Mariann Fischer Boel, the EU commissionner for agriculture and rural developpement, has launched the European Wine in Moderation Programme « Art de Vivre ». At the launch, Boel called for more coordination between member states to tackle binge drinking. The Wine in Moderation has been accompanied by the launch of the website www.wineinmoderation.eu (Source: Harpers)

The wine -called Shizen- is produced with the help of Bordeaux consultant Dubourdieu by the Asagiri Wine Company. It is made from the indigenous Koshu grape, grown entirely in Japan.

This is the first time a Japanese wine has been approved by the EU. Until January 2008, no Japanese wines were legally allowed to be imported into the EU. This restriction primarily existed because of a lack of regulation in wine production. (Source: Decanter)

Barney Rhodes, one of the founding fathers of the Napa Valley wine industry has died aged 88.Rhodes helped to launch a host of important wineries and cemented the region's reputation for fine wine. (Source: Decanter.com)

Bernard Magrez has just acquired a 6-hectare (15-acre) winegrowing estate in Japan on the slopes of Mount Fuji, a first in this country. By working with Yuuju Aruga, who is very well known for his quality wines, the French winegrower intends to produce a premium white wine. The price of the transaction was not revealed, but the former CEO of wine and spirits group William Pitters hopes to increase his sales in Japan as a result of the investment. Bernard Magrez’s group, which owns 35 properties on 4 different continents, posts sales of around €40 million euros per year.(Source: AFP)

70% of the cognac drunk in the world is consumed as an aperitif. It was therefore high time since the Alexander to enjoy cognac again in a delicious cocktail. Launched by the Bureau national interprofessionnel du Cognac promotional body, the “Summit” is a cocktail with a VSOP base, to which traditionally made lemonade is added, along with a few slices of fresh ginger, a zest of lime, cucumber peel and ice. The “Summit” is fresh and has deliciously complex aromas. It has enough attractions to make it a worthy rival of the most well-known cocktails. (Source: Sommeliers international)

Rosenblum Cellars, one of the leading producers of Zinfandel and Rhône varietals in California, is being acquired for $105 million by international drinks giant Diageo. The sale price includes the Alameda, Calif., winery, the brand and existing inventory. The winery relies on long-term contracts with growers around the state and owns vineyards. Purchase testifies to growing taste for Zinfandel among consumers and producers. (Source Wine: Spectator)