​Beverage News from India & the World

500 Austrian wineries exhibited their products in Vienna’s Hofburg, which welcomed more than 1,200 wine experts from 58 countries, making this year’s VieVinum a record-breaking event. Never before have so many international guests travelled to Vienna.
“This year’s VieVinum is breaking all records! Never before have so many international trade guests accepted our invitation to Vienna,” says a delighted Chris Yorke, CEO of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine). “This is crucial for our wineries because the economic situation is not easy for them at the moment. It also shows how sought-after our wines have become around the world.” Over the course of three days, 500 Austrian wineries presented their products to more than 1,200 international experts from the wine trade, the hospitality industry and the press – attending from 58 different countries.
Guests included the elite of the international wine world, such as the 2023 Best Sommelier of the World, Raimonds Tomsons, six Master Sommeliers and 21 Masters of Wine – experts holding two of the most prestigious wine qualifications in the world. “International dialogue like this is key to increasing appreciation for the work of our winemakers and boosting demand for their wines around the world,” explains Yorke.
Export value has increased more than sevenfold since the first VieVinumVieVinum, organised by M.A.C. Hoffmann, has been a central platform for the success of Austrian wine exports since 1998. Over the last 25 years, Austria’s export value has increased more than sevenfold, reaching 238 million euros in 2023. “Wine exports are very important for our winemakers because we have few growth opportunities left in the Austrian market,” explains Yorke. “Every bottle exported promotes our excellent wines on the international stage and also relieves pressure on the domestic market.”


Bacchus Prize goes to Anne Krebiehl MW and Gerhard RetterThe international Bacchus Prize for outstanding services to Austrian wine was awarded for the first time at this year’s VieVinum. It went to the Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl and the renowned sommelier Gerhard Retter. As Chris Yorke emphasised in his speech, Krebiehl and Retter have played a major role in raising international awareness of Austrian wine for many years.


Comprehensive programme of supporting events offered unique insights into the Austrian wine industryOn Friday, Austrian Wine invited its guests to an exclusive tasting of premium Austrian wines at the Palais Niederösterreich. At the tasting, International Heroes, i.e wines with top international ratings, were presented alongside Rising Stars, which are wineries that are on the cusp of making an international breakthrough. After the tasting on Friday evening, Austrian Wine invited its guests to a large get-together at Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
 
During the fair, a range of supporting events gave trade visitors the opportunity to gain unique insights into Austria as a wine-growing country. These included a masterclass where three of the world's best ASI sommeliers presented their favourite Austrian wines, along with dozens of tastings organised by the School of Wine and events organised by wine-growing regions and associations.
 
The keen interest in Austrian wine among international visitors is also underlined by the fully booked trips to the wine-growing regions of Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Burgenland and Steiermark (Styria) which are taking place straight after the VieVinum.
( Excerpt from a release)

John Distilleries Pvt Ltd's Paul John Whisky, renowned for its exceptional award-winning Indian single malts, proudly introduces its exclusive partnership with Avolta Duty Free to unveil an exclusive single cask release for global travellers at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. This single cask single malt expression is bottled exclusively for global travel retail and is available at the T2 Duty Free from 30th May. The cask is dedicated to the city of Bengaluru and the packaging has been thoughtfully designed, capturing the glorious spring blossoms of this famous Garden City. This release marks a significant milestone in the brand's illustrious journey, epitomising its commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of whisky. 
Crafted in the tropical coast of Goa, India, this exotic single-cask Unpeated Madeira expression embodies the essence of Paul John Whisky's artistry. Aromas of delightful Christmas cake, dry plum, and Manuka honey laced with a lively orange zest lead to a blend of rich flavours, from sweet vanilla and dark chocolate to a subtle tinge of dry resin, culminating in a bold and gratifyingly oaky finish.
“We are honoured to launch our first exclusive single cask global travel release at Bengaluru International Airport Duty Free with our partners Aolta, and to offer an elevated and unique whisky experience to travellers,” said Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries Pvt Ltd. “The city holds a special place in our hearts, and partnering with one of the finest airports in the country is a true honour. This exclusive release is a tribute to Bengaluru that allows us to showcase the vibrant flavours of India in every sip. We are excited to present a taste of our finest creation, available exclusively at the airport's Duty Free.”
With only 228 bottles, this non-age statement (NAS) single-cask release is priced at USD 300 per bottle. With a track record of over 305 international awards, including recognition as the Best Distillery and Best Master Distiller, Paul John Whisky continues to set the standard for excellence in the Indian whisky industry.
(Excerpt from a release) 
The expression is bottled at 58% alcohol and is unpeated with a Madeira Cask finish. 

The International Wine Challenge, the world's most influential, impartial and rigorously judged global wine competition, has announced the results of its 2024 competition, marking its 40th year.  Medals were awarded to 38 winemaking countries following a blind tasting by an international panel of experts last month.  While France, Australia and Spain remained top of the medal table, niche wine producing countries England, Georgia, Japan, Canada, Romania, Ukraine and India all saw an increase in the number of medals awarded.
 
The improving quality of wine around the globe is evident in this year’s results, with many countries gaining more medals than ever before. England has seen a rise in medals with 13 Gold, 54 Silver and 58 Bronze, having climbed up the medal table to 9th place this year from 10th last year. Canada gained 14 more medals than last year, with 3 Gold, 27 Silver and 29 Bronze. The Niagara Peninsula was the standout region winning 46 of the medals, compared to the 28 medals it won last year. Georgia also won more medals this year, in particular the Kakheti region which won 48 out of the 51 medals awarded to Georgia with most wines awarded being skin-contact white or red. Japan has won its most ever Gold medals for wine with two going to Chardonnays, both won by Takahata Winery, and one going to a Koshu wine. Other countries with significant gains were Romania with 12 more medals than last year, including 5 Silver and 13 Bronze, giving them a total of 18 medals.  Ukraine saw an increase from just 1 medal last year to 8 this year, 7 Bronze and 1 Silver.

​India also gained an extra 3 medals with 5 Bronze medals awarded. Wines from Chandon, Sula, Fratelli and Big Banyan saw getting the Bronze and Commended medals. 
 
The full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2024 International Wine Challenge can be viewed here.
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