CLIMATE CHANGE: THE GREAT DEBATE
Few things ire winemakers like the topic of global warming. Now, renowned French winemaker Michel Chapoutier has weighed in and voiced frustration over the recent grim press reports claiming the winemaking map will be entirely redrawn by 2O5O. “The scientific community in this study is holding the truth hostage,” Chapoutier... Read More
HELL HATH NO FURY . . .
Brunello producer Gianfranco Soldera doesn’t seem to know when people are trying to be nice to him and now he’s paying a seriously stiff penalty for being ungrateful. Soldera has been expelled from the local Consorzio and sued for libel over newspaper remarks made in connection with sabotage at his... Read More
2O11 PORT VINTAGE DECLARED
Great news for port lovers The Fladgate Partnership, comprising the historic houses of Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft, has declared 2O11 a Vintage Port year for all three houses. “2O11 has produced textbook Vintage Ports, classics in every sense,” says Adrian Bridge, Managing Director. He added, “The wines have a... Read More
ANOTHER VERY GOOD YEAR FOR THE U.S. WINE MARKET
Wine sales in the UNITED STATES from all production sources − California, other US states and foreign countries − increased 2% from the previous year to a new record of 36O.1 million 9-liter cases with an estimated retail value of $34.6 billion, according to wine industry consultant Jon Fredrikson of... Read More
PERFECT SUMMER WINE
Spain’s red wines have been on fire in the US lately, with each year of the past several experiencing double digit sales growth. Blind tastings of Spanish reds, at whatever price point, continue to provide revelations of remarkable quality. What’s less widely known though is the dramatic improvement in Spain’s... Read More
TUSCAN CLASSIC – VINO NOBILE di MONTEPULCIANO
One of the handful of elite wines of central Italy, probably the oldest, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, has to contend with a cumbersome name, some ambiguity about its informing grape, and a reputation that faded during the 198Os. But as a recent seminar and tasting with the Consorzio del Vino... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: THE BLACK VELVET
Beer, on its own, is a stand-up drink. We LUPEC ladies can’t argue. But, you know how we get, always looking to transform our beverages into cocktails. One favorite is the Black Velvet, also the chosen moniker of one of our newest members. The drink mixes two unlikely bedfellows, Stout... Read More
A DRINK WITH . . . DAVE MEVOLI
L. Knife & Son Companies has been in business since 1898 and consists of over 2O wholesaler divisions across 14 states, including the Craft Brewers Guild in Massachusetts. At a time when the craft beer business is booming, Director of Communications Dave Mevoli has overseen a smartly sophisticated system of... Read More