- DECORKED
- Posts
- 🍾 Label Wars
🍾 Label Wars
In this week’s DECORKED digest,we dive into high-stakes battles behind the label - from Moët Hennessy’s workplace scandal to Italy’s looming surplus, China’s $20M wine smuggling saga, and Portugal’s climb to global recognition.
Collection of important links, information, and more.
📌 EMAIL - contact for business inquiries
📌 ADVERTISING - for advertising inquiries contact us via the email above
Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, we dive into high-stakes battles behind the label - from Moët Hennessy’s workplace scandal to Italy’s looming surplus, China’s $20M wine smuggling saga, and Portugal’s climb to global recognition. Keep reading!
Keep reading!
➡️ PARTNERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP packages are available! Advertise your wine-related brand/product/story with the best community out there. For contact, please see above.
Read the most important and interesting news this week.
🍷 Meghan Markle's wine sells out in less than an hour READ HERE
📈 Ontario wine sales surge after U.S. products pulled READ HERE
🦋 Opus One earns prestigious Butterfly Mark READ HERE
❌ WHO pushes for steep global alcohol tax READ HERE
🍾 Five wine regions worth the trip READ HERE
🍇 The best value Syrahs of 2025 READ HERE
Collection of partnerships and collaborations.
📌 AMBLE WINE PARTNERSHIP - Explore the world of wine with Amble Wine's comprehensive World Wine Map Workbooks and challenging Wine Quiz Workbook, masterfully crafted by wine scholar Lea Gatinois. As our valued reader, enjoy a 5% discount on these premium, eco-friendly resources using code DECORKED at checkout (or click HERE). Expand your wine expertise today!
We curate, filter, and select only the most exciting and important news for you.
TOXIC CULTURE CLAIMS SHAKE MOËT HENNESSY
Moët Hennessy is facing serious reputational and legal challenges following allegations of workplace misconduct and a “toxic” culture at its Paris headquarters. A former chief of staff has filed a €1.3 million lawsuit claiming misconduct by senior executives, while multiple staff have reported similar experiences, many going on long-term sick leave. As the company attempts to protect its image, top executives have resigned, and legal battles are mounting; casting a harsh light on the culture behind one of the world’s most prestigious wine and spirits portfolios.
ITALY’S CELLARS NEAR BREAKING POINT
Italy’s leading wine trade body warns that unchecked vineyard expansion and declining global demand are pushing the country toward a wine surplus crisis. With domestic and export sales falling, and production expected to exceed 50 million hectoliters, cellar stocks could surge to unsustainable levels. Industry leaders urge immediate action, including production cuts and regulatory reform, to safeguard profitability and long-term sustainability.
CHINA CRACKS $20M WINE SMUGGLING OPERATION
Chinese authorities have released new court findings detailing one of the country’s largest wine smuggling cases, shedding light on how a loosely educated ringleader orchestrated a $20 million underground supply chain between 2020 and 2022. Though the operation’s leader surrendered in late 2022, the recently published documents reveal how cross-border e-commerce loopholes and trade routes via Hong Kong enabled large-scale tax evasion. The case underscores ongoing regulatory gaps in China’s alcohol trade, and signals a new crackdown on illicit imports.
PORTUGAL’S WINE AWAKENING
Portugal’s lesser-known wine regions are starting to turn heads on the global stage, thanks to better quality, rising wine tourism, and a rich mix of native grape varieties. Areas like Alentejo, Dão, and Bairrada are earning praise for their distinctive, great-value table wines, supported by retailers and independents eager to showcase something fresh. But as interest surges, industry leaders urge a focus on long-term quality over short-term trends.
CHIANTI’S IDENTITY CRISIS
Chianti Classico is at a crossroads as producers seek to define a unified identity for one of Italy’s most historic wine regions. With climate change, changing market demands, and decades of stylistic inconsistency, winemakers are rallying around Sangiovese and new Gran Selezione regulations to reinforce authenticity, terroir expression, and quality. As innovation meets tradition, Chianti Classico is moving closer to a cohesive voice, but full alignment (and global prestige) will take continued collaboration and clarity.
EU BLOCKS ‘NERO CHAMPAGNE’ TRADEMARK
The EU General Court has ruled against the trademark application for "Nero Champagne," siding with Comité Champagne and INAO in a case that reinforces protections for geographical indications. The court found that pairing “Nero” with “Champagne” could mislead consumers into thinking the wine was a legitimate, dark-skinned grape variant of Champagne, something not allowed under the appellation’s strict rules.
NEW MASTER SOMMELIERS ANNOUNCED
Nine new Master Sommeliers have been announced by the Court of Master Sommeliers, setting a new record and highlighting the growing global reach of the profession. This year’s group includes the first-ever Master Sommeliers from Poland, Cyprus, Sweden, and Spain, bringing the worldwide total to 291.
Learn something new every week.
Copyright @ Peru Explorer
WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: ICA VALLEY, PERU
Peru’s Ica Valley is a high-altitude, desert wine region known for Pisco and increasingly for quality wines made from Malbec, Syrah, and Chardonnay. With consistent sunshine, cool nights, and glacial aquifers, it produces grapes with high sugar and low acidity, ideal for spirits and bold table wines alike.
Copyright @ Wikiwand
GRAPE OF THE WEEK: MAGLIOCCO
Magliocco Canino is a deeply colored, high-alcohol red grape native to Calabria, Italy, often confused with Gaglioppo. It plays a key role in DOC wines like Terre di Cosenza and is valued for its soft red fruit flavors, drought resistance, and versatility in blends and sweet "passito" styles.
How are you satisfied with this week's DECORKED?Let us know, so we can do better. Simply click bellow. |
If someone forwarded this email to you, click HERE to subscribe.
Help us grow and earn rewards.