Blog Vinexpo

New arguments advanced in the wine and cancer debate

Full Service Full Service — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:13:41 GMT

In an article entitled “Chronique du harcèlement ordinaire” (The chronicle of ordinary harassment), Doctor Lanzmann-Petithory contradicts a study by the French National Cancer Institute published by the anti-alcohol lobby. According to this researcher the risk of cancer of the mouth, pharynx and/or larynx is 58% lower in wine drinkers.

“Wine contains two components, which exert opposing effects: alcohol, which increases the risk of certain cancers and fruit which lowers this risk. Therefore, for moderate drinkers, the influence of fruit is stronger”, points out Doctor Lanzmann-Petithory. (Source: VSB)

Oregon promotes sustainable farming

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:17:06 GMT

To become more visible in the American wine market, which is widely dominated by Californian wines, the producers of Oregon have decided to highlight their commitment to sustainable winegrowing. The movement began in 2005, but the certification programme for the wine industry was launched in 2008 by the Oregon Wine Board. Today, 29% of the vineyards and 11 wineries have obtained certification from one of the different accredited certifying bodies - Life Certified Sustainable, Demeter, USDA Organic, etc. The programme set up last year aims to promote sustainable principles both in the vines and in winemaking amongst 384 other wineries.

Oregon has 78,000 hectares (193,000 acres ) of vines, almost 60% of which are Pinot Noir, a variety that has acclimatised very well to this region and its cool weather. (Source: Vitisphère.com)

Crémant d’Alsace sales booming

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:35:02 GMT

Alsace in eastern France sold nearly 210,000 hectolitres of Cremant in 2007, as a result of 61% growth over the preceding decade from 1997. This product is enjoying spectacularly regular growth - in 1982, only 16,428 hectolitres were sold.

While the domestic market has increased by a healthy 48% in volume over the last 10 years, exports have been the real driver with 185% growth in the same period. (Source: La Revue vinicole internationale)

Coopers François Frères take 50% share in Californian company Stavin

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:24:35 GMT

The coopers François Frères have taken a 50% share in Stavin, a group specialised in oak products for winemaking, and made a commitment to complete a full takeover in the mid-term. Stavin is located in California and achieves annual sales of €7.16 million. (Source: VSB)

China increased its imports of Bordeaux wine by 19% in 2008

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:41:37 GMT

69,000 hectolitres of Bordeaux wines were exported to China in 2008, a 60% increase compared to 2007, representing sales turnover of €53 million and growth of 19%.

From 2000 to 2008, exports of Bordeaux wines to China were multiplied by 35. China is today the 8^th largest customer of Bordeaux wines and the 9^th largest in terms of value. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale)

Germany planted a further 700 hectares (1,730 acres) of Riesling in 2008

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:31:19 GMT

The total area of German vineyards growing Riesling vines increased by 700 hectares (1,730 acres ) in 2008 and has now reached 22,434 hectares (55,437 acres ). Riesling, which is especially popular in the Moselle and Rhineland-Palatinate regions of Germany , now covers 22% of the total German winegrowing surface area.

Germany alone accounts for 60% of the total surface area in the world on which Riesling is grown. (Source: VSB)

Southern hemisphere harvest down 6.1%

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:16:43 GMT

According to OIV, the total wine harvest in the southern hemisphere should not exceed 50,000 hectolitres in 2009, down 6.1% compared to 2008.

Of the 4 leading producer countries – Chile, Argentina, Australia and South Africa, who account for more than 85% of the total volume – only Chile increased its volume to 8,800 hectolitres, a 1.3% rise. (Source: Décision Boissons)

Argento launches in USA

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:00:40 GMT

The Argentine wine company Argento are about to launch their brand from Mendoza into the US through Lion Nathan USA.

Next month’s launch comes on the back of recent distribution expansion into countries such as China, Poland, Argentina and Australia and takes the number of countries in which Argento is available globally to 46.(Source: Harpers.com)

The Edrington Group reorganises its network in Asia Pacific and Europe

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:25:43 GMT

Since April, The Edrington Group has opened two direct distribution subsidiaries for its products in Taiwan and in Korea , which replace Maxxium. Edrington has also initiated a similar trend in Europe by opening distribution subsidiaries in Norway , Sweden , Denmark and Finland , while joining forces with Beam Global Spirits & Wine to distribute both partners’ products in 18 other countries in Europe and Asia Pacific. (Source: VSB)

EU: The production of rosé table wine (without a specific geographic origin) through blending remains banned

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:09:06 GMT

The debate has raged on for weeks now; winegrower trade unions, and wine producers all over France have appealed to the public to express its opposition to the proposed plan by Brussels to authorise the production of rosé through the process of blending to produce table wines without any specific geographic origin. The latter represents around 10% of rosé wine production in France and overall the production of rosé wine makes up 10 to 12% of French wine production. The issue could have been seen to be minor it has, however, created a heated public debate. On Monday 8th June Marianne Fischer-Boel announced the European Commission’s decision to maintain the ban on making rosé wine by blending red and white wine together to make wines without a specific geographic origin. The European commissioner for Agriculture commented, “It is important to listen to our wine producers when they are worried about changes in EU regulations. It was clear from what we have seen over these last few weeks that the majority of our wine-producing sector thought that to put an end to the ban on blending would taint the traditional image of the rosé wine.” (Source: WineAlley.com)

Burgundy wines hold their own on French market, while exports fall

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:09:42 GMT

Pierre-Henry Gagey, President of the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), announced last week that Burgundy export wine sales fell by 30% in the first quarter of 2009, while the French market remained stable.
In 2008, Burgundy wine sales on all markets were slightly lower than in 2007, which was an “exceptional” year. 194 million bottles were sold last year, a 5.1% decrease, generating sales of about €1.1 billion.

The US and UK, which account for 45% of Burgundy exports, both posted 25% decreases in volume in 2008, which are explained by the economic crisis and unfavourable exchange rates.
In 2008, Burgundy sales remained stable in France , but 2009 is expected “to be more difficult”, according to Michel Baldassini, Deputy President of the BIVB. (Source: AFP)

Burgundy wines website in Japanese

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:52:37 GMT

The Japanese version of the Burgundy Wine Bureau’s website has just been launched. Japanese consumers and trade professionals will find on it all the information they need to really understand Burgundy wines.

Japan is the 3^rd largest export market for Burgundy wines. (Source: VSB)

Total area of vines decreases in Turkey

Full Service Full Service — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:43:25 GMT

Since 2005, OIV has had figures enabling the observation of trends in Turkish vineyards, which decreased in overall surface area from 555,000 hectares (1.359 million acres) to 500,000 hectares (1.236 million acres) by 2008. (Source: La Revue Vinicole Internationale )

Wine tourism on the increase in Argentina

Full Service Full Service — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:39:30 GMT

According to the figures of the Argentinean commission for wine tourism, the number of people who visited Argentinean wineries between 2003 and 2008, increased by 142%. In 2008, about 1.2 million tourists visited the 163 cellars open to the public (of which there were only 62 in 2004), especially in Mendoza province. (Source: VSB)

A new wine to taste … from a vineyard on Reunion Island!

Full Service Full Service — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:50:45 GMT

On Reunion Island , vines that grow in really extreme conditions produce a wine at an altitude close to 1,100 metres: a vin de pays with the appellation ‘Cilaos’.

17 winegrowers share the 9 hectares (22 acres ) of vines, an area that is expected to double in the coming 5 years.

The brand new cellar commercialises 30,000 bottles of sweet and dry whites, rosé and red in 30%, 65% and 5% proportions respectively. (Source: la Revue du Vin de France)

“Made in Hong Kong” wine hopes to please Asian palates

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:36:40 GMT

It’s got no vineyards of it sown, but a new winery hopes its “Made in Hong Kong” label will make a mark on the growing Asian market.

The 8th Estate Winery has produced Hong Kong's first wine, using grapes that are shipped frozen from other countries.

The thawing, fermentation, aging and blending of the grapes takes place at the winery, which has just released its first batch of reds, whites and ice wines.

"We always label where our grapes came from and we are quite proud to say where the varieties are sourced," said winery director Lysanne Tusar.

The 8th Estate has so far produced 100,000 bottles, of which 60,000 have been sold. The rest are being aged. (Source: Reuters)

Chardonnay now an official variety in Rioja

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:33:11 GMT

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the Rioja Consejo Regulador finally authorised a set of new varieties.

The new white varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Verdejo, Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, and Turruntés.

The red varieties now incorporated are Maturana Tinta, Maturana Parda, and Monastel.

Ricardo Aguiriano San Vincente, director of marketing for Rioja's Consejo Regulador, told: 'With these new varieties we are trying to make wines more fruity and fresh as that is what consumers want.' (Source: Decanter.com)

Value of US wine exports to Hong Kong surges by 500 percent after government waives duty

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:01:19 GMT

The total value of wine imports to Hong Kong from around the world reached €276,3 million in 2008, a year-on-year increase of nearly 80 percent and figures show that US wine exports to Hong Kong rose by more than 500 percent year-on-year through February 2009.

US exports there reached €13,44 million in value in 2008, double that they were in 2007.

“Hong Kong has been a top three export market for US wines ever since”, California Wine Institute regional director for emerging markets Eric Pope said. (Source: Wine Business.com)

“Vinexpo is even more esential to us in this difficult market situation”

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:30:49 GMT

“Vinexpo is even more esential to us in this difficult market situation. It allows us to meet our partners from other regions and the savings made in communication costs with such a concentration of protagonists in a same place is essential.” Jean-Jacques Dost, Cave de Rasteau (Source : Vinexpo Daily News Numéro Spécial RVI)

Frenchman to take over from Australian Peter Hayes as President of OIV

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:18:06 GMT

Yves Bénard will probably be the only candidate for the presidency of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) following Peter Hayes, who has come to the end of his term. The election will take place at the OIV’s 32^nd Congress to be held from 23 June to 3 July 2009 in Zagreb, Croatia.Yves Bénard is president of INAO Wines and Spirits. Interviewed in Argentina, he said he would continue along the lines of action initiated by Peter Hayes. He hopes that by maintaining open and honest relationships, countries such as China and India would join OIV. He also would like to see the US becoming a member again. (Source: Vitisphère)

Korea finalises free-trade agreement with the European Union

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:56:08 GMT

Korea and the European Union have just finalised a free trade agreement that provides for the complete elimination in three years of customs duty on practically all the goods traded between them. The Korean Minister of Agriculture foresees a substantial increase in the importation of European wines into his country.

Since a similar free-trade agreement between Korea and Chile was implemented in 2003, the Korean market share of Chilean wines has increased from 7 to 18%. Chile even became market leader in 2008, exporting 660,000 hectolitres to Korea. (Source: VSB)

South Africans develop their exports to India

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:31:25 GMT

South African wine producers are staking a lot on the development of the Indian wine market by aiming to launch 30 to 40 new wine brands there in the next three years. South African wine exports to India grew by 44% in 2008 to reach 3,500 cases. This is still a very small quantity, but the South Africans fully intend to develop it in the coming years. Wine sales on the Indian market are increasing by 25 to 30% per year. (Wines of South Africa Hall 1 A 328) (Source: Vitisphère)

“Vinexpo offers ou teams a good awareness of world markets”

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:49:34 GMT

“Vinexpo offers ou teams a good awareness of world markets and our clients and partners are able to get a better perception of our South-West (France) gunuineness and of its strong personality. This is a great opportunity in difficult times, in which it is important to differentiate oneself.” Jean-Pierre Grangé, General Manager at Producteurs Plaimont (Source: Vinexpo Daily News Numéro Spécial RVI)

Historical Hong Kong building to be dedicated to wine trade

Full Service Full Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:57:13 GMT

Rita Lau, the Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, has just announced that the government of the former British colony intended to organise an invitation to tender at the end of 2009, for transformation work to Haw Par Mansion, a listed building erected in 1935, to turn it into a venue dedicated to wine.

If this first initiative is successful, other buildings may be given over to the wine business to extend implementation of the strategy to make Hong Kong a regional wine trade hub. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale)

European wine industry launches the Wine Information Council (WIC)

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:08:31 GMT

As part of the commitments taken at European level to promote responsible and moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and to reduce harmful drinking of alcohol, the role of the “Wine Information Council” (WIC) should be understood as providing a platform for guidance that centralises information, which is reliably supported and founded on scientific evidence. Its purpose is also to supply balanced, objective and consistent information on the health, social and cultural aspects of wine consumption. (Source: Wine in Moderation)

“Vinexpo remains the best way to meet the majr wine importers and distributors from around the world”

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:25:38 GMT

“In the current situation, Vinexpo remains the best way to meet the majr wine importers and distributors from around the world. This is a great opportunity for our group to present all of our brands simultaneously and our diaries are crowded indeed.” Alain Thiénot, CEO of Groupe Thiénot. (Source: Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

California wines drive export growth

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:25:01 GMT

The economic downturn and fall in the value of the dollar have not halted exports of wine from California which represent 90% of the value of all exports from the State and for the first time broke the billion dollar barrier in 2008 by growing 6% over 2007 to reach US$1,008,259. IWSR data shows that sales of still wine alone grew by 19% between 2003 and 2007 to reach 41.7 million nine- litre cases compared with 35.7 million in 2003. (Source : Vinexpo)

Brazil looks to increase wine quality

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:06:40 GMT

As Brazil increases its production and vine area, the country is set to improve the quality of its wines with the launch of a new national technical network.

The National Viticulture Science and Technology Network is worth €500,000, and is charged with investments in oenology, research and modernisation throughout the country. Run by wine industry professionals and local government, it will cover three wine regions: Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Pernambuco. (Source: Decanter.com)

Vinexpo is the one major event to take the world market temperature

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:19:43 GMT

“Vinexpo is the one major event to take the world market temperature. This year, more than ever before, we have to be creative and dynamic to regain our markets. Vinexpo will allow us to ascertain and check on the potential upturn of the market for the second semester of 2009, in cooperation with our clients.” Lionel Lavail, General Manager at the Maison Cazes (Source: Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

Chile adopts a National Pisco Day

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:23:27 GMT

The Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, has decreed that 15 May is National Pisco Day in Chile in order to highlight the importance of this grape-based beverage for the identity of the nation. In Chile, about 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of vines are dedicated to pisco production. (Source: VSB)

Armagnac sales increased in 2008

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:47:17 GMT

6.6 million bottles of Armagnac were sold in 2008, representing a 12.5% increase in volume in France, where 60% of sales take place and a 19% rise in exports. Germany is the largest export destination in terms of volume, while Russia leads in value. (Source: Décision Boissons)

Brazil becomes major player

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:21:12 GMT

According to The IWSR, Brazil wine imports increased by 220% in volume and by 300% in value in the period from 2002 to 2008. This makes the Brazilians the second biggest wine drinkers in Latin America after Argentina. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 14) (Source: VSB)

Artist’s illustrations for Ardèche winegrowers’ bag-in-box range

Full Service Full Service — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:41:34 GMT

The Union of Coteaux de l’Ardèche Winegrowers (UVICA), which represents 85% of the wine produced in the southern Ardèche area, are bringing out a range of bag-in-box formats in 5- and 10-litre sizes, which have been exclusively decorated by the painter and metal worker Sgarra. 6 of the 17 Ardèche “villages with character” have been chosen to provide modern illustrations for the new presentations, which highlight the terroir and heritage of the Ardèche region. (Vinexpo Hall 1 BD 189) (Source : VSB)

“More than this year, we shall be in a position to communicate everything we do to our partners”

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:04:08 GMT

“More than this year, we shall be in a position to communicate everything we do to our partners, be it ations, thoughts or solutions implemented in this rather spooky market situation. Without doubt, Vinexpo will be the place where we whall be josting common ideas concerning cooperative wineries!” Pascal Duconget, General Manager of Vignrons de Caractere (Source : Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

“This meeting cannot be ignored”

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:20:31 GMT

“This meeting cannot be ignored when one works worldwide because it offers numerous opportunites for few encounters.” Miren de Lorgeril, President of Vignobles Lorgeril (Languedoc) (Source : Vinexpo Daily News / Numéro spécial RVI)

Spanish company chooses PET bottles for the US

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:49:45 GMT

The Spanish family-owned company Garcia Carrion is going to introduce the ‘Don Simon Class’ brand, one of the largest export wines in the world, in the US in a PET bottle with a screw cap.

The range includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Merlot, a Cabernet Merlot and a Chardonnay. (Vinexpo Hall 2 MN 39) (Source: VSB)

New presentation for Frapin’s VSOP

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:27:14 GMT

Frapin is commercialising its VSOP with new packaging, a reproduction of a traditional 16^th century bottle made of extra white glass with a gilt stopper and sold in a black and gold case. (Vinexpo Hall 1 B 304) (Source: VSB)

A Canadian woman wins the Best Sommelier of the Americas title

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:17:47 GMT

A Canadian woman, Elyse Lambert, has won the first Best Sommelier of the Americas competition, which took place in Buenos Aires.

The first competition for this title was organised in Argentina by the Pan-American Sommeliers Alliance (Apas) and the International Sommellerie Association (ASI) with support from the Argentinean Association of Sommeliers. (Source: VSB)

Spectacular growth in organic winegrowing in France

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:45:18 GMT

According to the latest figures presented by the French agency “Bio” that promotes organic agriculture, the number of organic winegrowers increased by 20.7% between 2007 and 2008 to reach a total of 2,301 estates. The trend in terms of surface area of vines is even more significant in a general climate in which vines are being pulled up. The three leading organic winegrowing areas are Languedoc-Roussillon with 8,337 hectares (20,602 acres), the Provence-Alps-Mediterranean coast region with 6,674 hectares (16,492 acres) and Aquitaine with 3,763 hectares (9,299 acres). (Source: VSB)

The exhibition is a barometre for all companies and actors of the market

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:41:45 GMT

"The exhibition is a barometre for all companies and actors of the market, a bridgehead towards expanding markets. It helps feel the pulse of our trade. In times of a crisis, one needs to exchange data and to meet buyers.” Xavier de Eizaguirre, Président of Vinexpo. (Source: Vinexpo Daily News Numéro spécial de RVI)

Gratien & Meyer develops its Flamme cuvée

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:35:59 GMT

The Saumur merchant Gratien & Meyer, a sparkling wines specialist, now commercialises its premium cuvee Flamme as a Cremant de Loire brut, as well as with its original Saumur label. This wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin and Cabernet, and is aged for two years. The cuvée for this first vintage consists of 150,000 bottles. (Vinexpo Hall 1 A 220) (Source : VSB)

Rioja Wines in Vinexpo: Taste of history and vanguard

Full Service Full Service — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:25:00 GMT

Rioja wineries in Vinexpo 2009 offer in these wine tastings their best vintages on which you savor the experience and tradition together with creativity, innovation and modernity that Riojan wine-growers and winemakers have incorporated. (Wednesday 24^th June / 10.00 – 11.30 / Room 221 H2) (Source: Vinexpo)

Winner of the international biennial festival of vine and wine photography - Olivier Diaz de Zarate

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:27:50 GMT

The photographer and graphic designer, Olivier Diaz de Zarate has just been hailed as the winner of the first international biennial festival of vine and wine photography. Photographers were asked to compete in five winegrowing subject areas: portraits, vineyards, chateaux and cellars, places where wine is consumed, contents and packaging. Olivier de Zarate photographed a black and white portrait which so impressed the jury that he was chosen as winner of all five categories. This photo will be exhibited in Bordeaux during Vinexpo 2009. (Source: Vinexpo)

At Vinexpo, Cahors highlights Malbec and exhibits close to Argentina

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:06:55 GMT

At Vinexpo the stand of Cahors wines is located in the same square of stands as that representing Argentinean wines, in order to concentrate 80% of the world offering of Malbec wines in one place. To reinforce the connection, the Cahors stand is display the word “Malbec” in lettering as large as that used for the word “Cahors”.. (Vinexpo Hall 1 DE 10) (Source: VSB)

The World Market for Sparkling wine

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:57:05 GMT

In partnership with “Reussir Vigne”, France Agrimer, will hold a conference on the outlook and commercial aspects of the world market for sparkling wine followed by a round table discussion on the growing taste for bubbles in drinks. (Conference by FranceAgrimer, French Ministry of Agriculture, June 24, 2009 from 14.30 to 16.30 - Room H1/H2. First floor, Palais des Congres de Bordeaux Lac) (Source: Vinexpo)

Launched with a fighting spirit

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:31:15 GMT

At the occasion of the 15^th edition of Vinexpo, Michel Barnier, minister of Agriculture said “it was no use hiding one’s face or acting like an ostrich in times of a crisis, but rather fight for new markets with our assets of quality and diversity”’. (Source: Vinexpo)

Bordeaux innovates with the Bordeaux City Bond

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:36:01 GMT

The launching in Bordeaux of a new system for the storage of fine wines in the Entrepôt Vins Export – Bonded Wine Export Warehouse (legal suspension of VAT) up to 10 years. This opration guarantees, in all confidentiality, the perfect conservation and the total traceability of products stored in an ultra-secure facility. (Monday 22^th at 04:00 pm Room H1/H2 Palais des Congrès) (Source: Vinexpo)

Vinexpo 2009 will be outstanding for the wines of Cahors

Full Service Full Service — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:09:48 GMT

Accounting for some 80% of the world's total production of Malbec, Cahors and Argentina will both have a stand in the same section at Vinexpo, forming a "Malbec corner." This will provide visiting wine professionals with a unique occasion for comparative transcontinental tastings.

The UICV (Union Interprofessionnelle du Vin de Cahors) is organizing a "Malbec Summit" at Vinexpo on Monday, June 22^nd from 10 am to 2 pm in Hall 2, Room 221. (Source: Vinexpo)