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🥂 Sparkling Wine's Secret
In this week’s DECORKED digest, you’ll explore the EU’s plan to revitalize the wine industry, regenerative farming’s rise in vineyards, surprising fertilization innovations, sparkling wine richness research, and 2024’s biggest drinks acquisitions. Merry Christmas, and keep reading!
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Happy Monday! We hope you have a wonderful week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, you’ll explore the EU’s plan to revitalize the wine industry, regenerative farming’s rise in vineyards, surprising fertilization innovations, sparkling wine richness research, and 2024’s biggest drinks acquisitions. Merry Christmas, and keep reading!
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Read the most important and interesting news this week.
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EU'S PLAN TO REVITALIZE THE WINE INDUSTRY
The EU has introduced a comprehensive plan to strengthen its wine sector by addressing oversupply, climate change, and shifting market trends. Key proposals include "grubbing-up schemes" to remove vineyards in areas of oversupply, more flexible vineyard authorizations, and support for climate adaptation through sustainable practices, new grape varieties, and better risk management. The plan also aims to modernize wine production rules to meet the growing demand for low- and no-alcohol wines, simplify cross-border trade, and enhance export competitiveness with targeted promotions and wine tourism integration. These measures will help balance production, market demands, and environmental challenges.
‘KOKUMI’ EFFECT MAY ENHANCE RICHNESS IN SPARKLING WINES
A recent study on Trentodoc sparkling wines, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggests that certain compounds may enhance the perception of richness through the "kokumi" effect, a term from the food world associated with enhanced mouthfeel and flavor depth. Researchers identified 11 key oligopeptides, including Gly-Val, which intensified flavor in wine samples. The findings highlight the potential for winemaking techniques and yeasts to influence these compounds and enrich classic sparkling wines, marking a first step in exploring the molecular basis of kokumi sensations in wine and its application across other styles.
HUMAN URINE USED TO FERTILISE VINEYARDS?
The French start-up Toopi has launched Lactipi Plus, a bio-stimulant made from fermented and stabilized human urine, approved by ANSES for vineyard use. Collected from composting toilets at locations like service stations and festivals, the product enhances vine root systems, water, and nutrient absorption while reducing water and mineral fertilizer use, lowering carbon emissions, and maintaining yields. Trials show it can boost vine growth by 10% with minimal application rates. Lactipi Plus offers an innovative, sustainable solution for vineyard fertilization, complementing conventional methods.
WHAT A 100-YEAR-OLD GRAPEVINE TEACHES ABOUT WINE COUNTRY'S DISEASE
UC Berkeley researchers used a 120-year-old grapevine specimen to trace the origins of Pierce’s disease. They revealed that multiple introductions likely brought it to California around 1740. By comparing historic and modern strains, they reconstructed its spread and highlighted the value of herbarium collections for understanding and managing plant pathogens globally.
THE BIGGEST DRINKS ACQUISITIONS OF 2024
The global drinks industry saw significant acquisitions in 2024, reshaping its landscape. Key deals included Accolade acquiring Pernod Ricard's wine brands, Campari purchasing Courvoisier, Butterfly Equity taking over Duckhorn Portfolio, and Rothschild entering Burgundy with William Fèvre. Other notable moves include Majestic acquiring Vagabond Wines, Tilray expanding into craft breweries, and Treasury Wine Estates investing in China's Stone & Moon Winery.
FINE WINE MARKET OUTLOOK 'CAUTIOUSLY POSITIVE'
Wine Cap's 2024 report highlights a challenging year for the fine wine market, with major indices like the Liv-ex 100 and Liv-ex 50 showing significant declines. Bordeaux, while still a dominant region, faced an 11.3% drop, with newer vintages struggling to maintain value. California and Spanish wines showed some positive momentum, while the Rhône excelled with multiple top-performing wines. Looking ahead, the 2025 outlook is "cautiously positive," driven by growing interest in premium regions like Piedmont, Champagne, and Burgundy, though Bordeaux may require significant changes to regain investor confidence.
VINEYARDS EMBRACE REGENERATIVE FARMING
Regenerative farming is gaining attention in vineyards as a more holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on improving soil health, carbon sequestration, water retention, and biodiversity. While lacking a clear definition, certifications like Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) and RegenAgri offer guidelines for limiting soil disturbance, integrating livestock, and reducing chemical use. Companies like Moët-Hennessy and Telmont are leading efforts to adopt these practices, aiming to balance environmental sustainability with economic viability, showcasing a shift towards long-term ecological stewardship in the wine industry.
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Copyright @ Visit French Wine
WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: ALSACE, FRANCE
Alsace, in northeastern France, is known for its unique Franco-Germanic influence on architecture, culture, and wines. The region specializes in white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewurztraminer, with key appellations including Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru, and Crémant d'Alsace. Its terroir, shaped by the Vosges mountains, supports diverse soil types and a continental climate ideal for viticulture.
Copyright @ Zdravan
GRAPE OF THE WEEK: MUSCAT OTTONEL
Muscat Ottonel, a less intense member of the Muscat family, thrives in cooler climates like Alsace, Austria, and Romania. Known for its aromatic but low-acidity wines, it ranges from dry to sweet styles. While balancing ripeness and acidity can be challenging, it remains a versatile grape used in various regional and international wine traditions.
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