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📉 When Cellars Overflow
In this week’s DECORKED digest, we are tracking the fall in the fine wine market, a surprising export surge from Russia, why younger drinkers are walking away from wine, and how native Portuguese oak is making a comeback.
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Happy Monday! We hope you have a great week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, we are tracking the fall in the fine wine market, a surprising export surge from Russia, why younger drinkers are walking away from wine, and how native Portuguese oak is making a comeback. Keep reading!
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Read the most important and interesting news this week.
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WINE COLLECTORS ARE CHANGING COURSE
The fine wine market is experiencing its steepest decline in years, with prices for top Bordeaux and Burgundy wines dropping over 20% amid weakening demand, high storage costs, and a disappointing 2024 vintage. Traditionally seen as a long-term investment, fine wine is now being purchased more for immediate enjoyment, particularly by younger and more experience-driven buyers. The downturn has rattled merchants and collectors, but it’s also created opportunities to acquire mature, high-quality bottles at significant discounts.
RUSSIAN WINE EXPORTS SURGE
Russian wine exports rose 19% in value during the first half of 2025, reaching over 1,800 tons despite ongoing Western sanctions. Sparkling wines led the surge, with China, Kazakhstan, and Turkey emerging as key buyers. While the total value remains modest at $2.6 million, the growth signals a quiet but determined push by Russian producers to tap non-Western markets and expand their global footprint, even if the bottles aren’t exactly commanding premium prices.
WHY WINE IS LOSING GROUND WITH YOUNGER DRINKERS
A new survey from Wine Opinions highlights why many 21- to 39-year-old alcohol consumers in the U.S. are pulling back from wine. Rising prices and a lack of perceived value are key reasons, with nearly half of respondents saying the wines they like have simply gotten too expensive. Beer and spirits remain more popular in this group, while ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are gaining serious traction, especially among regular wine drinkers. As younger consumers lean into convenience and affordability, wine is increasingly being left behind in their weekly routines.
LOCAL OAK MAKES A COMEBACK IN PORTUGAL
Portuguese winemakers are increasingly aging wines in barrels made from native oak, drawn to its dense, low-oxygen properties that enhance structure without overpowering flavor. Once reserved for fortified wines, the wood is now being used for bold reds and even select whites, reflecting a renewed focus on local identity and authenticity.
FRENCH WINE INDUSTRY SOUNDS THE ALARM
France’s wine sector is facing what industry leaders call one of the most serious crises in its history, marked by rising costs, overflowing cellars, weak demand, and climate pressures. Trade groups have urged the government for stronger support, warning the industry is at a breaking point. While vine-pull schemes and emergency funds are already in motion, calls for further action are reflecting the growing urgency to stabilize a sector that was once seen as a national symbol.
HOW UNLIKELY SOURCES OF PINOT NOIR ARE SOARING IN PRICE
Pinot Noir from unexpected French regions like Roussillon, Jura, and even Muscadet is soaring in value at auction, with some bottles fetching hundreds of euros. The trend reflects rising global demand for rare expressions of the grape beyond its Burgundy heartland.
TINY FERMENTATIONS PROVE POWERFUL FOR WINEMAKERS
New research from Penn State shows that microvinifications(fermenting just 50 milliliters of wine) can deliver accurate, reliable results comparable to traditional pilot-scale batches. The study found that these small-scale tests effectively mimic larger fermentations in terms of chemistry, aroma, and structure, challenging industry skepticism. Researchers say this method offers a faster, more affordable tool for winemakers to experiment, refine techniques, and improve quality without the high cost of full-scale trials.
Learn something new every week.
Copyright @ Wine Searcher
WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: CRETE, GREECE
Crete is Greece’s largest island and a historic wine region with evidence of viticulture dating back to 5000 BC. Today, it produces a wide range of wines from native grapes like Liatiko, Kotsifali, Vilana, and Vidiano, as well as international varieties such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The island features four PDO appellations(Peza, Arhanes, Dafnes, and Sitia) and several regional designations
Copyright @ Wines of Greece
GRAPE OF THE WEEK: ATHIRI
Athiri is an ancient white grape variety grown exclusively in Greece, commonly used in blends, especially with Assyrtiko in Santorini PDO wines. Known for its soft character, low acidity, and low alcohol, Athiri rarely appears as a varietal wine and is best consumed young.
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