Some 35 wineries in Marlborough have recently set out on a path of declaring itself a more defined region, which resembles the shape of the French AOC system. Initially proposed as a voluntary code it seems that it is proposed to describe the Marlborough brand in more detail through production methods as opposed to micro defined regions within Marlborough. Presumably the … [Read more...]
Brands are the Future of Wine
Brands have struggled to flourish in the UK wine market, with much of what the Aussies call Tall Poppy Syndrome – be ‘successful’; the one to stand out and get cut down. Why is now the right time for brands in the wine market to flourish? In short, the market and industry has changed and is continuing to change in all facets the consumer, the distribution, the market … [Read more...]
The Future of UK Wine & Spirits
In its submissions to Michael Gove, Cabinet and BREXIT negotiators, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association declares that the UK is ‘the number one global hub for wine imports and the world’s biggest exporter of spirits’. Will that still be the case in 20 years time and if so what will that leadership position look like? What impact does that have on the Hospitality and … [Read more...]
Ian’s Friday Tipple, direct from his current tour of Languedoc
Fortunately I am still enjoying my extended break in the Languedoc area of France and seeing some great wines. A few years ago I visited the iconic Mas de Daumas Gassac near Aniane which produce lovely white wines, but even better red wines. What a vineyard! The pride everyone has makes a visit a rare treat. We were there during the picking, vendange, and unusually for … [Read more...]
Innovate or Die – Wine Innovation in Hospitality
“…not to innovate is to die” wrote Christopher Freeman is his book of the Economics of Innovation in 1982. A recent report by a notable agency –CGA Strategy - says that just 25% of consumers who drink wine at casual dining venues rate the quality as very good. This rates a rather lowly 17th out of 18 in drinks categories that it measured. The same research reports that the … [Read more...]
Has Champagne lost its sparkle?
Recent market headlines suggest that Prosecco has over-powered Champagne, with sales of the Italian newcomer growing at a significant pace well ahead of the French traditionalist. The knockers would say that Champagne has lost its sparkle. However out of adversity often comes innovation. For a product like Champagne innovation takes years to develop. The next generation of … [Read more...]
How much is the most expensive bottle of wine on your list?
As wine becomes a more premium purchase with average prices rising it is worth testing the boundaries of how much your customers will spend on a bottle of wine. Correctly positioned, the more detailed the story and the more impressive the badge, the more the customer is prepared to pay. It is critical that these products tell their stories at the right time in the right … [Read more...]
Berkmann Wine Cellars’ long-serving sales director and board member Jacquie Kay has sadly passed away
It is with great sadness that Berkmann Wine Cellars announces the death of long-serving Sales Director Jacquie Kay, who passed away on Monday 19th June. Jacquie died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a very private battle with cancer. In her 35 years at Berkmann Wine Cellars, Jacquie occupied several successive roles, culminating in the position of London … [Read more...]
Ian’s Friday Tipple
Co-incidentally, my first wine article for H&C News finds me spending time at my small village house amongst miles and miles of Languedoc Roussillon vineyards, and some wonderful wines produced from this region. My wife and I have just returned from a magical lunch at Le Chateau de Flaugergues, a stunning winery which also boasts beautiful gardens, the Chateau and … [Read more...]
Finest and Rarest Wines: A Journey Through the Vinkällare of Staffan Hansson
Total: $2,502,369 99% Sold by Value, 97% Sold by Lot The top lot in the sale was Lot 131, Domaine Leroy, Musigny 1996, which realized $42,875 USD, a new world auction record. Results: The live auction of Finest and Rarest Wines: A Journey through the Vinkallare of Staffan Hansson, which took place on June 22 at Christie’s New York, totaled $2,502,369 with 99% sold by … [Read more...]
A Golden Place, Les Vignes d’Or – Sud de France
If the General Election, BREXIT and the news at large is too depressing then let me take you to a golden place – a region overflowing with grape varieties, taste, flavour, differentiation and high quality wines - Sud de France – Les Vignes d’Or. There is more to Sud de France than meets the eye. Whilst the most obvious translation is apparent, what is not, are the … [Read more...]
Prosecco – We Love It – for now!
Prosecco’s geographical protection is as important as Scotch whisky, Stilton cheese, Champagne or any other regionally and legally defined and produced food and drink product according to the Consorzio di Tutela della DOC Prosecco. The Consorzio is the organisation designated to protect the origin and quality of the UKs most beloved drink of the moment – Prosecco. Prosecco … [Read more...]
Does the General Election affect what wine we drink?
In seven days’ time the UK will be voting in a General Election for the second time in a little over 2 years. You may be right in thinking that voting in the general election won’t have much effect. But as we get closer to those negotiations it is clear that the attitude taken in the negotiations post BREXIT election will have a resounding impact in one way or another on the … [Read more...]
An Illustrious Catering Career served with a glass of wine
Ian Mitchell Chairman of multi-award winning catering company Bartlett Mitchell regularly shares a wine recommendation with their network. He has offered now to extend this to the Hospitality and Catering News readership. Ahead of his first vinous suggestions we spent some time with him, got to know him, his background and what we might expect. I hope that he won’t mind … [Read more...]
Will Climate Change, Change Wine Production?
One of the best headlines that ever written in the 1980’s was ‘Kiwi farters ruin ozone layer’. It appeared in the Australian Sun newspaper, a Sydney based title, reading the article was compulsory. At that time the research had just been published which said that animal methane affected the Ozone layer. Hence Australian pop culture and logic followed that because there was a … [Read more...]