‘Austrian winegrowers are looking forward to a good vintage with fully ripe grapes this year. Compared to the big harvest in 2018, an average volume of approximately 2.4 million hectolitres is expected. And after the record-breaking early harvest last year, picking will begin around Lake Neusiedl at the  beginning of September. In other regions, the primary harvest will begin in mid-September’, explained Johannes Schmuckenschlager, president of the
Austrian Winegrowers’ Association, with regard to 2019.

No late frost damage this year
After a normal budding, late frost damage could be avoided once more this year, despite a few anxious nights. In contrast to the previous year, flowering took place about two weeks later – at the normal time. The great heat in June 2019 with record temperatures over 30°C then led to rapid progress of the vegetation. The dry and hot
weather conditions also provided the reason why very healthy grape material is available throughout Austria this year, as this dryness worked against the development of any fungal diseases during and after flowering. The very high
temperatures around blossoming led, however, in some areas and some vineyards to a poor fruit set.

First drought, then relief
In some regions – for example, in Burgenland and around Krems – the heat brought severe drought stress in June and July. At the end of July, however, the onset of rainfall provided relief in most winegrowing regions. Occasionally there was also heavy precipitation in the form of downpours and thunderstorms, and some hail damage was recorded. At present, the vegetation is progressing quite nicely thanks to the rainfall, which is why one may expect a normal start to the harvest this year.

So how is 2019 looking?
The development of the vegetation cycle in 2019 points to a fully ripe vintage. Due to the arid stretch after flowering in June and July, the berries are on average a bit smaller, which is also an indicator that there will be some very aromatic wines. And because of the postponement of maturity to a normal, slightly cooler period, growers
expect high sugar concentration but sufficient acidity as well. 2019 should offer very harmonious and nicely balanced wines.
(Excerpt from a release) 

Mumbai, India
Ignacio, export manager for Grupo Avinea; one of the top Argentinian wine groups and the export partner for Ace Beveragez, visited India for the first time to attend a few exclusive wine tasting events, hosted by Ace Beveragez, held in Delhi and Mumbai to learn the development of wine industry in Indian market and was elated with the wine appreciation by Indian audience, especially for Malbec. He enlightened the guests with his knowledge of wine and the story of Argento and AG wines.

The Wine & Food soiree held on 1st August in Townhall, Lower Parel, hosted by Ace Beveragez featured some of the city’s finest wine and lifestyle bloggers, influential media personalities, gourmets and sommeliers relished splendid food by townhall and some of Argentina’s best wines and innovative cocktails made with the wines that were showcased at the event.

The wines that were showcased

AG Malbec Shiraz -  It is characterised by vibrant fruit flavours and  is a perfect blend of  two varieties, the Malbec gives blackberry and toasty oak characters on the nose, while the Shiraz provides an explosion of black fruit and pepper, which put together form a wine with medium body, ripe fruit flavours.

AG Chardonnay-  The quintessential expression of today’s Argentina, this fruity and refreshing wine offers enticing aromas of tropical pineapple and lime citrus. Concentrated flavours of honeydew melon and passion fruit are also complemented by subtle minerality leading into a fresh, crisp finish.

Argento Malbec-  It comes with a greater concentration of fruit and complexity, this one is exceptional, intense and expressive and comes in rich complex flavors on the palate and a soft mouth texture.

Argento Chardonnay- It  is golden and expresses fresh citrus aromas, although a full-bodied wine in the mouth, it is a clean wine, with fresh flavors of grapefruit and pineapple complemented by mineral notes. The finish is persistent and refreshing, with a rich texture and crisp acidity.

The food from TownHall complemented well. Margherita Pizza with Burrata and Basil, Asparagus with a peanut flavoured sauce, Asparagus Tempura Sushi along with other Hors d’oeuvres paired perfectly with Argento and AG wines and signature cocktails. Cocktails that were specially made for this event by Lokesh - The Townhall mixologist

State Norma - prepared using Tequila, AG 47 Malbec and topped with a delicate cucumber slice.

The Spritzer - prepared using White Wine, Elderflower syrup and gin, served over crushed ice and garnished with an orange slice and powdered sugar.

​(Excerpt from a release)

‘There were increases across most major price segments in the USA with the stand out segment for growth being $7.50 to $9.99 per litre FOB.’
Mr Clark said Australian wine exports to China (including Hong Kong and Macau) had reached a financial year record, increasing 7 per cent in value to $1.2 billion. Volume, however, decreased 16 per cent to 154 million litres (17 million 9-litre case equivalents) as exports of wines below $2.50 per litre FOB declined.
Australia is well-placed in China, currently sitting behind Chile and France in export volume and second to France in export value. However, looking at the first five months of 2019, Australia has overtaken France to become the number one imported wine category in mainland China by value. Australia’s imported market share has jumped 13 percentage points since 2015 to 24 per cent based on volume; compounded by the recent contraction of the total import market.
Mr Clark said that the United Kingdom (UK) market had experienced a slight decline with value decreasing 3 per cent to $373 million and volume declining 4 per cent to 236 million litres (26 million 9-litre case equivalents). Average value increased 1 per cent to $1.58 per litre. The volume decline reflects that some of the larger brands have wrapped up their strategies of getting additional product into market pre-Brexit to mitigate any disruption to exports.
‘It’s important to retain perspective on the UK market. Research by IRI shows Australia was ranked number 1 in still wine off trade [retail] sales in the 12 months ended March 2019, with a market share of 24 per cent in volume and 23 per cent in value’, Mr Clark said.
Off-trade sales in the UK for Australian wine grew 1 per cent in the year ended March 2019 to £1.2 billion. The key areas of growth were wine priced between £5.01–7.00 per bottle (up 1 per cent), £8.01–9.00 (up 10 per cent), and £10.01–20.00 (up 4 per cent) (IRI Worldwide). Australia has the highest share (30 per cent) in the £5.01–6.00 per bottle segment.
Mr Clark said Australian wine supplies would remain tight in the medium term with last week’s National Vintage Report revealing that the 2019 vintage was 1.73 million tonnes, just one per cent below the 10-year average. This means that supplies, particularly of reds that dominate Australian exports, will continue to remain stable.
(Excerpt from a release)

​

Mumbai, India
India is the latest addition to the  export markets of the Cordoniu Raventos group and it kickstarts their business in India with VBev; a dynamic and fast-growing Wine & Spirits importer and introduced the Codorniu Cava, Vina Pomal Rioja and Veranza from their portfolio at a suave affair high up in the air at Aer Lounge at the Four Seasons, Mumbai.

A brief on Codorniu Raventos group?
Cordorníu Raventós Group is one of the world’s leading wine-producing companies. Their estate owned vineyards span across 3,000 hectares making them one of the largest family-owned vineyards in Europe with a legacy of 18 generations. Their wineries are located in Spain’s Rioja, Priorat, Ribera del Duero, Costers del Segre and Penedés, California’s Napa Valley and Argentina’s Mendoza. The group has also been credited as being the top premium player in the domestic wine market in Spain.

History of the Codorniu Raventos group ?
It all began in 1551 when Jaume Codorniu a landowner with vineyards started producing wine. Jaume’s winery, now part of the Cordorníu Raventós group is the oldest winery in Spain and the 17th oldest in the world. Some other notable milestones include the production of the first bottle of Cava in 1872 and being appointed Purveyor to the Royal Family in 1897. Today, they produce the best-selling Cava in the world and export their wines to over 100 countries,

 On the occasion of the launch Sumedh Singh Mandla, Chief Executive Officer of VBev said; “We are excited to introduce Spain’s iconic wine group Codorniu Raventos to the Indian market. Spain offers an array of wonderful wines at a great value, our initial selection with Codorniu Cava, Vina Pomal and Veranza reflect Codorniu Raventos’ diverse offering. Codorniu Brut Clasico, a well-structured and fruit forward Cava with a rich bouquet of aromas and eye-catching packaging will be perfect for the Indian palate and ideal for gifting. Vina Pomal is an iconic and critically acclaimed Rioja producer. We believe it will find great acceptance among the discerning wine palates in India. We foresee great success for Vina Pomal Reserva and Crianza in Horeca and in the premium retail space. Veranza wines from La Mancha offer very good quality fruit forward wines at sharp pricing and will be greatly accepted across the country.” The Indian consumer travels overseas more than ever before, as a result, they have greater exposure to quality wines from an array of wine producing regions. They are far more attuned to global trends and their preferences. The entry of Codorniu Raventos group stands testament to the progress and promise this leading global producer sees in the Indian market. 

Pricing for Codorniu Raventos brands in Mumbai and entire Maharashtra
Codorniu Clasico Brut NV – 1,990 Rs
Vina Pomal Crianza – 2,390  Rs
Vina Pomal Reserva – 2,990 Rs
Veranza Blanco & Tinto – 1,290 Rs 
( Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
Grover Zampa Vineyards, the longest standing winery in India, has added United Spirits Ltd wholly-owned subsidiary Four Seasons Wines, and Charosa Vineyards, an asset of Hindustan Construction Company, to their wine portfolio. The move comes as a part of the brands overarching efforts to bolster its sales, improvise on its mass and premiumisation strategies while indirectly also fueling the growing wine business of the country.
 
Grover Zampa Vineyards’ has been a pioneer of fine winemaking in India and a leading exporter, significantly marking its footprints in India as well as various International countries. With the addition of two new brands, the company plans to expand into a multi-brand lifestyle label with wine being at the core of their business. The brand aims to widen their portfolio and offer more varieties that resonate with the millennials and new age wine drinkers. This will also lead to an increased focus on wine tourism with better amenities being offered to patrons at their vineyards, thereby consolidating their position as a market leader in the country.
Spread over 50 acres in Baramati, Four seasons was started back in 2006 following the acquisition of French winery Bouvet-Ladubay. The brand has focused on developing Indian wines that are not only affordable but also at par with international quality, a vision mutually shared between both Four Seasons and Grover Zampa Vineyards. On the other hand, Charosa’ winery is spread over 230 acres in Charosa village and is known for its weather and soil that are extremely efficacious for the growth of wine grapes; rendering the acquisitions as strategically ripe and beneficial to Grover Zampa’s growth plans.
 
Speaking about their strategy, Mr. Vivek Chandramohan, CEO, Grover Zampa Vineyards opined “The wine industry has been on a positive growth trajectory for the past few years, with growing interest from varying consumers to better understand and experience the beverage. This has opened up the pathway to expand and reach out to these very consumers through various touch-points – an insight which has significantly dictated our association with Four Seasons and Charosa. We have a positive ambition for what the future has in store for us and are committed to providing our patrons with the very best in wine.”

International demand for fine Australian wine grew strongly in 2018, with an increase in wine exports of 10 per cent in value to $2.82 billion free on board (FOB) and 5 per cent in volume to 850 million litres (94 million 9-litre case equivalents) in the year ended 31 December 2018.
‘These figures demonstrate strong international demand and they highlight how Australian wine exporters have worked diligently to develop and maintain international markets’, said Andreas Clark, CEO Wine Australia.
‘This demand translated into growth in almost all price segments’, he said. 
Bottled wine shipments increased by 7 per cent in value to $2.24 billion and decreased in volume by 3 per cent to 361 million litres (equivalent to 40 million 9-litre cases). This saw the average value of bottled wine grow by 10 per cent to a record $6.20 per litre FOB. Unpackaged wine also experienced outstanding growth, reaching record levels in value (up 27 per cent to $560 million) and volume (up 12 per cent to 480 million litres or 53 million 9-litre case equivalents). The average value of unpackaged wine continued to grow, increasing by 14 per cent to $1.17 per litre. ​Red wine continues to be the most popular wine style exported from Australia, and value increased by 12 per cent to $2.14 billion in the year ended December 2018. The value of white wine exports also grew – by 10 per cent to $607 million.( Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
As an ode to its successful five-year journey in the country, Chandon India announces the new ‘Think Pink’ bottle for its Rosé varietal in January 2019. The design of the India-themed bottle draws inspiration from some of the
country’s most recognisable symbols, especially the Peacock – also the national bird of India, along with other motifs derived from natural riches of the country – such as bejewelled antique jewellery, and stunning ancient architectural patterns.
The label plays with the soothing shades of blue of the majestic peacock – an epitome of poise, beauty and individualism. We can learn from it lessons about the meaning of self-love,honour, integrity and the importance of facing life’s challenges as well as the unknown with courage, confidence and grace. Meanwhile, the refined lotus pink in the bottle’s design, represents all that is precious. The two hues blend beautifully together in the bottle’s design to expertly embody the true spirit of Chandon Rosé. The ornate design also draws from other inspirations – delicate inlay work in Mughal architecture, embellished bejewelled ornamentation from traditional techniques such as jadau and polki, as well as one of India’s richest legacies – handwoven textiles.
Chandon’s ‘Think Pink’ bottle for its Rosé is the perfect pouring partner and is gender neutral, making it ideal for celebrations and for gift giving to celebrate love, self-expression and confidence and to get the party started!
Chandon’s ‘Think Pink’ bottle of rosé will be available at select retail outlets and on-premise at F&B partners from January 2019 onwards in markets that Chandon is present in. (Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
We The Happy High,one of India's  leading wine and spirit education co have launched our own certified wine courses , the Wine 101 for beginners and the Wine Pro for the budding Sommelier.
"With 300 mn cases of beers and spirits each consumed annually in India, wine at a speculative 3 mn cases hardly makes a difference. However the latter is not just restricted to the high society now as the aspirational who because of their travels and general availability is also exposed to the drinks and are taking a liking to it. And this has prompted us to curate the Wine 101 for consumers or young hotel professionals and bespoke Wine Pro courses for hotels Pan- India" says Ajit Balgi, founder at The Happy High
The beginners courses are day long and cover basics of wine, including wine tasting, service temperatures, glassware, food and wine pairing. These courses are planned on a regular basis and come at RS 5500 + GST per head. The Happy High certified Wine Pro course is  designed for 4 days and is customized for hotels based on their wine lists and the requirements of their wine program and have been implemented at a Marriott hotel and soon at a Taj property. 
These wine courses will open the doors to the world of wine for you as a consumer and give you a perspective and connect for professionals who want to make a career in wine as a Sommelier or as a Brand ambassador. Kindly drop a line on contact@thehappyhigh.com  if you wish to organize a Wine 101 or a Wine Pro course exclusively for your Office, hotel or a hotel management institute.  

Vienna, Austria
What to expect of 2018 vintage Austrian wines?

• A very hot year, with one of the earliest harvests in many decades.
• Higher alcohol content, less acidity
• A few minor hailstorms, almost no fungal diseases
• Anticipated harvest volume: 2.6 million hectolitres (compared with the fifteen-year mean volume of 2.4m hl)
• Niederösterreich/Wien: good volume, very good quality
• Burgenland: good volume, very good quality and the possibility of very fine red wines
• Steiermark: very good volume, very good quality

‘For the most part, Austria’s grapevines were able to withstand the enormous heat and lack of moisture that characterised the 2018 vegetation cycle. So we have a very early and very ripe vintage on our hands, one in which persistently high temperatures have led to consistently higher levels of alcohol and lower levels of acidity. Volume will in any event be just above average: we are looking forward to a harvest in the magnitude of some 2.6 million hectolitres’, declared Viticultural Association president Johannes Schmuckenschlager, in reference to the 2018 vintage, which will now reach its climax with one of the earliest harvests in decades. 

(Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai, India
After being under development for a couple years, we are proud to officially announce the launch of the York Shiraz Viognier 2017. The York Shiraz Viognier is a new world style wine inspired from the blend commonly made in Cote Rotie in the Northern Rhone Valley. The two grape varieties have been co-fermented together along with the skins for 15 days to achieve flavour integration from the beginning of the process. Post alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine has been aged in French oak for 6 months to supplement the varietal fruit characters and structure of the wine. 
The blend of the two varieties is 90% Shiraz & 10% Viognier. The floral, spicy & peach flavours that are natural to the Viognier grape add a new dimension to the powerful & peppery Shiraz especially when fermented together. Apart from being an enjoyable drink on its own, this wine is particularly suited to Indian food.
This wine is priced at an MRP of Rs.750 in Maharashtra & Delhi. It will first be available at the Tasting Room at York Winery followed by release in rest of Maharashtra & Delhi in the coming month.
(Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
Folonari wines from the house of Gruppo Italiano Vini were showcased over a relaxed lunch in Bandra. Mr Maurizio Bertacchini their Asia rep who was on the Indian market visit waxed eloquent about the wines and said, 
"Folonari was started  in 1825 and the focus was always to make some good quality wine at an affordable price" . The Pinot Grigio was refreshing and was a good start to the Sunday brunch. The Valpolicella and Pinot held forts and showed good value at their price points. 
Rikshit Parsan of Ace Beveragez the importer of Folonari ensured the glasses were full at all times and the afternoon  extended into early evening!
​(Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
Austrian wines are not very known in India, the reasons are many however once you get a taste of Austrian wines, you wouldn't get enough. Recently Michael Moosbrugger of the iconic wine house Schloss Gobelsburg was in Mumbai to enthrall a select group on the wines from their estate.
Schloss Gobelsburg is the oldest winery in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history back to the 12th century. Since its establishment the winery has been one of the leading producers in the region and throughout Austria. Located in the Danube area 45 min west of Vienna, the winery’s most important varieties are Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The estate was run by monks till 1994 before it was taken over by the Moosbruggers in 1996  and since then winery has grown manifolds. Michael who introduced the 'Dynamic celllar' or the 'cellar on wheels' concept was awarded by the Austrian Fine Wine Magazine ‘Falstaff’ ‘Winemaker of the year 2006’, In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 the winery was awarded by the American ‘Wine & Spirits’ magazine as ‘Top 100 Winery of the year’.
The wines brought to India by Aspri Spirits showcased that evening included Domaine Gobelsburg Kamptal Gruner Veltliner, Schloss Gobelsburg Zweigelt and Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling. The evening was delightful with beautiful wines and conversations with Michael Moosbrugger.

Mumbai, India​
Wine enthusiasts of the city have a reason to rejoice as The Leela Mumbai gets the Great Indian Wine Buffet at Citrus.  This All – You – Can Drink Wine Buffet will feature over thirty Indian wine labels at a very special price of Rs 1090 ++ per person.   
On display will be a selection of some of the finest Indian wines from  esteemed wineries like  Grovers, York, Turning Point, Fratelli, Reveilo and Zampa. If you fancy red wine, take your pick from blends or single varietals  of Cabernet Sauvignon,  Shiraz,  Cabernet Franc , Merlot and the more obscure  Sangiovese and Nero D Avola. White wine lovers can choose from Viognier, Sangiovese Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Grillo and more. 
 
The promotion goes on till 30th September 2017 and is available 7 pm onward. 
( Excerpt from a press release)

Nashik, India
 York a family run winery is proud to officially announce the launch of the York Sparkling Rose Brut Vintage 2015. 'Its been years in the making but as with every other wine of York, we prefer to put our best foot forward and release a product without any compromises. And compromise we have not!' said the young winemaker and owner Kailash Gurnani.

The York Sparkling Rose is a 100% Shiraz sparkling wine. Made in the Traditional Method, this batch has been aged on lees for 18 months and 4 months on cork. A small component of the blend has been matured in oak barrels & it has a residual sugar of 10g/l. Being the first, its a small batch and vintage wine. This wine is priced at an MRP of Rs.1300 in Maharashtra. 'As always, we have stuck to our philosophy of providing the best possible value wine to our consumers in both price & quality.' added Gurnani

The wine will currently go on sale at the Tasting Room of the winery only. Mumbai launch will follow in a  months time whilst Delhi will have to wait.

Mumbai, India
Chandon India announces the launch of Délice – a new sparkling wine variant crafted at the brand’s state-of-the-art winery in Dindori, Nashik. Made with locally-sourced Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, Délice is an irreverent expression that is set to change the manner in which India enjoys its wines. Presenting a sweeter, flavourful taste-profile, Délice can be enjoyed straight up (chilled), on the rocks or with a slice of orange.
Speaking about the launch, Stéphane de Meurville – Managing Director, Moët Hennessy India said, “At Chandon India, our endeavour has been not only to gain share of heart, but also to introduce new consumers to the Chandon world. One way in which we will do this is by reaching out to consumers who currently shy away from the traditional Brut and Rose style of drinking. Délice is our next step towards consolidating this vision. While the Indian market loves its bubbles, there is still a strong affinity for sweeter drinks and cocktails. Délice is the result of 2 years of extensive research and development by our team of winemakers led by Gustavo Agostini. We are very proud of this new product from the house of Chandon India which we believe will resonate with the Indian consumer.”
Delice is available in Mumbai at Rs 1500 and soon will be available in Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Srilanka 

Excerpt from a press release

Nashik, India
The country’s most gorgeously situated Gourmet World Music Festival went several notches higher in its 10th edition! The event saw festival goers from across the country at a weekend to remember and this year was an even grander production with even more amazing memories.
The festival this year being a 3 day affair – adding Friday dedicated to Indian artists had also added one more stage – The ‘Tropical Stage’. Friday’s highlights were Nucleya at the Atmasphere Stage and Indian Ocean at the Amphitheatre Stage. Sula’s all new musician talent hunt competition “Rise and Shine” contest winner performed to a thrilled audience at the Tropical Stage.The Bloc Party from the UK made their India debut and rocked the Amphitheatre stage on Day 2, Saturday – while Loco & Jam from Germany performed to a haven of fest-goers at the Atmasphere Stage. The Tropical Stage highlight this day was Peter Schumann’s performance. Amphitheatre Sunday headliner – Infected Mushroom from Israel set the stage on fire! German Jan Blomqvist & Band created magic at the Atmasphere Stage located amidst the vineyards.

Another new addition to the festival this year was the ‘Globe in a Glass’ stall where fest-goers had the opportunity to meet and taste with the people behind various brands from the Sula Selections portfolio. The renowned wine profile Robert Joseph was attending the festival for the first time showcasing his brand Le Grand Noir. Brightening up the weekend even further was the SulaFest Bazaar with a selection of fun and funky items for sales.
Speaking about SulaFest 2017, Cecilia Oldne, Global Brand Ambassador and Vice President - Marketing, Sula says, “Cheers to 10 years! What a beautiful weekend and what an amazing crowd!  See you all next year!”
 ​

​JACOB'S CREEK, the iconic Australian wine brand and India’s highest selling imported wine has been voted Australia’s Most Trusted Wine Brand 2016 by Reader’s Digest in their annual Trusted Brands survey. For the past 16 years, the survey has investigated which brands in Australia have the best reputation among consumers.This year, JACOB'S CREEK has been awarded the winner of the Trusted Brands Survey in the Australian Wine Category, outranking competitors including Penfolds and Wolf Blass.

A well-established independent market research agency is commissioned by Reader’s Digest each year to survey a representative sample of people in Australia. The research investigates their most trusted brands in 65 categories of products and services across a wide range of industries, with over 2,400 people surveyed across Australia annually.Participants communicated what influences their buying decisions and which brands they believe consistently deliver on promises to satisfy their needs, make their lives easier and offer value for money.

Ben Bryant, Chief Winemaker, JACOB’S CREEK, said: “Our wines are crafted to be fresh, elegant and great-tasting with true varietal expression. Being awarded the Most Trusted Australian Wine Brand is testament to the fact that our wines can be trusted to deliver consistent, exceptional quality and we’re very pleased that this has been recognized independently.” 

Mumbai, India
​Sula Selections the import arm of Sula vineyards and the renowned wine clan, Hardys, are all set to, together, announce the launch of the William Hardy wine range in India, the Limestone Coast Chardonnay and the Langhorne Creek Shiraz.
For over 160 years, the Hardy family has been known for its expertise in winemaking world over. Pioneered in the family by William Hardy’s great grandfather, Thomas Hardy, throughout five generations and to this day, the Hardy family has maintained their passion as William remains actively involved in the business. William Hardy beamed, “The Hardys name is synonymous with South Australian winemaking, dating back to 1853, and we wanted this new range to recognise and celebrate the pivotal role the family has played in developing the premium wine regions of the state”.
On the occasion of the launch, Glenn McGrath, Australia’s celebrated cricketer and brand ambassador of Hardys Wines will tour India and launch the wines across Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.
The Limestone Coast Chardonnay and the Langhorne Creek Shiraz are priced in Maharashtra for Rs 2300 each for a 750 ml bottle. 

London, UK
 
English wine producers Chapel Down and Ridgeview have been chosen to be the official suppliers for Downing Street receptions it has been announced.  This confirms the Government's commitment to supporting the growth and success of the burgeoning UK food and drink industry.
 
Ridgeview from Sussex and Chapel Down from Kent were present at the Food is GREAT launch event at No 10 Downing Street earlier this month, which showcased and celebrated the very best food and drink that Britain has to offer. 
 
Mark Harvey, Chapel Down Managing Director of Wines, added: "We are thrilled that Chapel Down will now be served at UK government functions. This valuable support from No 10 comes at an incredibly exciting time for a dynamic and ambitious English Wine industry"
 
A spokesman for No 10 said: "The Government is proud to celebrate Britain's excellent produce and that includes at events hosted here at No 10. From Cornish pasties to Stilton cheese, from Welsh lamb to Scottish salmon, the UK is home to many iconic food and drink products recognised and enjoyed across Europe.  Now English sparkling wine - which has beaten Champagne in competitions - is amongst them."
 
(Excerpt from a Press release) 

Leicestershire, England

The production figures for the 2014 harvest in the UK have just been released and reveal a significant growth in volume, breaking all industry production records.  47,433 hectolitres were produced last year - the equivalent of 6.3 million bottles (75cl).  This represents an increase of 42% in volume over 2013 – itself a record-breaking figure of 4.45m bottles.The figures are compiled by the Wine Standards Branch (Food Standards Agency) from records submitted by all producers post-harvest.  Whilst there is currently no official detailed breakdown of styles produced, English Wine Producers (EWP) and United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) estimate that at least two-thirds of production is now sparkling wine, pointing to a production level of some 4m bottles of sparkling wine from the 2014 harvest.

      UK vineyards enjoyed a long warm spring and summer in 2014, bringing both quality and quantity.  Although the autumn proved cooler than hoped, the grapes came in clean and healthy and in large volumes.  Viticultural Consultant Stephen Skelton MW commented: “The last two years have provided excellent growing conditions for our grapes – great flowering weather and a warm summer.  The vineyards have produced some very good quality grapes and volumes of still and sparkling wines.”

      The UK Vineyard area has doubled in seven years and now stands at in excess of 2000ha (4,900 acres), the majority of which is mostly planted for the production of sparkling wine.  Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are now the most popular varieties, with plantings of these two alone increasing by over 230% in the last 8 years.  Production of sparkling wines has increased by nearly 150% in the last 5 years and more volumes are now coming on to the market, from established producers to new English wine brands.Still wine production also continues to thrive and 2013 and 2014 vintage white, rosé and red wines are prominently available.   Bacchus is the most popular aromatic grape variety in the UK and has been enjoying a steady growth in plantings.  It is the third most widely planted grape variety.

     Julia Trustram Eve, Marketing Director of EWP said: “Over the last years we seem to be continually breaking our own records, and the 2014 figures surpass everything.  There’s no doubt about it – English wines really are on an upward trajectory.We are noticing the uptake in English wine through the entire retail sector and the on trade.  Export is another growing market.  There is now a close collaboration between a number of producers already working on export initiatives.  As volumes continue to grow, so will our efforts to develop markets both here and abroad.”


(Excerpt from a press release)

P.S: We just hope the path leads them to India soon

 


 

London, England

New Zealand may have thrashed England on the cricket pitch earlier but yesterday the two countries went head to head with a strong team of sparkling wines each in Wellington and London, as eleven ‘players’ plus a twelfth man from each displayed a more even set of results. Hosted by New Zealand Winegrowers, Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, the ‘Battle of the Bubbles’ was played out in Wellington, with Team Captains Oz Clarke for England and Master of Wine Jane Skilton for New Zealand participating in a blind tasting of the two countries’ wines.  The wines were tasted in pairs. 

The results were a comfortable dead heat between the two – six wines from both sides each winning their round.  An English wine, Wyfold Brut 2010 from Oxfordshire, owned by Barbara Laithwaite, was crowned ‘Player of the Match’.  Julia Trustram Eve, Marketing Director of English Wine Producers, added: “England can hold its head up high after this particular encounter with New Zealand.  I’m really proud that in both tastings, the ‘Player of the Match’ was an English sparkling wine – congratulations to Wyfold and Hambledon!”

 Over in London a ‘friendly’ match between the same two teams was played out, hosted at New Zealand House.  The event captured the attention of a good mix of wine writers, sommeliers and industry professionals, who tasted all the wines blind and were asked to vote for their best team and top wine (‘Player of the Match’). This time the overall win went to England, with the ‘Player of the Match’ another English wine: Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV from Hampshire – a pertinent winner, given its historical cricketing connections. 
Commenting on the results, Chris Stroud, Marketing Manager (Europe) of New Zealand Winegrowers said: “It was a hard fought match and a great result for both teams.  There were some high quality wines on both sides showing that these two cool climate countries on opposite sides of the globe are capable of producing world-class bubbles.” 

The final results from Wellington (including the ‘12th man’) in alphabetical order were:

Akarua Rosé Brut Central Otago NV – New Zealand
Ambriel English Reserve Demi Sec NV – England
Coates & Seely Blanc de Blancs NV – England
Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV – England
Henners Brut Reserve 2010 – England
Huia Brut Marlborough 2009 – New Zealand
Nautilus Cuvée Brut Marlborough NV – New Zealand
No. 1 Family Estate No. 1 Cuvée Blanc de Blancs Marlborough NV – New Zealand
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2007 – England
Osawa Prestige Collection Méthode Traditionnelle Hawke's Bay NV – New Zealand
Tohu Rewa Blanc de Blancs Marlborough 2011 – New Zealand
Wyfold Brut 2010 – England – “Player of the match”


(Excerpt from a press release)

London, England
  The sporting calendar kicked off this year with the ICC Cricket World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. To kick-off the celebrations, New Zealand sparkling wine will compete with English sparkling wine in the “Battle of the Bubbles” on Thursday 19th February in Wellington, the day before the two teams meet for real on the cricket pitch!

  Each country has selected a top team of eleven players, plus a ‘twelfth man’, to go head to head with each other in a blind taste off.  The team captains for each side: Oz Clarke for England and Jane Skilton MW for New Zealand, will be out in Wellington and head up a panel of wine writers, commentators and cricketing internationals to select the winners in the competition, which will then be announced at an evening reception.

  “This promises to be a thrilling match,” commented Oz Clarke. “Both countries are now world-renowned for the quality of their fizz and to meet head to head in this keenly-anticipated match will certainly highlight the fabulous quality of these two nations’ wines.We don’t anticipate any sledging or intimidatory tactics, because that simply wouldn’t be cricket.  But, of course, this isn’t cricket is it? Perhaps I’ll take my box after all.” 

   The ‘battle’ will also be held in London on Thursday 19th February in New Zealand Penthouse where the invited guests and media can have their say and vote for the winning team and select a ‘man of the match’ award.

Check out the team below:

Mumbai, India

Want to experience poetry in a bottle? Uncork the Anokhee Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the latest offering from Vallonne Vineyards. It’s an exquisite limited edition 2009 vintage that has been aged for five years—18 months in the barrel and 42 months of bottle ageing in a controlled temperature in our underground cellars. Five years of ageing have created a luxurious wine with subtle, yet, luscious tannins. It’s a brilliant full bodied with dominant notes of spices and blackberry and hints of oak. The full mouth, yet soft palate achieved by barrel ageing is in perfect harmony with the nose.


Called Anokhee because it’s unique and exquisite, we pay tribute to the rich heritage of Indian crafts with this label created with the kalamkari stroke, a traditional block-print art form. The Anokhee Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a perfect dinner wine. Pair it with full, big flavours such as lamb, sizzlers and spicy biryanis. Its gentle tannins also make it a great companion with rich chocolate desserts.

Prices at Rs 1350, it will be available at select outlets in Pune and Mumbai

(Excerpt from a Press Release)

P.S: Read more about Vallone here