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IIn this week’s DECORKED digest, explore the debate on moderate drinking, wine in non-glass packaging, the rise of California Champagne, winemakers shaping 2025, and India’s first coconut wine. Keep reading!
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Happy Monday! We hope you have a wonderful week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, explore the debate on moderate drinking, wine in non-glass packaging, the rise of California Champagne, winemakers shaping 2025, and India’s first coconut wine. Keep reading!
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Read the most important and interesting news this week.
🍷 New grapes, old vines, lower alcohol – wine trends to watch in 2025 READ HERE
⭐️ José Mourinho launches red wine called ‘The Special One’ READ HERE
📈 South African wine exports achieve modest growth READ HERE
🛟 How US wineries rescued Canada's wine industry READ HERE
📝 Liquor industry awaits the Trump effect READ HERE
🔍 The 16 breakout wines of 2024 READ HERE
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We curate, filter, and select only the most exciting and important news for you.
THE COMPLEX CASE OF MODERATE DRINKING
The debate over moderate alcohol consumption's health effects is reignited as the outgoing U.S. Surgeon General calls for stronger warning labels on alcoholic beverages, citing cancer risks even at low consumption levels. This comes amidst conflicting studies—one highlighting reduced mortality and cardiovascular benefits of moderate drinking, while another dismisses these claims, emphasizing increased cancer risks. The proposal for cigarette-style warnings faces legislative hurdles and industry pushback, with opponents arguing for science-based guidelines. While global alcohol consumption trends are declining, researchers and policymakers remain divided, leaving the question of moderate drinking's safety unresolved.
THE FRENCH WINEMAKER WHOSE WINES ARE ILLEGAL IN HIS HOME COUNTRY
A French winemaker has sparked controversy by creating wines blending French and Australian grapes. Due to strict terroir and wine classification laws, these wines are illegal to sell in France and the EU. However, these "Hemispheres" wines, made in partnership with the UK-based Wine Society, are allowed in post-Brexit Britain, showcasing a challenge to traditional winemaking norms. While some critics see such blends as gimmicks or threats to terroir, others argue they bring innovation and accessibility to a changing global wine market, addressing climate challenges and shifting consumer preferences.
15 WINEMAKERS TO WATCH IN 2025
The 2025 list of winemakers to watch highlights innovative producers redefining the wine industry with unique approaches. From blending lesser-known grape varieties and experimenting with unconventional growing regions to introducing international markets to emerging winemaking countries, these winemakers are shaping the future of wine. Featured names include Birdhorse Wines in California, Domaine Lagille in Champagne, and Domaine Mie Ikeno in Japan, showcasing diversity in style and origin. Whether focusing on sustainability, accessibility, or reimagining tradition, these visionaries are pushing boundaries and creating wines that captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
THE STORY BEHIND CALIFORNIA CHAMPAGNE
California Champagne, a term used by a few U.S. wineries, originates from historical loopholes dating back to the Treaty of Versailles and Prohibition. Unlike true Champagne, which must come from France’s Champagne region, California sparkling wines retained the label due to U.S. laws not ratifying international agreements. While the term faced pushback after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, wineries using it before 2006 are still allowed to market their products as "California Champagne," though most opt for "Sparkling Wine" to align with global standards.
THE PUSH TO REPLACE GLASS WINE BOTTLES
The wine industry is increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional glass bottles, driven by sustainability goals and shifting consumer demands. Non-glass formats, such as cans, bag-in-box, and lighter materials, offer reduced carbon footprints and cost-efficient transport. Scandinavian markets are leading the shift, with some importers aiming to eliminate glass by 2030. While these innovations address environmental concerns and appeal to casual drinkers, premium wine producers remain hesitant due to glass's role in preserving quality for long aging.
GOOD TIMES AHEAD FOR US WINE CONSUMERS
The U.S. wine market faces declining sales as younger consumers opt for alternatives and Baby Boomers age out, creating challenges for wineries but opportunities for consumers. Wine quality has never been better, tasting room fees are dropping, and private-label wines and Prosecco are thriving. However, oversupply, shrinking demand, and falling vineyard values leave growers and mid-tier wineries struggling, while premium wineries focused on direct-to-consumer sales see growth. The industry's recovery is expected to take time, but for now, wine lovers can enjoy better wines at lower prices.
MEET INDIA’S FIRST COCONUT WINE
A farmer in Kerala has developed India’s first tender coconut wine by blending coconut water with fruits like dragon fruit and jackfruit for fermentation. Although patented years ago, production was recently licensed under updated state winery regulations. The goal is to introduce this unique tropical wine commercially despite financial and regulatory challenges.
Learn something new every week.
Copyright @ The Local France
WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: BRETAGNE, FRANCE
Bretagne, traditionally not known for viticulture, is emerging as a promising wine region in France. With the easing of historical bans on professional winemaking and the effects of climate change creating a more favorable environment, vintners are cultivating varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The region is seeking protected geographical indication status to label its wines as "Vin de Bretagne," reflecting its growing reputation in the wine industry.
Copyright @ Wikipedia
GRAPE OF THE WEEK: TROUSSEAU
Trousseau, also known as Bastardo in Portugal, is a red grape variety originating from France's Jura region. It produces light to medium-bodied wines with aromatic profiles, often featuring notes of strawberry, watermelon, and subtle hints of spiced orange peel. Trousseau is grown in small amounts in many parts of Western Europe; the largest plantations are today found in Portugal, where it is used in port wine.
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