October 2011 sees the launch of ‘Les Lions de Suduiraut’ – a new style of wine from Château Suduiraut, the 1er Cru property that lies in the heart of the Sauternes region of Bordeaux. While still being a classic Sauternes, made from hand-picked grapes with ‘noble rot’, it is fresher, fruitier, and more vibrant than its traditional counterparts. It is a wine created for a younger market.

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September ’11. Champagne Piper-Heidsieck takes a walk on the wild side with another new limited edition bottle called ‘Bodyguard’. The pack is being let loose in selected travel retail outlets this autumn.

The 75cl bottle is sleeved in an exotic lipstick-red faux crocodile skin, which has never before been used on a bottle of champagne.

Matthew Hodges, marketing director, Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail: “The Piper-Heidsieck Brut Bodyguard with its sexy red crocodile skin is a perfect example of how innovative and audacious this brand can be. Although Rémy Cointreau GTR will distribute only small quantities of this limited edition in travel retail it will bring a halo of excitement to the whole brand.

Piper-Heidsieck Brut ‘Bodyguard’ is released exclusively in travel retail locations worldwide this month, beginning with Aelia Charles de Gaulle stores and will be available later in selected domestic retail outlets.

Majestic gets first wine from new Paul Mas estate

Autumn 2011 sees the launch of four new Domaine Paul Mas wines in Majestic including Crès Ricards Alexaume from the newly purchased estate Domaine des Crès Ricards.

The wine (RRP £9.99 but £7.99 on promotion during September and October) is a blend of 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Carignan and 8% Syrah.

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage champagne labels have a new look inspired by the champagne house's time-honoured tradition of using chalk plates to identify the different vintages resting in the cellers deep beneath the ground in Epernay.

Elsa Corbineau, champagne director at Moët Hennessy UK, comments: “We wanted to convey the heritage and ethos of the house. The hand-written element is simplistic, but exudes class. The collection dates are listed on the accompanying coffret and leaflet inside the gift box, which enables us to invite the consumer to feel part of and celebrate the house’s long-standing history.”

A carafe of Champagne...

Billecart Salmon has created a Champagne presentation set that includes the Vintage 2004 Extra Brut and a beautiful carafe (RRP €130).

Inspired by the original bottle created in 1818, the carafe creates a new drinking experience for Champagne.
Decanted gently by letting the Champagne slide along the glass, the wine breathes and the bubbles calm. It should then be poured immediately for the Champagne’s intensity and fresh charactes rto be enjoyed at its fullest.

• Champagne from a decanter is one of the special experiences Champagne drinkers can enjoy at Searcys Champagne Bars.

...a new release and a gift set with glasses

Billecart–Salmon has also released a new cuvee called Cuvee Brut Sous Bois (left) that ‘renews the ancestral spirit and savoir faire of the original champagnes’. It has been entirely vinified in oak hence the name of the cuvee.

Additionally, an Extra Brut gift box containing a bottle with four Spiegelau tasting glasses will be available exclusively for Christmas with an RRP of £150.00

RRP £500. Available at Harrods and thechampagnecompany.com

Converting the gardeners

Harveys Bristol Cream sherry converted a number of green-fingered consumers to sherry at this year’s Hampton Court Flower Show.

Visitors to the show were be invited to sample the new signature serve – Harveys over ice with a slice of orange.

McGuigan's entire 'shortlist' snatched up by Majestic

May 2011: Leading Australian producer McGuigan Wines has unveiled the latest addition to its multi award-winning portfolio – The Shortlist.

So called because, initially, the five wines were a shortlist for the selection of one. But they were all so good that Majestic took the entire list as a range, and the entire UK allocation of the limited release label in what is one of the largest orders of premium Australian wine ever placed by the retailer.

The five-strong regionally focused range features Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, an aged Eden Valley Riesling, Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Shiraz and a Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre blend, also from the Barossa. ( RRP £14.99)

May 2011: The Sparkling Wine Review (SWR) is now open for entries from sparkling wine producers who want to take advantage of this unique and comprehensive benchmarking service, taking place in October.
• Read the report • Download 2010 results

Champagne G.H. Mumm has introduced a limited edition, circular neck collar to promote its new ‘Gourmet Explorers’ competition, an initiative designed to heighten awareness of the brand’s long-standing relationship with fine food.

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Free Run Wines has a new organic wine from the the heart of the Minervois. The new blend from the family-owned estate Château La Reze – Cuvée Edouard – is the result of a collaborative product development project with UK retailer Tesco.

Rachel Robinson, Free Run Wines marketing manager, says: “Opportunities for organic wines have been vulnerable to the challenging market conditions in the UK market but, despite this, we saw organic wine grow by 3.7% in 2010 – compared to just 2% for non-organics. Consumer awareness of environmental and sustainability issues continues to increase, so there is definitely still an important niche within the category for good quality organic wines, particularly if they can be supplied at a competitive price point.”

The multi-layer MLP PET bottles provide a complete mechanical barrier to oxygen and are proven to be over five times more effective than standard mono-layer PET in keeping wine fresh.

Research has shown wine in the MLP stays fresh for at least two years.

Paul Sapin guarantees its wines with the MLP logo for up to 12 months.

UK wine production at record high

English wine production figures for the 2010 harvest are the highest on record – 30,346 hectolitres, equating to just over 4 million bottles.  This breaks a previous record of 3.5m bottles.

The increase reflects the rise in planting that the industry has experienced in the last five years. Since 2004, vineyard hectarage has increased by nearly 75% to 1323.5ha. This figure is likely to understate the true position, as official figures do not account for hectarage planted that is, as yet, not in production.

Indications are that sparkling wine has now become the most widely produced wine style.  In 2009 approximately 50% of total production was intended for sparkling wine, and based on the level of growth of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier plantings over the last 5 years, it is evident that this style is now increasing year on year in volume. Data collected in 2010 of grape varieties planted show that plantings of these three varieties account for almost 50% of the total area. Calculations based on the current acreage indicate that, when in full production, volumes of UK wines are set to reach over 5m bottles.

Christie's auction of "Finest & Rarest Wines" went unsold for around one-third of total lots. Is it a sign that the Chinese market is giving a break to the spectacular strong demand recorded over the last 2 years? Or are Chinese buyers becoming more selective? Or is it a first sign that luxury in China is entering a new era?

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Dom Pérignon has created the “ultimate wedding gift” – a wedding box containing 12 bottles of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2000 plus an additional bottle with a precious silver label that can be personalised with the bride and groom’s names and their wedding date. This bottle is encased in a white lacquered box.

The Dom Pérignon Wedding Box can be purchased only by special order from Harrods for £1,825.00 or by contacting Richard Beaumont at Moët Hennessy UK by emailing Richard.beaumont@mhuk.co.uk.

Two firsts for English Wine

UK superstore Tesco has selected its first English wine to be included in its Finest wine range. Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard located in Dorking in the heart of the Surrey Hills, has produced the still white wine, English White 2011, exclusively for Tesco from grapes grown on the estate. A blend of Ortega, Reichensteiner and Chardonnay, the wine is a dry, punchy, refreshing white, which goes well with dressed crab, lobster, light chicken dishes or simply cooked fish, such as sea bass or sole. 

This year also marks the first time English sparkling wines feature at Vinitaly in Verona, 7-10 April. The delegation from England comprises: Camel Valley Vineyard, Bolney Wine Estate, Gusbourne Estate, Hush Heath Estate, Ridgeview Wine Estate, and Denbies Wine Estate. The tasting will take place on Saturday 9 April, tasting room Sala C, PalaExpo A2, at 3.30pm. For more information please contact Julia Trustram Eve, English Wine Producers: julia@englishwineproducers.com

Pick of the pinks in Gallo range with launch of Merlot Rosé

The Union celebrated by Chapel Down

English wine producer Chapel Down has released 2011 bottles of a special blend of sparkling wine to mark the Royal Wedding celebrations.

‘The Union’ is a blend of 2006 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Chardonnay provides the elegance and finesse, while the addition of Pinot Noir adds depth and texture. ‘One’ can expect delicious flavours of summer berries and caramel combined with aromas of baked apples, red fruit and a hint of honey.

Chapel Down The Union Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2006, RRP £24.99, is available direct from Chapel Down Wines via the website, mail order and direct from the winery.

Burgundy wines bounce back from economic downturn

Burgundy wines can justifiably speak of the financial crisis in the past tense, having bounced back in all their export markets in 2010. In 12 months, shipments of Burgundy wines were up by 16% compared to 2009.
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Jean Jean brings brand Languedoc to the UK

Jeanjean Languedoc with its UK distributor D&D Wines International has created a new wine brand, Maison du Languedoc - the first brand to encompass the entire region. The aim is to generate a greater awareness and understanding of the Languedoc as a whole by including varietal IGP and AOP wines from every part of this most diverse wine-growing region of France.

The wine styles were developed specifically for the UK market using the combined know-how of Jeanjean winemaker Iain Munsdon and D&D Wines International winemaker Ivo Hasler (both British and both resident in the Languedoc) who worked to make tailor-made wines, in partnership with Jeanjean’s own estates and long term partner growers. Winemaking strategy went from vineyard choice through winemaking and on to final blending.

The Blue Nun wine range, owned by Langguth Wines, has been relaunched with a fresher fruitier flavour and up-dated packaging design. 

Blue Nun ‘Original’ white wine, remains in its familiar blue glass fluted bottle, but it is now a blend of the Rivaner and Riesling grape varieties. Previously it was a non-varietal designated wine, the new blend offers more body, flavour and depth of fresh fruit flavours. The re-launch also includes a new premium range of four German varietals, including a Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Dornfelder Rosé and Pinot Noir.

Langguth’s winemaker, Heinz Blümling, worked with Bottle Green’s international winemaker, Nick Butler, to ensure the wine was crafted to appeal to the UK consumer’s palate requirements and to help bring the brand to a younger consumer, predominantly 25-45 yr old women, whilst still aiming to grow sales amongst the existing loyal base.
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Fine+Rare announce 400% increase in individuals spending up to £1m on wine in 2010

Fine+Rare, a specialist Fine Wine broker established in 1994 by Mark Bedini and Bob Cuchet has published statistics on the buying habits of its customers, revealing a 400% increase in the number of individual buyers spending between £500,000 and £1million on fine wines in 2010.
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New global players use London as launch pad

Brintex, organiser of the London International Wine Fair, has announced that two new players in the global wine market, Russia and Lebanon, will be exhibiting at the show at ExCel in May this year for the first time.

Russia will have a generic pavilion hosting eight wineries from the country’s largest wine producing region of Krasnodar.  In addition, Abrau Durso – Russia’s leading sparkling winery – will return after a successful 2010 launch, on a separate stand.

Wines of Lebanon will be at the LIWF as part of a major strategic investment in the UK market, which kicked off in 2010.  The stand will host eight wineries, with masterclasses run by Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam to let visitors “Discover Lebanon”.

New sustainable wine label material

A new wood-free paper from Fasson has been tested for print performance by Multi Labels in the UK. The label stock is made from 95% sugar cane fibre (a production by-product) and 5% hemp and linen, and has been specifically developed for the wine market to meet the goal by many brands to become ‘carbon neutral’. Multi Labels has found the material to perform well, including on bottles at lower temperatures, such as chilled wines/champagnes, and says it is a good alternative to open textured papers.

The company will be showcasing a variety of wine labels with specialist print finishes at LIWF, stand N78

Vertical tasting of non-vintage champagne

Six different releases of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label were revealed by Chef de Caves Dominique Demarville to wine writers in London on 8 March. The tasting, which spanned more than 50 years of Yellow Label winemaking demonstrated the brand's quality and consistency of the style.

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Two Italian producers join Stratford’s

Cantine Calatrasi (Sicily and Puglia) and Sensi (Tuscany) have joined the Stratford’s portfolio.

The Sensi family has been making wine in Tuscany since 1890. For the past 13 years world-renowned oenologist Lorenzo Landi brings a wonderful balance between seriously crafted find wine and drinkability. Sensi are one of the largest producers of Chianti, exporting over 70% of their production.
As well as an extensive range of supple Chianti and Super Tuscan wines, Sensi alsoproduce varietal wines in northern Italy and an elegant Prosecco in Veneto.

In 1980, 10th generation Maurizio Micciche founded the modern Calatrasi business that is now one of the leading producers in southern Italy and was awarded Italian producers of the Year by IWSC in 2009. Since 2008 consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei has supervised the winemaking. One of the keys to Calatrasi’s success is their incredible spread of vineyards at different locations and altitudes, with very well thought out site selection for different varietals.

The wines will be on show at the LIWF (stand N22)

But only 3% choose the brand first, and grape variety is more important than country of origin 

New research has revealed 47% of British adults who buy wine for themselves or others in supermarkets or off-licences say the first thing they decide upon is colour. The research published by the Wilson Drinks Report (WDR) also finds 18% choose special offers on wine first, 13% choose the retail selling price, 9% decide on grape variety, 6% choose country of origin whilst only 3% choose the brand of the wine.
• Read the report

Red wine drinkers could provide the key to saving pubs, bars and restaurants

Wine drinkers spend more when they go out, says new research from WDR

Red wine drinkers spend £17.68 each time they go out, more than any other type of drinker, according to new research published by the Wilson Drinks Report (WDR).
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Gallo Family Vineyards Summer Red has been specifically created to be enjoyed well chilled. Although chilling certain red wines is not a new idea for many seasoned wine drinkers, Gallo claims Summer Red is the first of its kind and it is aimed at a mass market that is relatively new to wine.

Summer Red is a "light, fruity and refreshing" blend of Zinfandel and Pinot Noir with the flavours of raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry. It has a low alcohol content of 10.5%ABV and an RRP of £6.99 – but initially on special offer at £4.99.

It will be available across the UK from Spring 2011 in outlets including Asda, Morrisons, Costcutter, Bargain Booze and Booker, and the launch will be supported by an integrated communications campaign.

French for 'crazy idea', l'idée folle is a new fortified wine produced by the Grassa family at Domaine du Tariquet in Gascony, South West France.

L'idée folle is also a slight play on words, as the 'folle' part not only means 'crazy' or 'mad' in French, but also refers to the historical Armagnac grape variety, Folle Blanche, the eau-de-vie of which is blended in this refreshingly fruity and fresh new drink along with the intensely full flavoured grape juice of Gros Manseng, Chardonnay and Sauvignon.

Available from France Domaines, London, 17% ABV, RRP £18.99. Serve well chilled.

Southern French winemaker, Skalli, is targeting the UK off-trade with a new Corsican wine brand. 

Domaine Terra Vecchia includes a white, red and rose wine from grapes grown on Skalli’s estate on Corsica’s eastern coast where the intense daytime heat is tempered by cool sea mists during the day and fresh mountain air at night.

Available from Thierry’s RSP £9.95.

• Read the report 

Chateau Civrac introduces Element 2009

Element is a single varietal Merlot made from the 2009 Chateau Civrac harvest in Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux.  It is a light and very fruity wine with a light oak finish.  Element is only 12% with an RRP of £7.99.

Chateau Civrac is the dream venture of Mark and Sarah Hellyar from Cornwall in the UK. Their vision was to create modern Boutique wines in Bordeaux's right bank that combined the qualities of traditional Bordeaux with the spirit and approachability of the New World.

Chateau Civrac is part of a growing younger movement in Bordeaux that wants to challenge the ‘straightjacket’ of protocols and traditions long associated with this region by introducing modern winemaking styles and adapting to how people consume wine toda

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Turkish wines are returning to London following their success at last year's London International Wine Fair.  Discover the Roots – Inaugural Wines of Turkey Conference & Tasting, organised by Wines of Turkey, will be held on February 24, 2011 at Vinopolis.
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Michael Mondavi, one of the best known names in Californian wine, has launched his new range of Napa Cabernets in the UK market in partnership with Bibendum Wine. Michael is the eldest son of the late Robert Mondavi with whom he co-founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley in 1966.

Sustainably produced wines boast elegance and refinement

International wine experts see a trend towards sustainable, ecologically aware wine cultivation as well as a stronger focus on an elegant and refined style. In business terms international supply in 2011 is expected to be better adapted to demand after a reduced 2010 vintage, reports Jürgen Matthäß

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APPE (formerly known as Artenius PET Packaging) has reported a 100% increase in the number of PET bottles it has supplied for this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau vintage, confirming the growing popularity of PET for wine packaging.

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President Obama and Quinta do Noval:
a symbolic exchange of gifts

As is customary when heads of state make visits, US president Barack Obama and Portuguese president Anibal Cavaco Silva exchanged gifts last Friday in Lisbon, before the start of the NATO summit.

President Cavaco gave his counterpart a bottle of Quinta do Noval Vintage 2008, a magnificent crystal decanter designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Vieira and a set of port glasses. The gift was a symbolic one. Quinta do Noval was one of the few great Port houses to declare a vintage in 2008– the year Obama took office. In return, the US president gave Cavaco Silva a copy of the very first treaty signed between Portugal and the US, in 1840.

Traditional Bordeaux winery supports launch of revolutionary new bottle

Louis Rapin 2008 from Maison Blanche is the first French wine to be bottled in the revolutionary Martín Berasategui bottle.

The Spanish bottle manufacturer has worked with Maison Blanche (AOC Montagne Saint-Émilion) to launch the patented Martín Berasategui System, which will be demonstrated at this month’s packaging exhibition, Emballage, in Paris.

The MBS bottle acts as a decanter thanks to its special shape. A lower rim retains any sediments and impurities, preventing them from being poured out with the wine. The system negates the need for decanting at the winery, avoiding one of the most unnatural processes during the wine making and, therefore, “granting a bigger respect to the origin and nature of the wine”.

Louis Rapin 2008 is an all-natural, sulphite-free, Bordeaux ‘micro-wine’ produced from 65-year-old Merlot grapes, has been aged in new French oak barrels for two years. It will be available by the end of the year or early 2011 at RRP €45.
Nicolas Despagne Rapin says of the bottle shape: “This is the ideal bottle for enduring wines, it is a flame, it is a fire, a fine elegant woman.”