Exports of French wine by volume have fallen by almost 11% in the first eight months of 2008, according to Ubifrance. The drop is being attributed to the slowing worldwide economy and the strength of the euro against currencies including the dollar and sterling during the eight month period. In value terms exports rose by 5.73% to €4.2 billion. In regional terms Bordeaux volumes fell by 3.15% although the value of those exports rose by 37%, and the worst hit region was Burgundy, which fell by 12% in volume and 8% in value. (Source: Wine Business International.com) 

French wines, especially those from Burgundy, considered to be the ultimate expression of luxury and refinement, have an excellent image with Russian consumers. In 2007, Burgundy wine imports to Russia were estimated to represent 1.5 million bottles, a volume that is 2¹/₂ times larger than that in 2005. Sales turnover in Russia is thought to be at least €6.5 million, which makes Russia the twelfth largest market for Burgundy in terms of volume and value. (Source: Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne)

Chile’s VC Family Estates, which owns the Porta and Gracia wine labels, has announced a multi-million investment plan in Argentina.

Originally known as the Corpora Group, VC family Estates said it was buying a winery and a total of 300 hectares in the Rio Negro and Neuquen areas of Patagonia. The deal is worth €12m.

Jorge Goles, president of VC Family Estates told that their investment was likely to be part of a new wave of Chilean wine investment in Patagonia. He also said he wanted to become the leading producer of Pinot Noir in both Chile and Argentina. (Source: Decanter.com)

The sale of Château Montelena to the owner of Bordeaux’s Château Cos d’Estournel has collapsed. Chateau Montelena managing director Greg Ralston would not elaborate on the reason’s for the deal’s collapse. (Source: Decanter.com)

UK drinks magazine Harpers is being sold to the William Reed Group for an undisclosed sum. The weekly trade magazine was currently owned by Nexus Media. (Source: Decanter.com)

A calamitous earthquake hit Sichuan province some time before the exhibition opened. Vinexpo had asked all the exhibitors of Vinexpo Asia-pacific to donate bottles in aid of the many victims. In total, 1,912 bottles including around a hundred bottles of spirits were collected. The proceeds from the sale of these donations organised by Watson’s Wine Cellar were handed to the Salvation Army in aid of the Sichuan victims.

Vinexpo hereby thanks all the exhibitors for their generosity. (Source: Vinexpo)

Volumes of wine consumed in the US have risen for the fourteenth year running up to 26.3 million hectolitres, an increase of 3.2%. Retail sales have also increased to reach a value just short of €19 billion. (Source: Décision Boissons)