Oz Clarke is the most-recognised wine critic in the UK, a new poll claims. The Wine Intelligence survey, which polled the views of more than 1,500 regular UK wine drinkers, revealed that Clarke was the most familiar to them. (Source: Decanter.com)

For 12 years now, Vinexpo has commissioned a forward-looking study on the production and consumption of wines and spirits in the world.

Entrusted to British consultants The IWSR for the 7^th consecutive year, this study analyses changes in production in 28 countries and in consumption patterns in 114 countries. (Source: Vinexpo)

In order to avoid unreliable translations of the great Bordeaux chateaux, the Singapore journalist Ching Pioh Tong has proposed to set up a system based on the French pronunciation of these names. All the grands crus classés and all the wines belonging to the Union des Grands Crus are involved. The certified translation can be used by all Chinese importers and distributors and will prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent copyrighting of similar-sounding brands. (Source: VSB)

US Trade Representative Susan Schwab has announced that the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body has found in favour of the US against India’s additional and extra-additional duties on wine and spirits. India has imposed these duties on US imports in addition to and on top of its basic customs duty, resulting in combined duties on imports of alcoholic beverages of up to 550%. (Source: Wine Business International.com)

On the hills surrounding Krakow, a few pioneers are proving that Poland can be a wine producer. Since 2005, Poland has been part of Winegrowing Area A in the European Union. Poland has now been authorised to produce wine, and “it would even be possible to plant vines all over Poland, but the weather and the market reduce the possibilities”, says the head of the wine department at the Polish Agricultural Ministry. (Source: 20 minutes)

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has announced he will raise alcohol excise duty again, just in time for the crucial Christmas trading period. While he is temporarily cutting VAT to 15% from 1 December, he is simultaneously increasing excise duty rates by 8%.
The overall effect will be an increase in the cost of wines and spirits. (Source: Decanter.com)

Bacardi-Martini highlights its products on its new website cocktailattitude.com with a list of cocktails for all its brands aimed at professionals and consumers. A great opportunity to remind people how to make a really good Mojito or a Bloody Mary and to give ideas of more uncommon mixes. (Source: Rayon Boissons)