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🍾 Top Trends in Champagne

In this week’s DECORKED digest you will read all about the top trends in Champagne, the differences between Cab and Merlot, the threats of Spanish viticulture, Bordeaux vineyards losing their value, 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 top trends in Champagne, the differences between Cab and Merlot, the threats of Spanish viticulture, Bordeaux vineyards losing their value, and much more. Keep reading!

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INTERESTING THIS WEEK

⚽️ Former footballer reveals 50,000 bottle wine cellar and love of DRC READ HERE

🍇 You’ll never guess what grape this Bordeaux house ripped out Merlot for READ HERE

🔍 Do most wine drinkers care where wine comes from? READ HERE 

⛈ Could English vineyards be next for rot? READ HERE 

🇧🇷 Why is Brazilian wine so overlooked? READ HERE

🎤 Dolly Parton launches wine range READ HERE

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

BORDEAUX VINEYARD LOSE HALF THEIR VALUE

The latest Groupe Safer report reveals significant declines in vineyard prices in certain Bordeaux regions, with Médoc down 29% and Pessac-Léognan down 10% in 2023, reflecting broader industry challenges such as decreased domestic red wine consumption and export reductions, particularly to China. The value of AOP Bordeaux Rouge vineyards has halved over five years, and overall AOP wine prices have fallen amid slowing demand. Ownership of vineyards has shifted from small farmers to larger businesses over the past three decades. While some appellations have seen rising land values, many face uncertainty due to surplus stock. This highlights a stark contrast between Bordeaux and non-AOP land values, emphasizing the need for long-term strategic thinking in the wine industry.

‘MODERATE RECOVERY’ PREDICTED FOR GLOBAL ALCOHOL MARKET IN 2025

In 2023, the US beverage market experienced its first decline in nearly 30 years, dropping 2%, while global total beverage alcohol (TBA) volume fell 1% but increased in value by 2%. Excluding national spirits, global volumes also declined 1% with a 3% rise in value. IWSR forecasts modest 0.4% TBA growth for 2024, with a weak recovery showing a 1% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, driven by India, China, and the US, projected to add $30bn in sales. India's market grew significantly, while China's presented mixed results. The shift in TBA growth towards developing markets requires strategic adjustments. Premiumisation slowed, with declines in premium spirits and wine, while super-premium categories remained stable. The global wine market continued its decline, whereas RTDs and no-alcohol categories showed strong growth, with RTDs expected to maintain a 3% CAGR through 2028.

DROUGHT THREAT TO SPANISH WINE

Spanish wine production is expected to fall by more than 20% this year due to prolonged drought, with the 2024 harvest projected to be a quarter less than the five-year average, according to Vinetur.com. Although the Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries cautioned that it is too early for precise predictions, preliminary forecasts were discussed in a meeting between MAPA's head of Agricultural Productions and Markets and representatives of the Wine Sector Roundtable. The meeting also reviewed current harvest progress and noted that wine exports up to March 2024 were down 3.6% from the previous year and 2.6% below the five-year average. Discussions included potential crisis measures like subsidized distillation and yield reduction.

Champagne production in 2023 returned to pre-pandemic levels of around 300 million bottles, ending the post-pandemic boom and leading to price cuts in major markets like the UK and France. Despite this volume decrease, the value of Champagne shipments remained high due to price increases. The rising costs of grapes, interest rates, and other production factors are pushing producers to discontinue cheaper labels and focus on premium products. Meanwhile, new markets such as the Arabian Peninsula, especially the UAE, are emerging as significant sources of demand. In addition, there is a trend towards more Pinot Noir-based Champagnes, sustainable viticulture, innovative aging methods, and environmentally friendly packaging. Producers are also increasingly making complex, drier cuvées and high-quality still wines, highlighting the region’s diverse terroir and advancing winemaking techniques.

ARE YOU TEAM CAB OR TEAM MERLOT?

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the world's most popular red wines, each with distinct characteristics. Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, with higher tannins and acidity, featuring flavors of dark stewed fruits and bell pepper. It pairs well with hearty dishes like roasted beef or lamb. Merlot is smoother, with fruit-forward flavors such as black cherry and plum, and softer tannins, making it more approachable and versatile with food pairings, especially slow-cooked meats. Both thrive in regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and parts of Australia and South Africa. Despite Merlot's reputation hit from the film "Sideways," it often over-delivers on quality and requires less aging than Cabernet. Together, they are valued for their unique qualities and complementary nature.

PROGRAM TO ENGAGE THE NEXT GENERATION OF WINE CONSUMPTION USING AI

Tastry, a leader in AI technology for the wine industry, and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), a major U.S. beverage distributor, have launched "Sales Accelerator," a program aimed at boosting wine sales and enhancing consumer shopping experiences. The collaboration leverages Tastry's AI, which analyzes chemical compounds in wine to match consumer flavor preferences. This partnership integrates Tastry's AI into RNDC's platform, providing valuable consumer insights and improving product discovery for buyers. Both companies aim to innovate the wine industry, enhancing efficiency and value for suppliers and retailers while connecting consumers with wines they'll enjoy.

MOVIE NIGHT? TRY PAIRING IT WITH WINE

Pairing wines with movies can enhance the viewing experience, just as pairing wines with food does. For the 1938 classic "The Adventures of Robin Hood," a petite sirah is recommended for its bright and full flavor. The historical epic "El Cid" pairs well with a Spanish Rioja red, while the CIA spoof "Hopscotch" is best enjoyed with a riesling, reflecting its Germanic setting. The action-packed "Indiana Jones" series suits a robust pinot noir, and the "Star Wars" saga is perfectly paired with a forward-looking syrah. For the epic "Gone With The Wind," a vintage port matches its multifaceted plot. The comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace" calls for Gewurztraminer and the wine-centric film "Bottle Shock" pairs naturally with a chardonnay. These suggestions highlight how selecting the right wine can complement the mood and themes of various classic films, encouraging viewers to find their own perfect pairings.

Copyright @ Vino Voss

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: NORMANDY, FRANCE

Normandy, a region in northern France with historical significance dating back to William the Conqueror's conquest of England in 1066, comprises Haute- and Basse-Normandie. Renowned for its orchards and cider production, particularly in the Pays d’Auge subregion, it also boasts a burgeoning wine industry, albeit on a smaller scale. The region is famous for its cider and poiré, which are made from pears, with many cider apple varieties originating here. Tourists can explore the official 40-kilometer Cider Route near Caen, visiting cideries. While wine production is modest, Normandy is home to the most northerly IGP vineyards in France, with Calvados also producing IGP wines alongside its famed brandy. The region's wine shops have flourished, catering to British visitors seeking duty-free deals, reflecting its diverse alcoholic heritage.

Copyright @ The Bubbly Professor

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: MUSCADELLE

Muscadelle, known for its floral sweetness, often takes a backseat to Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc in southwestern France's sweet wines like Sauternes and Barsac. Despite its declining popularity in France due to early ripening and vulnerability to rot, it thrives in Monbazillac. In Australia's Victoria region, it's called Topaque, producing rich, aged fortified wines. Initially thought to be Hungarian Tokaji grapes, it was renamed Topaque in 2007 to avoid confusion.

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