Constellation Brands, a leading international producer of beverage alcohol, announced it has reached an agreement in principle to sell its Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada, distillery and bottling facility to Diageo. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in June 2008. (Source: CNW Telbec)

The United States has threatened to block all imports of Brunello di Montalcino from 9 June. From that date all Brunello coming into the US must be accompanied by laboratory analysis certifying that the wine is 100% Sangiovese.

The US is Brunello’s biggest market, importing 25% of total Brunello production. (Source: Decanter.com)

The worst spring frost since 1972 has taken its toll on Napa County, causing more than a million dollars in crop damage. Many growers have been running wind machines at full tilt, but night temperatures dipping have damaged some vineyards nonetheless. The frost may cut yields by 20% this year.  (Source: Decanter.com / Napavalleyregsiter.com)

An Italian producer has chosen to quit his AOC label, because he was forbidden to use screw caps for his wines. The grower considers that screw caps protect the freshness of his wines better and correspond to North-European consumers’ expectations. (Source: VSB)

Robert Mondavi, a visionary winemaker and brilliant marketer who helped lead California wine into international prominence, died on Friday May 16^th at home in Yountville, Calif. He was 94.Outspoken, energetic and charismatic, Mondavi was one of the most influential and admired winemakers in California history. He was the driving force behind his namesake winery in Napa Valley, which he established in 1966 and which for years was the most famous winery in California, until it was sold in 2004. (Source: Wine spectator)

The wine market in Tunisia is totally closed to foreign producers, which obviously favors Tunisian viticulture, 75% of the wines are made by the UCCV (Union Centrale des Coopératives Viticoles). Annual sales of Tunisian wines in Tunisia are estimated at some 30 million bottles. Demand is strong thanks to the 6 million tourists combined with an average per consumption of 2.2 liters. 55-70% of Tunisian wines produced are rosé, followed by reds which accounting for only 5-10% of production. (Source: EuroWine)

Russian vodka producer Synergy has acquired the Ukrainian vodka brand Myagkov from Locomir Enterprises for an undisclosed sum. The Myagkov brand sold 2.4m nine-litre cases in 2007, a rise of 13% over 2006 levels. Eighty per cent is sold in Russia and 20% in Ukraine. (Source: IWSR)