“French wines remain the benchmark for all countries producing great wines. Their boldness and intrinsic quality are indicators that influence winemakers in other countries.” R.P (Source: AFP)

Chile broke its annual record exporting 610 million more litres of wine than in 2006, an increase of 22.8%. However, the Chileans themselves only consumed 258 million litres, an average of 15. 3 litres per inhabitant, compared to 19 litres per person in 1999. (Source: VSB)

Although red wine still accounts for 60% of the whole wine market in Sweden, since 2002, rosé wine sales have grown by 9% in value and 10% in volume, while sales of sparkling wines have increased by 13% in value and 9% in volume. (Source: VSB)

In 8 years, Bordeaux wine exports to China have been multiplied by 21, from 200,000 litres to 4.3 million litres in 2007. Over the last two years, this growth has been especially fast: 158% in value and 82% in volume for the period 2006 – 2007. (Source: VSB / CIVB)

Armenian brandy production generated turnover of 2.1 million dollars in the first months of 2008, up 44.5% compared to the same period in 2007. Wine production, however, decreased by 29.7%, while vodka output and that of other alcoholic beverages increased by 1%. (Source: Nouvelles d’Arménie)

When a French consumer buys wine to drink, as a gift or to accrue value, what words does (s)he associate with it? “Enjoyable” (25%) is cited more than “sociable” (18%), “gastronomy” (11%), “meal” and “terroir” (8%), but only 7% of responses associated wine with “tasting”. (Source: Décision Boissons)

Rosé wine sales in UK have grown by 30% to reach a 10% market share, worth €567 million. The market share of rosé wine was only 4.9% in 2006 then 8% in 2007. (Source: VSB)