Data from the New Zealand Winegrowers showed 285 000 tonnes of grapes, were harvested in 2008. The increase is due to a combination of an increase producing area and favourable growing conditions in most regions over the summer months, which bodes well for the new season’s wines. (Source: Harpers)

Burgundy organic winegrowing continues to grow and now covers 3.1% of the total area of the appellation. In 2007, Burgundy had 104 organic estates, 26% more than in 2006. (Source: VITI)

German wine imports were up by 10% in volume and 16% in value in February 2008. 82% of all imported wines came from member states in the European Union. With just over 6m hectolitres, Italy maintained the pole position. Spain, with 2,46m hectolitres, outpaced France at 2.42m hectolitres. In value, though, France still carries twice Spain’s weight. Chile and South Africa are the two largest New World origins, with 25% and 35% growth respectively. (Source: Wine Business International)

According to Baron de Ley’s managing director, too many Riojas have become a single varietal wine. “Rioja has become Tempranillo and Tempranillo has become Rioja but Garnacha should play a greater role in making more fruity wine easier to drink”, he said. In the past 15 years Tempranillo plantings have almost doubled to 49,300 hectares and represents 78% of plantings. In the same period, Garnacha plantings have fallen by one-third to 6800ha. (Source: Harpers.com)

Having reached 20 million cases in 2006, Tequila consumption had grown by 24% from 1998. This is a very concentrated market with the ten leading consumer countries drinking 92% of the world total. The two leaders are the US with its high numbers of Mexican immigrants accounting for 50% of consumption and the home of Tequila, Mexico, with 35%. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale / The IWSR)

Wine company Constellation Brands said it sold certain US wine assets to Eight Estates Fine Wines, LLC, for $209 million in cash. The company said it could receive up to another $25 million if certain objectives are achieved by Eight Estates. (Source: CNN Money.com)

Displaying remarkable energy and world-class ambitions, Spain has clearly joined the club of the major wine producers of the planet. Although the local grape varieties such as tempranillo, monastrell, albarino and verdejo are still favourites, wine styles have become more self-assured and now attract an international clientele. (Source: La Revue du Vin de France)