The temptation is to say “yes “, but to do this is to misunderstand mainstream consumers. Most do not have in-depth knowledge and grape varieties act as signposts. To learn a new system for wine is confusing and inhibits both experimentation and the kind of self-assured choice which they exhibit elsewhere in the store. While this can seem patronising, much can also be done in…

In countries such as France and Italy [importance of international varieties ] is limited because they have regional histories. New World producers with no regional history use grape varieties and this is exactly the right attitude. Consumers have an expectation of Cabernet or Chardonnay. The first choice (for wine) is colour and the next is grape variety. The international varieties help in blending so you put…

In recent times, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz have become brands in the minds of buyers and consumers. Will this lead to a lack of diversity of wine? —- === Opinions that shape the market === Just how important is grape variety to consumers in different wine markets? Wine Intelligence’s global Vinitrac survey finds that varietal is an important choice cue in all markets, though…

The predominant flavour of gin, according to EU definitions, must be juniper. So, should the growing number of ‘gins’ in which juniper does not dominate, be stripped of the title?…

Chris Parker managing director The Organic Spirits Company Like all legislation, the new EU rules are not as clear as they first seemed. The definition of London Gin does not include the requirement that juniper is the dominant flavour, although I have no doubt it was intended the preceding definition of gin would apply. I am advised that each stands on its own. Premium and…

Desmond Payne master distiller, Beefeater Gin Pernod Ricard Where’s the gin police, when it pretends to be something else? Gin has the widest flavour range of all distilled spirits, but it has to be about juniper in there somewhere. The predominant flavour of gin, according to EU definitions, must be juniper. Predominance is a hard characteristic to identify. A gin that uses more juniper than…

Suddenly Burgundy appears to have a problem similar to that of the Champagne region – surging demand for a very limited supply. Indeed, sales volumes in 2007 across the Burgundy region exceeded 2007 vintage volumes by 10 per cent, according to Pierre-Henry Gagey, president of the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne and also president of one of the region’s biggest producers, Maison Louis…