle Between Science and Prohibitionists

    The Battle Between Science and Prohibitionists

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    David Morrison argues on his blog that current medical evidence does not support the claim that moderate wine consumption is harmful, though public health messaging has increasingly taken a prohibitionist stance. He critiques official health organisations, such as the WHO and the UK Chief Medical Officers, for their stringent guidelines on alcohol, pointing out a…

  • French Red Wine Faces Crisis Amid Changing Tastes

    French Red Wine Faces Crisis Amid Changing Tastes

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    The FT newspaper is reporting (link started free but might be behind paywall by the time you read this) that the French red wine industry is facing a severe decline as younger generations increasingly shift away from red wine, opting for rosé, beer, spirits, or alcohol-free alternatives and some avoid alcohol altogether. Consumption of red…

  • EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%

    EU Sparkling Wine Production and Exports Down 8%

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    Eurostat, the EU’s official statistics body, is reporting an 8% decline in sparkling wine production and exports in 2023 (yes, 2023, see below). The EU produced 1.496 billion litres of sparkling wine, down from 1.624 billion litres in 2022. Italy led production with 638 million litres, followed by France with 312 million (224 million litres…

  • Global Surge in No-Alcohol Drinks

    Global Surge in No-Alcohol Drinks

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    The IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Research) is a top authority on global alcohol beverage market data, analysis and insights, providing strategic intelligence to the industry. According to the IWSR No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study 2024, the market is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by younger consumers and evolving preferences. Across 10 key markets, including…

  • Ensure You’re Getting the Right Measure in Bars and Pubs

    Ensure You’re Getting the Right Measure in Bars and Pubs

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    Swindon link is reporting on a survey conducted by Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards team revealed that some pubs and bars in the borough are serving short measures of alcohol. During inspections of ten venues, officers found that 70 per cent of drinks purchased were below the legally prescribed quantities under The Weights and Measures…

  • Trends for 2025

    Trends for 2025

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    Bibendum’s Top 6 Wine Trends for 2025 highlights emerging preferences in the wine industry, based on the analysis of cutting-edge venues using the ‘Wine MODE’ tool. This is based on changes seen on UK on-trade (hospitality) wine lists. French Aligoté is gaining recognition as a standalone varietal due to improved ripening from global warming, now…

  • Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines

    Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines

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    A new study looks at how two different mental approaches, mindfulness and thought suppression, affect the ability to smell and assess wines. Mindfulness, which involves staying present and accepting your feelings and sensations without judgment, helped people better notice the intensity of smells in the wines. However, it made them less likely to judge whether…

  • Free Chianti Classico Course

    Free Chianti Classico Course

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    The Consorzi Vini e Olio Classico online platform offers a free educational course on Black Rooster DOP wines and oils, exploring the history, terroir, and production of Chianti Classico. The five-module programme covers topics such as the region’s ancient history, modern challenges, grape and olive varieties, and production techniques. You will learn about Sangiovese grapes,…

  • Lowest Wine Output Since 1961

    Lowest Wine Output Since 1961

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    The OIV’s new 2024 World Wine Production Outlook (PDF) highlights a challenging year for the global wine industry, with production estimated at 227 to 235 million hectolitres, reflecting a 2% decline from 2023 and a 13% decrease compared to the ten-year average. This marks the lowest global output since 1961, primarily driven by adverse climatic…

  • Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024

    Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024

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    Waitrose have a new Food and Drink Report based on a survey of over 3,200 people who have shopped at Waitrose in the preceding three months to October 2024. The findings highlight a noticeable shift in customer drinking habits. Sales of no- and low-alcohol wines have risen significantly, up by 17% compared to previous periods….

  • Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives to Sulphur Dioxide in Winemaking

    Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives to Sulphur Dioxide in Winemaking

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    Winemaking has long relied on sulphur dioxide (SO₂) for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, ensuring the stability and quality of wines. However, slight concerns about its health impacts and allergenic potential have prompted the search for natural alternatives. Recent research highlights the potential of a plant-based tannin blend (referred to as SDR) as a substitute…

  • Protest Against February Duty Hike on Wine

    Protest Against February Duty Hike on Wine

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    Tim Atkin, Master of Wine, has announced that wine friends are coming together to protest against the exorbitant and potentially devastating February duty hike on wine in the UK. To join the campaign, send a flattened wine capsule or screwcap to Rachel Reeves at HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ, with a…

  • Harnessing Native Yeasts to Revive Terroir

    Harnessing Native Yeasts to Revive Terroir

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    You might sometimes encounter wine descriptions or labels mentioning the use of ‘native yeasts’. This refers to microorganisms naturally found on grape skins or in the vineyard environment. Yeasts play a crucial role in influencing the wine’s aroma and flavour. A new study provides insights into the otherwise widespread use of commercially available yeast strains…

  • M&S Cuts Wine Prices for Affordable Festive Celebrations

    M&S Cuts Wine Prices for Affordable Festive Celebrations

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    M&S has reduced prices on a third of its wine selection in response to consumer budget concerns, with over 120 wines discounted since April, including 22 more cuts this week. To further support customers ahead of the Christmas season, M&S has also revised its wine deal, offering a 10% discount on four bottles (previously required…

  • How European Consumers Value Wine

    How European Consumers Value Wine

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    A new study investigates how wine consumers in France, Greece and Italy value various ‘credence attributes’, including wine origin, production methods (conventional, organic, or biodynamic), price and geographical indication (GI). The researchers assessed which attributes most strongly influence purchasing decisions. The analysis revealed that consumers highly value the origin of wine, especially local origins, followed…

  • UK is Australia’s Largest Wine Market By Volume

    UK is Australia’s Largest Wine Market By Volume

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    Wine Australia has a new report on the period 12 months to 30 September 2024. The report on Australian wine exports highlights a 34% growth in export value to AUD 2.39 billion in the 12 months ending September 2024, reaching its highest levels since 2021. Exports surged particularly due to the lifting of tariffs on…

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