In an article entitled “Chronique du harcèlement ordinaire” (The chronicle of ordinary harassment), Doctor Lanzmann-Petithory contradicts a study by the French National Cancer Institute published by the anti-alcohol lobby. According to this researcher the risk of cancer of the mouth, pharynx and/or larynx is 58% lower in wine drinkers.

“Wine contains two components, which exert opposing effects: alcohol, which increases the risk of certain cancers and fruit which lowers this risk. Therefore, for moderate drinkers, the influence of fruit is stronger”, points out  Doctor Lanzmann-Petithory. (Source: VSB)

To become more visible in the American wine market, which is widely dominated by Californian wines, the producers of Oregon have decided to highlight their commitment to sustainable winegrowing. The movement began in 2005, but the certification programme for the wine industry was launched in 2008 by the Oregon Wine Board. Today, 29% of the vineyards and 11 wineries have obtained certification from one of the different accredited certifying bodies - Life Certified Sustainable, Demeter, USDA Organic, etc. The programme set up last year aims to promote sustainable principles both in the vines and in winemaking amongst 384 other wineries.

Oregon has 78,000 hectares (193,000 acres) of vines, almost 60% of which are Pinot Noir, a variety that has acclimatised very well to this region and its cool weather. (Source: Vitisphère.com)

Alsace in eastern France sold nearly 210,000 hectolitres of Cremant in 2007, as a result of 61% growth over the preceding decade from 1997. This product is enjoying spectacularly regular growth - in 1982, only 16,428 hectolitres were sold.

While the domestic market has increased by a healthy 48% in volume over the last 10 years, exports have been the real driver with 185% growth in the same period. (Source: La Revue vinicole internationale)

The coopers François Frères have taken a 50% share in Stavin, a group specialised in oak products for winemaking, and made a commitment to complete a full takeover in the mid-term. Stavin is located in California and achieves annual sales of €7.16 million. (Source: VSB)

69,000 hectolitres of Bordeaux wines were exported to China in 2008, a 60% increase compared to 2007, representing sales turnover of €53 million and growth of 19%.

From 2000 to 2008, exports of Bordeaux wines to China were multiplied by 35. China is today the 8^th largest customer of Bordeaux wines and the 9^th largest in terms of value. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale)

The total area of German vineyards growing Riesling vines increased by 700 hectares (1,730 acres) in 2008 and has now reached 22,434 hectares (55,437 acres). Riesling, which is especially popular in the Moselle and Rhineland-Palatinate regions of Germany, now covers 22% of the total German winegrowing surface area.

Germany alone accounts for 60% of the total surface area in the world on which Riesling is grown. (Source: VSB)

According to OIV, the total wine harvest in the southern hemisphere should not exceed 50,000 hectolitres in 2009, down 6.1% compared to 2008.

Of the 4 leading producer countries – Chile, Argentina, Australia and South Africa, who account for more than 85% of the total volume – only Chile increased its volume to 8,800 hectolitres, a 1.3% rise. (Source: Décision Boissons)