🏞 Wine Tourism Trends

In this week’s DECORKED digest you will read all about the trends in wine tourism, a theft in Burgundy, tirage under cork, justification for wine, climate threats in Tokaj, and much more. Keep reading!

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Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week. In this week’s DECORKED digest, you will read all about the trends in wine tourism, a theft in Burgundy, tirage under cork, justification for wine, climate threats in Tokaj, and much more. Keep reading!

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We curate, filter, and select only the most exciting and important news for you.

The wine tourism industry has evolved significantly, especially since the pandemic, with wineries increasingly targeting a broader audience by offering diverse experiences such as gastronomy, nature activities, and sports. Sustainable development is a critical yet challenging goal for many wineries. The rise in motorhome tourism and urban wine experiences reflects changing consumer behavior, while local tourism has surged as people rediscover nearby wineries. Digital innovations, like virtual tours, have expanded global reach, and improved customer relationship management has become essential. However, mobility within wine regions remains a significant issue, with a need for better public transportation infrastructure to support sustainable tourism growth.

IS TIRAGE UNDER CORK MAKING A COMEBACK IN CHAMPAGNE?

Diam Bouchage, a longstanding manufacturer of natural cork closures, is focusing on innovation and diversification to meet the evolving needs of the wine industry. The company has developed new cork closures, MD5Ti and MD10Ti, designed for Champagne producers who are returning to the traditional method of performing a second fermentation under cork rather than metal crown caps. This method, known as tirage under cork, is gaining renewed interest due to modern cork technology that allows better control of oxygen ingress, potentially adding complexity to the wine. Diam Bouchage aims to provide winemakers with a range of cork options to differentiate their products and enhance the uniqueness of their wines, positioning itself as more of a winemaker's assistant than just a cork producer.

JUSTIFYING WINE

The wine industry faces growing challenges as anti-wine sentiments, driven by health warnings and religious opposition, intensify alongside a cultural shift where wine is losing appeal, particularly among younger generations. Despite these pressures, wine is currently in a golden age of sophistication and complexity. Wine, much like art and music, offers a rich sensory and cultural experience, providing emotional, intellectual, and even mental health benefits. We should emphasize the importance of appreciating wine not just as a beverage, but as a part of cultural heritage, capable of restoring and enriching the mind and soul.

GRAND CRU WINE THEFT IN BURGUNDY

A trusted maintenance worker at Maison Albert Bichot in Burgundy was caught stealing nearly 1,500 bottles of high-end wine worth around €600,000 over seven years. The theft was uncovered after hidden cameras recorded him taking bottles, leading to a search of his home where thousands of bottles were found, including some in his mother's cellar. Despite living modestly and never selling the wine, the worker, who cited kleptomania and a desire to "contemplate the beauty" of the wines, was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term and fined €10,000. All the stolen wine was eventually returned to the wineries.

HOW PORTUGAL'S WINES MADE IT TO THE TOP

Portugal has transformed from a producer of simple, local wines into one of the most dynamic wine countries in Europe, driven by its unique indigenous grape varieties, traditional winemaking techniques, and innovative winemakers. The end of export monopolies and the rise of private wineries have fueled this evolution, supported by EU subsidies and private investments. Despite challenges from climate change, Portugal's diverse wine regions, including Douro, Alentejo, and Vinho Verde, are producing world-class wines. The country's rich viticultural history, combined with a modern focus on preserving traditional grape varieties and terroirs, makes Portugal a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts.

LVMH OWNS ALL FOUR OF THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE WINE BRANDS

In 2024, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) owns all of the top four most valuable wine and Champagne brands, as reported by Brand Finance. Moët & Chandon leads as the most valuable wine brand globally, valued at $1.4 billion, followed by Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Pérignon. These brands, all in the sparkling wine category, have seen significant value increases, driven by post-pandemic growth in the sparkling wine industry and LVMH's strategic pricing and strong sales. The only non-LVMH brand in the top five is the Chinese wine brand Changyu, which dropped to fifth place.

CLIMATE THREAT TO TOKAJ

Hungary's renowned wine regions, particularly known for Tokaj wines, are under threat as climate change causes earlier and more unpredictable harvest times. This year, harvest began a month earlier due to record-breaking heat, with scientists warning that continued rising temperatures could make the country too hot for producing white wines like Tokaj. The growing season has seen a 25% increase in sunshine hours, indicating a shift towards a climate more typical of the Mediterranean, forcing winemakers to consider adaptation strategies to cope with these changes.

Copyright @ Wine Searcher

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: KANAWHA RIVER VALLEY, US

The Kanawha River Valley AVA in West Virginia, covering 64,000 acres of hilly terrain near Charleston, is part of the larger Ohio River Valley AVA. Established in 1986, this AVA benefits from the region's mountainous topography and the moderating influence of the Kanawha River, which together help manage the humid subtropical climate and extend the growing season. Despite its favorable conditions for Franco-American hybrid grape varieties and some Vitis vinifera, the area has not developed a significant wine industry, with only a few wineries operating under broader regional appellations.

Copyright @ Le Figaro Vin

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: TERRET BLANC

Terret Blanc is an ancient white wine grape native to Languedoc, southern France, historically used for dry white wines and Vermouth. Along with its sibling Terret Gris, its popularity declined in the late 20th century due to reduced demand for Vermouth and neutral wines. Known for its high yield and crisp, fresh profile with subtle fruit and floral notes, Terret Blanc is still used in blends within southern French AOCs like Minervois, Corbieres, and Languedoc. It is rarely found outside this region and is sometimes made as a single-variety wine, classified as Vin de Pays or Vin de Table.

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