The INAO has approved the plan to allow the areas of ‘Bugey’ and ‘Roussette du Bugey’ to become AOCs.
At the crossroads of the wine-producing region of Savoie, Burgundy and Jura, Bugey has produced wines recognised as Appellation d’Origine Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (AOVDQS – the classification below AOC) since 1958. The producers from the appellation should see their passage crowned, following their efforts to build an identity for the wines in their region. The vineyard of Bugey represents around 500 hectares, encompassing 67 communes in the department of Ain. (Source: WineAlley.com)

Facing a decrease in the Korean demand for wine and a fall in wine imports since the beginning of the year, Winenara, the leading local independent distributor has decided to change its strategy by deferring its development programme designed to increase the number of its outlets (wine bars, restaurants and boutiques) to 100 in the next 5 years. However, Winenara intends to increase its sales and promotional activities in order to differentiate itself from its super- and hypermarket competitors and to establish strong links with its customers. (Source: VSB)

Since 2008, winemakers in the Napa Valley have been working to put in place the Napa Green Certified Land farming programme, certified by 19 environmental protection agencies. The goal is to identify and apply sustainable techniques to achieve responsible and biodynamic agriculture. Adapted to each vineyard, Napa Green has already converted 25% of the region covering 16,000 hectares. The programme includes recycling of water and other materials, energy saving, reduction of greenhouse gas emmision and chemicals and the protection of fauna and flora. The programme is more stringent than the current legal requirements. (Source: Vinexpo)

The final of the 2009 Best Sommelier in Thailand, organised by Wine Today magazine, will take place on 31 July at the Dusit Thani hotel in Bangkok. This final will be sponsored by Hotel Thani, 20 Thai importers, the German Wurttemberg region, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux, Sopexa and Pommery champagne. (Source: VSB)

Diageo has announced it is cutting its marketing budget this year in response to the economic downturn, but expects deflation to boost its return to investments.

Diageo is also spending more on off-trade promotions, with the recession fuelling growth in at-home drinking.(Source: The Drinks Business)

Asian consumers struggle to grasp traditional Western wine descriptions, says Jeannie Cho Lee.

Cho Lee explains that wine writers need to discover new ways to communicate with Asian wine drinkers, but that it may take two generations to come up with a language that is relevant and meaningful to Asian wine lovers.

The traditional Western language of wine has been subject to inaccurate translations and means little to many Asian consumers, according to Cho Lee.

When it comes to the Asian palate there is a need for more familiar reference points which relate to their cuisine and dining habits. (Source: Decanter.com)

An agreement between the EU and Turkey, eliminating tax discrimination against Scotch Whisky, has given a major boost to Scotch Whisky’s prospects in Turkey.

Scotch Whisky has been taxed at double the rate of locally produced Raki, making excise reform in Turkey a longstanding priority for The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

All spirits will be taxed at the same level from 2018. (Source: The Scotch Whisky Association)