In view of the present recurring public debate in France about young people and alcohol abuse, the Armagnac industry has decided to support the government’s current initiatives and position itself as the first ‘virtuous’ spirit in the market. From 1 January 2009, 1% of the industry’s obligatory contributions will be used to finance training and other prevention-related activities. (Source: Top Drinks)

At 166 million hectolitres, the total European harvest is 2% lower than in 2007, but 10% down compared to the 5-year average. Italy with 48 million hectolitres is ahead of France with 43.7 million hectolitres and Spain with 39.6 million hectolitres). Amongst the producing countries, only Germany has posted increases with 10.5 million hectolitres. (Source: Décision Boissons)

For the 2008 campaign, Beaujolais has revamped its traditional slogan “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé” (The new Beaujolais has arrived), which originated in the 1950’s, to replace it with “Le nouveau est arrivé!”, a witty new take by French contemporary artist Ben. An advertising budget of more than €1.5 million (a third of which has been earmarked for Japan) will finance a poster campaign in the 110 countries that drink Beaujolais nouveau.

With its red berry aromas typical of its grape variety, the Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, combined with notes of peach and apricot, the 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau is basically fruit, fruit and more fruit. (Source: Inter Beaujolais - Vinexpo)

Crimson Wine Group has purchased Domaine Alfred, a leading California Pinot Noir producer. Included in the sale are the brand, the winery, inventory, and the 81 acres of vines. Financial details had not been disclosed. (Source: Wine Spectator)

Claire Taittinger has acquired a small domaine in the Savoie region. In partnership with Savoie negociant and producer, Philippe Viallet, Taitinger stumped up €2m for the 18ha Domaine Les Fils de René Quénard. It currently produces around 150,000 bottles per year. Claire Taittinger, whose husband Pierre-Emmanuel is general director of the eponymous Champagne house, said the investment was “totally independent” from the business in Reims. (Source: Decanter.com)

California’s Napa Valley contributes €33 billion a year to the entire US wine economy.

A study by the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) estimates that the whilst the Napa Valley produces just 4% of California’s wine grapes, the region is responsible for nearly 30% of the economic impact of wine in California, and nearly 34% of the economic impact of California’s wine to the Us economy(+15% since 2005).

Napa Valley’s wine and vineyard sector, directly, and indirectly through the services and products it generates, provides nearly 40,000 jobs, making it the county’s largest employer. (Source: Harpers.com)

Les exportations de vin néo-zélandaises continuent leur progression, selon les derniers chiffres annuels publiés par les viticulteurs de Nouvelle-Zélande. Les exportations de vin ont progressé de 14% sur l’année au 30 juin dernier. Les exportations ont atteint les 88,6 millions de litres, rapportant 440 millions d’euros. La valeur des exportations devraient dépasser les 550 millions d’euros d’ici 2010.

Les exportations vers son voisin l’Australie ont progressé de 37%, suffisamment pour dépasser la Grande-Bretagne et devenir le premier marché des vins de Nouvelle-Zélande. (Source : Impact)