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🏔 Winemaking in Extreme Terroirs

🏔 Winemaking in Extreme Terroirs

In this week’s DECORKED digest you will read all about new hybrids, how wine knowledge affects the brain, China’s approach to wine trends, extreme terroirs, industry AI tools, and much more. Keep reading!

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Happy Sunday! We hope you had a great week. In this week’s DECORKED digest, you will read all about new hybrids, how wine knowledge affects the brain, China’s approach to wine trends, extreme terroirs, industry AI tools, and much more. 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.

INTERESTING THIS WEEK

🍷 Woody Harrelson on the worst wine, biodynamic burgundy and holistic spirits READ HERE

💰 The $9.5 Million Hangover - Omar Khan wine tastings charged with fraud READ HERE

🧧 China consumers celebrate modestly during Lunar New Year READ HERE

🧾 Russia could impose 200% duty on wines from NATO states READ HERE

📝 Oregon State researchers work on new coating for grapes READ HERE

🛠 New tools for vineyard ant management READ HERE

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SCIENTISTS PROVE DRINKING GOOD WINE ‘MAKES YOU HAPPIER’

The National Research Council of Italy conducted a study on how expectations of wine quality affect consumer experience, finding that high-quality wines evoke positive emotions, especially when paired with background music. The study, conducted at the 2022 Internet Festival in Pisa, Italy, concluded that favorable conditions enhance enjoyment, with implications for wine's role in promoting positive mood. Dr. Kien Vuu, author of "Thrive State”, advocates for embracing the social aspects of wine consumption, emphasizing its importance for health, especially in the context of Blue Zones like the Barbagia region of Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Icaria, Greece.

CAN NEW HYBRIDS MAKE GREAT WINES?

Nicola Biasi, a talented winemaker in Italy, operates in the secluded Dolomite Mountains, where he cultivates disease-resistant hybrid grapevines. These hybrids, combining European and American varieties, are gaining popularity across Europe due to their sustainability amidst climate change challenges. While consumers prioritize wine quality over sustainability, resistant grape varieties are becoming more accepted, with France and Italy permitting their use in various regions. However, the future of viticulture faces a dilemma between developing resistant hybrids and potentially controversial genetic modifications.

THIEVES HIT CHABLIS WINERY, STEALING MORE THAN 1,000 BOTTLES

Thieves broke into Domaine du Château de Viviers and stole over €50,000 worth of Chablis wines, including 150 six-bottle cases and 225 magnums. The burglary, which occurred in early March, demonstrated a high level of organization, with the thieves targeting specific vintages. Despite efforts by the police, the chances of recovering the stolen wines are slim. Despite limited hopes of recovering the stolen wines, Lefébure mentioned identifying features such as handcrafted blue wax capsules and distinct labels, which may aid in their identification.

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CHINA BUCKS THE GEN-Z WINE TREND

Younger consumers in the West are losing interest in wine, but China's Generation Z is increasingly enthusiastic. This demographic, equivalent in size to Europe's adult population, displays a penchant for local brands and a willingness to experiment with various wine styles. Despite facing economic uncertainty, they prioritize spending on life's pleasures, leveraging online resources to explore different interests. Their affinity for online platforms and social media not only influences their purchasing decisions but also fosters a sense of community and exploration within the wine culture. Generation Z's relaxed attitude and adventurous spirit are reshaping China's wine industry, prompting producers to diversify offerings to cater to their preferences for experimentation and authenticity.

WHY WINEMAKERS ARE BATTLING EXTREME TERROIRS

Winemakers worldwide are battling with challenging conditions such as varying altitudes, latitudes, and climates in their quest to craft exceptional bottles. For instance, Joseph Jewell's Adrian Manspeaker faces the arduous task of navigating dirt roads for nearly an hour to access Phelps Vineyard, situated 2,000 feet above sea level in Humboldt County, California. Despite the challenges, this region yields unique and high-quality grapes, benefiting from hot summers and a persistent fog that extends ripening periods, enhancing flavor profiles. Similarly, Keith Tyers, winemaker at Closson Chase Vineyards in Prince Edward County, Canada, acknowledges the advantages of the dramatic latitude, which aids in achieving optimal ripeness for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Despite facing challenges like the need to hill up vines every winter, the region benefits from a warming lake effect due to its proximity to Lake Ontario's north shore. Meanwhile, in Outaouais, Quebec, Martin Dandenault of Vignoble les Collines reflects on the initial difficulties of planting in an unfamiliar region without existing support systems, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the land's unique characteristics. Through trial and error, winemakers are discovering that the risks associated with extreme viticulture often yield worthwhile rewards, emphasizing the importance of respecting and working in harmony with the land to cultivate thriving vineyards.

WINE EXPERTISE RESHAPES THE BRAIN

A recent study published in Human Brain Mapping explores the neurological differences between sommeliers and casual wine drinkers, revealing structural disparities in brain composition and distinct patterns of brain activity and connectivity during wine evaluation. The research indicates that specialized training in wine tasting not only hones the palate but also alters brain structure, enhancing integration of taste, smell, and language necessary for describing wine's complex sensory attributes. Conducted with 28 volunteers divided into sommeliers and novices, the study found that sommeliers exhibited heightened white matter integrity and connectivity in brain regions associated with sensory integration, language, memory, and executive functions essential for wine evaluation. Sommeliers also outperformed casual drinkers in wine discrimination tasks, demonstrating their superior ability to classify wines based on complexity, affirming the cognitive and perceptual advantages derived from their extensive training and experience in wine tasting.

HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD OF WINE, FROM VINEYARD TO WINE GLASS

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in the wine industry, showcased at Meininger's Wine Conference. During a blind tasting competition, experienced taster Konstantin Baum MW faced off against sommelier.bot, highlighting the debate over AI's role in wine expertise. While AI holds promise for personalized winemaking and customer interactions, it's not a machine with consciousness, as experts emphasized. Nonetheless, AI and other technologies showcased at the conference are already revolutionizing viticulture, winemaking, and customer relations. Despite AI's advancements, human sommeliers still excel in providing a more engaging wine experience compared to sommelier.bot's mechanical approach.

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: GALICIA, SPAIN

Galicia is home to five DO-rated wine zones. Running west to east they are: Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Monterrei, Valdeorras and the most celebrated, Rias Baixas, each with its own specialties and traditions. Winemaking has long been a tradition in Galicia, brought to the region by the ancient Romans and continued by the monks throughout the Middle Ages. Galicia is best known for its Rias Baixas wine – crisp, aromatic whites made predominantly from Albarino. Galician wines bear striking similarities to those of Minho (particularly Vinho Verde), just across the border in Portugal. Very few red-wine grapes are able to achieve full ripeness here, so Galicia produces mainly white wines, both varietals and blends. Apart from Albarino, the main white grape varieties are Loureiro, Torrontes, Godello, Treixadura and Caiño Blanco – a Galician obscurity often mistaken for Albarino. Red wines are produced only in warmer inland areas – typically light in style and made from Mencia. Shaped by the waves and winds of the Atlantic, the Galician coastline is dramatic; steep cliffs alternate with coastal inlets known as rías.

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: ALBARIÑO

The green-skinned grape variety is native to Galicia on the north Atlantic coast of Spain, although it is best known as being the key grape variety in the Rias Baixas DO, where it makes crisp but often well-textured white wines with peach, citrus and mineral characters that pair perfectly with the local seafood. The variety is often made into a lightly sparkling Vinho Verde wine in Portugal, which is commonly labeled varietally to distinguish it from the usual Louriero-based Vinho Verde blend. Here, the variety is known as Alvarinho. This variety is high in acidity, and can be produced as a light white wine or in a fuller style, with oak or lees aging adding to the texture and richness. A marine characteristic from the nearby Atlantic ocean is often discernible, sometimes manifesting itself as a slight salinity, which makes Albarino a perfect food wine. It’s native to the area in the northwestern corner of the Iberian peninsula, but it is not clear on which side of the border – as it is planted widely on each side. In Spain, Albarino constitutes more than 90 percent of the grapes planted in the Rias Baixas area, where the complex mesoclimates within this DO signify the many different sub-regions and variations between vintages and vineyards.

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📌 EMAIL - contact for business inquiries

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Happy Sunday! We hope you had a great week. In this week’s DECORKED digest, you will read all about the wine as a mood booster, Amarone’s new wave, BYOB rules, a tragedy at a Chilean wine festival, secrets of wine competitions, and much more. 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.

INTERESTING THIS WEEK

📈 Francis Ford Coppola Winery "Diamond Collection" enters fast-growing light wine category READ HERE

📝 Business model of Sula: The company ruling the wine industry in India READ HERE

🍇 The intriguing history of America's favorite wine grape READ HERE

🔓 Breaking news: China to lift Australian wine tariffs READ HERE

💥 Massive Malaga wine fraud uncovered READ HERE

🍸 The world's most wanted gins READ HERE

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

CAN THE WINE INDUSTRY ADAPT TO THE ‘LIFESTYLE GENERATIONS’?

Natalie Earl delves into how Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the wine industry amidst a backdrop of declining global alcohol consumption, particularly among younger demographics. Understanding the drivers behind this shift—from health concerns to social media influence and changing preferences—becomes imperative for the industry's survival. Health and wellness trends are encouraging moderation and abstinence, with younger generations, especially Gen Z, being more health-conscious due to the plethora of information available through social media. Moreover, societal ideals prioritizing fitness and image-consciousness make alcohol less appealing. While Millennials balance leisure drinking with health consciousness, Gen Z leans towards avoiding situations that may lead to public embarrassment. Economic factors and changing social norms also play a role in when and where wine is consumed, with younger consumers showing a preference for higher-quality wines driven by values such as sustainability and authenticity. This shift leads to a decline in the consumption of mass-produced wine, prompting the industry to simplify its messaging and align wine with modern lifestyles to remain relevant.

AMARONE’S NEW WAVE: RETHINKING TRADITION

The traditional expectations for Amarone di Valpolicella as a robust, sweet, and dense wine have faced a changing market landscape, with consumer preferences shifting towards a more relaxed approach in the new millennium. To adapt to this shift, Valpolicella winemakers are reevaluating their methods, focusing on quality over quantity production, exploring new markets and communication strategies, and adjusting practices to address environmental challenges like global warming. Some producers are pioneering alternative approaches, emphasizing specific terroirs, grape varieties, and gentler winemaking techniques. While both larger and smaller wineries are involved in this transition, smaller ones often lead the way in innovation, challenging conventions. Overall, Amarone's evolving style reflects a response to changing consumer preferences, environmental challenges, and market dynamics, requiring a balance between tradition and innovation in rediscovering and reinventing Amarone della Valpolicella.

CAN DRINKING GOOD WINE BOOST YOUR MOOD? SCIENTIST EXPLAIN HOW IT WORKS

Wine, particularly red wine, is often enjoyed as a part of social and cultural events. While excessive consumption can lead to health risks like hypertension, moderate intake of quality wine has been associated with various benefits, including improved heart health, vision, oral health, memory, cognitive function, and cancer prevention. Research suggests that drinking wine in moderation can also elevate mood, promoting feelings of serenity and joy while reducing sadness and fear. These emotional responses are heightened when accompanied by jazz music. However, it's crucial to adhere to recommended intake levels—two glasses for men and one glass for women per day—to avoid adverse effects such as weight gain and heart disease. Atherosclerosis patients may also benefit from moderate wine consumption due to its antioxidant properties.

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INSIDE THE SECRETIVE WORLD OF WINE COMPETITIONS

The presence of gold, silver, and bronze medals on wine bottles prompts questions about their significance in making informed choices among the vast selection available. According to U.S. wine competition directors, these medals indeed help consumers assess wine quality and can elevate small wineries by distinguishing their products in a crowded market. Participating in competitions offers wineries valuable marketing opportunities and feedback, although it involves meticulous planning and logistical coordination. Selecting the right competitions and navigating entry fees present additional challenges. Judging wine competitions requires experienced and certified professionals, contrary to popular belief about the perceived ease of wine tasting. Despite the complexities involved, overseeing competitions offers the gratifying opportunity to nurture the future generation of the wine industry.

PROWEIN 2024: WINE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO PROFESSIONALISE TO SURVIVE

At this year’s Prowein, the focus was on economic sustainability in the wine industry amidst challenges like decreasing consumption and rising costs. The latest report indicates intensified concerns about consumption rates, profitability, and climate change impact. Despite this, there's optimism at the fair, with emphasis on forward-thinking approaches and entrepreneurial spirit, especially for smaller producers. While AI remains costly, targeted use could benefit smaller businesses. Return on investment and the importance of connecting with consumers are key themes. Technology offers both challenges and opportunities, but maintaining a connection to nature and the human element of winemaking remains essential for success.

THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF BRINGING WINE TO A RESTAURANT

The post-lockdown era has left many with extra bottles in their home cellars, leading to an increased interest in bringing one's own bottle (BYOB) to restaurants. However, navigating corkage fees and etiquette is crucial. While sommeliers appreciate the opportunity to taste exceptional wines, misunderstandings can arise. Tips for BYOB include calling ahead to check corkage fees and policies, bringing a special bottle for the occasion, offering the sommelier a taste, tipping based on the bottle amount, and avoiding bringing wines already on the restaurant's list. It's essential to graciously accept corkage fees without complaint, having confirmed them beforehand.

CHILEAN HARVEST FESTIVAL ENDS IN FLAMES

The Marchigüe harvest festival in Colchagua was marred by a fire that destroyed over 110 stands of small wine producers, artisans, and food vendors. The three-day event, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, was cut short when the blaze erupted on Saturday evening. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and attendees were swiftly evacuated as firefighters responded. The festival, known for showcasing artisanal wine producers, was held at the ‘Medialuna Monumental de Marchigüe.’ Despite its distance from the vineyards, Chile remains on high alert for forest fires during the summer.

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: OREGON, USA

Oregon is rapidly developing into one of the world's most respected Pinot Noir regions. The state first earned a place on the international wine map in the late 1960s and has secured its position steadily ever since. The majority of Oregon vineyards are located in state's western one-fifth, within 80 miles of the Pacific coastline. Here, a broad valley is formed between the low-lying mountains of the Coast Range and the much larger Cascades to the East. Subregional AVAs of note in Southern Oregon include Rogue Valley, Umpqua Valley and Elkton Oregon. They tend to be less exclusively focused on Pinot Noir with the next most widely planted variety here being Pinot Gris. Pinot Gris is followed by two other internationally popular cool-climate, white wine varieties – Chardonnay and Riesling. The supporting cast of red grapes is small in scale at present. It is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo plus there are also a few higher-profile estates using the more Burgundian Gamay. Oregon has the most marginal climate of the West Coast's three wine-growing states. Vintages can vary quite considerably, but growers have adapted their viticultural techniques and grape selection to suit the climatic variations. Warmer, drier conditions are found in the Rogue Valley, at the state's southern edge near the border with California.

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: SEMILLON

Often encountered alone in the Hunter Valley and regularly blended with Sauvignon Blanc for a Bordeaux white, Sémillon is one of the world's great white grapes. The gold-skinned grape produces France's most famous and revered sweet wines. Notably the long-lived and expensive dessert wines of Sauternes as well as some of the greatest dry white wines of Australia (specifically those of the Hunter Valley). And yet, few Sémillon wines between these two extremes attract much attention. Dry Sémillon wines are also found in Graves (again, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc), and to a lesser extent in the United States, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa. When vinified, sweet wine made from Somalian can take on a multitude of flavours, particularly stone-fruit such as apricot, peach, nectarine and mango, with secondary notes of citrus, nut and honey. Perhaps the wine's most remarkable feature is its silken texture, caused by the concentration of sugar and glycerol. As a dry wine, Sémillon requires a unique set of conditions in which to make quality wine.

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🏔 Winemaking in Extreme Terroirs

In this week’s DECORKED digest you will read all about new hybrids, how wine knowledge affects the brain, China’s approach to wine trends, extreme terroirs, industry AI tools, and much more. Keep reading!

INTERESTING THIS WEEK

SCIENTISTS PROVE DRINKING GOOD WINE ‘MAKES YOU HAPPIER’

CAN NEW HYBRIDS MAKE GREAT WINES?

THIEVES HIT CHABLIS WINERY, STEALING MORE THAN 1,000 BOTTLES

SPONSORED: INTRODUCING SIP APP - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRACK YOUR CELLAR, FIND YOUR BOTTLES AND BRING YOUR COLLECTION TO LIFE

CHINA BUCKS THE GEN-Z WINE TREND

WHY WINEMAKERS ARE BATTLING EXTREME TERROIRS

WINE EXPERTISE RESHAPES THE BRAIN

HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD OF WINE, FROM VINEYARD TO WINE GLASS

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: GALICIA, SPAIN

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: ALBARIÑO

How are you satisfied with this week's DECORKED?

INTERESTING THIS WEEK

CAN THE WINE INDUSTRY ADAPT TO THE ‘LIFESTYLE GENERATIONS’?

AMARONE’S NEW WAVE: RETHINKING TRADITION

CAN DRINKING GOOD WINE BOOST YOUR MOOD? SCIENTIST EXPLAIN HOW IT WORKS

SPONSORED: INTRODUCING SIP APP - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRACK YOUR CELLAR, FIND YOUR BOTTLES AND BRING YOUR COLLECTION TO LIFE

INSIDE THE SECRETIVE WORLD OF WINE COMPETITIONS

PROWEIN 2024: WINE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO PROFESSIONALISE TO SURVIVE

THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF BRINGING WINE TO A RESTAURANT

CHILEAN HARVEST FESTIVAL ENDS IN FLAMES

WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: OREGON, USA

GRAPE OF THE WEEK: SEMILLON