News

The VinePair Podcast discusses whether most wine drinkers care about the origin of their wine. The hosts, Adam, Joanna, and Zach, explore if regular consumers focus more on flavour and price than appellations and vintages, especially for wines below a certain price point. They compare this to the fashion industry, where the origin of a high-end product can be crucial, but it may not matter as much for more affordable items. Large American wineries are increasingly purchasing international bulk wines to blend into their bottles. In the UK, planned reforms may allow businesses to enhance imported wine through carbonation and…

New research provides deeper insights into corked wine. Corked wine is primarily caused by the compound 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (2,4,6-TCA), which imparts a musty, mouldy smell to the wine. This compound is mainly produced through a microbial process and can originate from cork stoppers or the winemaking environment. Cork is the primary source due to potential contamination during the growth of trees or during cork processing, where chlorine-containing agents may be used. Preventative measures include avoiding the use of chlorinated fungicides and pesticides during grape growing and winemaking. Good hygiene practices in vineyards and wineries are essential to minimise microbial contamination. Additionally,…

The Drinks Business is reporting that wine raves are becoming a popular way to introduce Generation Z to wine. Instead of traditional wine tastings, these events combine wine with rave-style parties in locations like Hackney studios or warehouses. Initiatives like New Theory and Close Ties host these events, featuring local DJs and offering an immersive experience. The trend has spread to cities like New York and Berlin, with similar events aiming to attract younger audiences who might otherwise prefer beer or cocktails.

According to a study reported by The Guardian, more than two-thirds of beer and wine sold in UK pubs and bars are short-measured, costing the average consumer approximately £115 annually. Trading standards officers, who visited 77 venues and conducted 137 test purchases, found 70% had less drink than declared. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) noted that this was the first national snapshot, highlighting a need for broader research across various consumer goods. Short measures, defined by the Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) Order 1988, were found in both beer and wine, with 41 drinks (29%) having a deficit of…

An article on Wine Searcher Wine Comes Roaring Back discusses the surprising rebound of the wine industry in the USA after pandemic-induced declines. Recent data shows Millennials are increasingly consuming and spending more on wine than Baby Boomers. Wineries are adapting by appealing to younger demographics with eco-friendly practices and inclusive marketing. Notable growth is seen in sustainable and affordable wines, with strong sales reported across various wineries and retailers. The forecast for 2024 is cautiously optimistic, anticipating continued growth despite potential challenges.

Wine Australia’s new market bulletin, based on 2023 IWSR research, reveals that grape variety continues to significantly influence consumer wine choices, ranking as a top two factor in seven out of ten key markets. These markets include Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and China. In contrast, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore rank grape variety as the fifth most important factor, with preferences there leaning towards wines that complement food or promotional offers. The bulletin highlights a strong preference for red wines, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being the most popular in most markets. Shiraz, however, has…

New research explores the impact of visual cues on consumer perception and purchasing decisions in an e-commerce environment, specifically within the context of online wine sales. The authors conducted a series of experiments using both hedonistic (represented by a glass of wine) and utilitarian (represented by grapes) visual symbols to determine their effects on various consumer response metrics, such as product attitude, taste perception and purchase intentions. The study concludes that the inclusion of a hedonistic cue, such as a glass symbol, significantly enhances consumer perceptions of taste and overall product attitude. This suggests that visual representations that evoke sensory…

New research looks into the impact of verbal descriptions on wine tasting experiences, focusing on two types of wine—Riesling and Muscat Bailey A (MBA). The study included 46 participants divided into social drinkers and wine experts. They were presented with wines accompanied by different descriptions and asked to evaluate various attributes such as palatability, sweetness, acidity and expensiveness. The findings reveal that verbal descriptions indeed influenced the participants’ perception and evaluation of the wines, though the effects varied between social drinkers and experts. For instance, the description containing a ‘petrol’ note for Riesling led social drinkers to perceive the wine…

Mud House is collaborating with Coolstays with a new promotional campaign, ‘Taste a World of Adventure’. Fifteen lucky Mud House customers will win a significant getaway package that includes £1000 in spending money. Additionally, one hundred customers will have the chance to win a premium backpack made from recycled materials. Participants can enter the competition by scanning a QR code found on the product packaging or through digital channels and by completing a form on a dedicated microsite. The campaign is supported by dynamic in-store displays and online content, including collaborations with influential travel figures Jess and Charlie from @the.travel.project.…

A new study evaluates the effectiveness of an electronic tongue (e-tongue) compared to human sensory panels in detecting faults in Riesling wine over a 42-day storage period. Riesling wines either unmodified (control) or inoculated with specific microorganisms known for spoiling wine were assessed every seven days using both the e-tongue and a sensory panel. The e-tongue detected changes in wine chemistry due to microbial action significantly earlier than the human sensory panel, identifying changes from day 7 onwards while the sensory panel only detected these changes from day 35. The e-tongue’s ability to detect differences without sensory fatigue offers a…

French wine shops Calais Vins and Olivier Vins have collaborated with P&O Ferries to offer British citizens complimentary ferry trips to Calais for wine purchases. This partnership allows customers who spend €300 or more at these stores to receive a free return day trip from Dover to Calais, with a three-day return trip available for purchases of €700 or more. Calais Vins has reported a notable increase in British customers despite the changes to alcohol import limits following Brexit. Previously, UK residents could bring back unlimited amounts of alcohol for personal use from the continent. However, post-Brexit regulations now restrict…