Tag: Wine News

New Findings Establish Historical Continuity Between Versailles Vineyard and 18th-Century Winemaking Practice 

A centuries-old vineyard in Versailles dating back to 1787 has been brought back to life by Adrien Pélissié, a former Bordeaux winegrower and now owner of La Bouche du Roi winery in Versailles. While looking through historic regional maps, Pélissié made a remarkable discovery: the vineyard he planted in 2017, in the unusual shape of a shark’s fin, matched the exact location and layout of one marked on an 18th-century map, created 230 years earlier.

In the 17th century, the Île-de-France was France’s largest winegrowing region, with vineyards stretching across tens of thousands of hectares. However, by the early 20th century, viticulture in the region had virtually vanished. Any hope of bringing it back was quashed by French regulations brought in during the 1950s, which restricted commercial viticulture in Versailles and other parts of the country. That changed on January 1, 2016, when new EU regulations lifted restrictions on vineyard planting rights, paving the way for the revival of the region’s historic vineyards.

Pélissié states: “I was really moved when I realized that someone had planted vines in the exact same spot, hundreds of years ago. The vineyard even has the same distinctive shape—it curves like a shark’s fin. It’s a humbling thought, that someone back then saw the same potential in this land that we do today. We feel very fortunate to be part of the story of this place, bringing viticulture back to the region and honoring the French tradition that came before us.”

The discovery was made using the Plans d’Intendance, detailed cartographic surveys commissioned under Louis XV and Louis XVI. The specific map that revealed the vineyard’s past was dated 1787.

Today, the renaissance of viticulture in Île-de-France is well underway. Around 130 hectares (320 acres) of vines are now planted across the region, with La Bouche du Roi leading the charge. Situated in the former royal hunting grounds of the Plaine de Versailles—just 30 minutes from Paris—it is the region’s largest vineyard, spanning 27 hectares (67 acres).

About La Bouche du Roi

Founded in 2017 by Adrien Pélissié, La Bouche du Roi is a pioneering estate located just 30 minutes from Paris, on the historic Plaine de Versailles—the former hunting grounds of the Kings of France. The 27-hectare (67-acre) vineyard is farmed organically and planted with six grape varieties: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc for whites; Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc for reds. The winery, which French newspaper Le Figaro called the “most remarkable” discovery of 2024, welcomes visitors by appointment.

The estate takes its name from La Bouche du Roi, the esteemed royal household service responsible for overseeing the King’s table, including the sommeliers, cupbearers, and chefs who ensured the quality of food and wine served at the court of Versailles.

La Bouche du Roi is distributed via Bordeaux négociants (La Place de Bordeaux). In the United States, its wines are exclusively imported by Maison Barrière and are available in several states. They can be found in restaurants such as PerSe by Thomas Keller (New York), restaurants by Alain Ducasse (Paris), and Lafayette in Miami.

Two of the estate’s labels are also featured on Wine.com, making them easily accessible to consumers nationwide.

EU Exported €29.8 Billion Worth of Alcoholic Beverages in 2024: Top Markets Uncovered

In 2024, the EU exported €29.8 billion worth of alcoholic beverages, indicating a 10.9% increase since 2019 (€26.9 billion). Exports were dominated by wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines, representing 56.2% (€16.8 billion) of all alcoholic beverages. Spirits and liqueurs up the second biggest category, with 29.7% of the total (€8.9 billion), followed by beer, with 11.5% (€3.4 billion); cider, perry, mead, saké, and other fermented beverages, with 1.7% (€0.5 billion); and vermouth and other wines flavoured with plants or aromatics, with 1.0% (€0.3 billion).

France was the main EU exporter of alcoholic beverages to countries outside the EU in 2024, totalling €12.1 billion, representing 41% of the total. This country exported mostly wine (66.7% or €8.1 billion) and spirits and liqueurs (31.8% or €3.8 billion).

Italy followed in 2nd place with €6.0 billion (20% of the total EU exports to countries outside the EU), most of which (81.1% or €4.9 billion) was related to the export of wine. Spain and the Netherlands exported €2.5 billion and €2.3 billion (each 8%), respectively, but while the most significant category for Spain was wine (€1.6 billion), for the Netherlands it was beer (€1.3 billion).

Main Export Destinations:
United States and the United Kingdom

In 2024, the United States was the main destination for EU alcoholic beverages, with exports totalling €8.9 billion (30% of the total). More than half of this value, €4.9 billion, is related to export of wine and another €2.9 billion to spirits and liqueurs.

The United Kingdom was the second biggest trade partner, with €4.9 billion (17% of the total), mostly connected to wine exports (68% or €3.3 billion). This country was followed by China and Canada (each €1.6 billion) and Switzerland (1.4 billion). While exports of alcoholic beverages to Canada and Switzerland were mostly wine, the main export category to China was spirits and liqueurs, with €0.7 billion (45%), followed by wine (€0.5 billion, 34%).

Source:  Eurostat

Spain Moves Toward Smaller Vineyards and Premium Wines

Spain’s wine sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, preparing to undergo significant structural and strategic transformations over the next five years. According to the recently published report “Spanish Wine Market Forecasts 2025-2030: Strategic Analysis and Projections” by Vinetur on April 25,  the nation’s future in the global wine market will be shaped by a decisive shift towards smaller vineyard holdings, premiumization, and greater international competitiveness.

Spain, currently holding the title of the “world’s largest vineyard area” is expected to see a gradual contraction to approximately 900,000 hectares by 2030. This decline will primarily result from structural consolidation and the abandonment of less economically viable vineyards. Nevertheless, Spain will retain its leadership in vineyard surface area, albeit with a renewed focus on quality over quantity.

The report also highlights increasing production volatility caused by the impacts of climate change, including irregular harvests and variable yields. Despite these fluctuations, Spain’s annual wine production is projected to stabilize at an average of 31 million hectoliters. Wineries are proactively adapting by elevating product value, emphasizing quality improvements to boost average prices across both domestic and export markets.

Export forecasts remain particularly promising. Spanish wine exports are set to reach 21.2 million hectoliters by 2030, with a notable acceleration in value, surpassing €3.5 billion annually. This growth will be driven by strategic shifts toward bottled, organic, and sparkling wines, steering away from bulk wine exports. In a fiercely competitive landscape dominated by France and Italy, Spain’s focus on higher-value segments will be crucial.

Domestically, wine consumption trends present challenges. Household per capita consumption is projected to decline to 6.2 litres annually by 2030, reflecting an aging traditional consumer base and muted engagement from younger demographics. However, the Spanish domestic market’s overall value is forecasted to grow, underpinned by rising price points and a consumer migration toward mid-range and premium wines.

Emerging consumer preferences further illustrate a new market paradigm: the growing demand for organic wines, the surging popularity of low- and non-alcoholic offerings among urban consumers, and the ongoing shift toward e-commerce. Traditional retail channels are expected to lose market share as digital platforms gain traction.

Wine tourism emerges as another key growth pillar. An anticipated increase in winery visits and participation along Spain’s wine routes will diversify revenue streams and enhance brand loyalty, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized wineries that seek to foster deeper consumer connections.

Structurally, the number of active wineries is expected to decline modestly, stabilizing at around 3,780 by the end of the decade. This reflects an industry trend towards consolidation, where scale, operational efficiency, and investment capacity become critical factors for survival and success.

Climate change remains an existential challenge. Spanish viticulture will increasingly rely on sustainable practices, precision agriculture, heat- and drought-tolerant grape varieties, and the exploration of cooler sites at higher altitudes and latitudes to preserve wine quality and regional identity.

Ultimately, Spain’s wine sector is moving toward a lower-volume, higher-value model, prioritizing sustainability, quality, and terroir expression. How effectively the industry adapts to these economic, environmental, and consumer-driven challenges will define its global competitiveness and prestige in the decades ahead.

Source: https://www.vinetur.com

Champagne Telmont Debuts the World’s First Ultra-Lightweight Standard Champagne Bottle

This Earth Day, Champagne Telmont introduced the world’s first ultra-lightweight standard champagne bottle to the U.S. market. Weighing 800 grams (1.76 pounds), this bottle’s debut with Champagne Telmont’s Réserve Brut marks a major milestone in sustainable winemaking, reducing carbon emissions by 4% per bottle and challenging long-held industry conventions.

Bottle manufacturing accounts for nearly 30% of Champagne’s carbon footprint. For over two decades, the standard bottle weight remained unchanged at 835 grams, with lighter alternatives dismissed as unviable due to the pressure requirements of champagne-making. But Telmont, driven by its In the Name of Mother Nature mission, challenged industry norms. After years of rigorous research and testing, the Maison vetted an eco-conscious bottle without compromising strength or elegance.

Developed in partnership with French glassmaker Verallia, Telmont co-developed a significantly lighter bottle while maintaining Champagne’s essential pressure resistance and refined aesthetic. This innovation requires no modifications to production processes or existing manufacturing equipment, ensuring seamless adoption across the industry.

“Creativity and innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. By adopting this ultra–lightweight bottle, we aim to redefine industry standards and contribute to a more sustainable future for Champagne,” says Ludovic du Plessis, President of Champagne Telmont. “We aim with this new bottle to set a new standard for Champagne, in the name of Mother Nature.”

Telmont’s innovation could eliminate 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually if adopted industry-wide. This innovation is not subject to any exclusivity, ensuring that it benefits as many people as possible. There are no barriers to its immediate and widespread adoption across the entire Champagne region as a new standard for the appellation.

Telmont began producing the 800g bottles in 2022 with an initial run of 3,000 bottles. Following the required three-year aging process, these bottles are now arriving in the U.S. market. In 2023, production scaled to 30,000 bottles, followed by 220,000 bottles in 2024 and from 2025 on 100% of Telmont bottles will be produced at this new, lighter weight.

Champagne Telmont’s Réserve Brut will be rolling out in the 800-gram bottle through select in-person retailers and on Champagne Telmont’s website (HERE) for an SRP of $76.

Academic Study Forecasts Wine Industry Revival by 2026

A recent study by the University of Bordeaux and the University of Verona suggests the wine industry could see a recovery starting in 2026. The research used Italian wine producer Masi as a case study. A few weeks ago, an academic research paper “Resilience and preparation for the next cycle of global wine consumption. Masi: an original case study” was presented in Milan by Jean-Marie Cardebat, Professor of Economics at the University of Bordeaux, Director of the ECOr Research Department, Affiliate Professor at INSEEC Grande École and Director of the Wines & Spirits Chair in Paris, together with Davide Gaeta, Professor and lecturer in wine business economics and agri-food markets and competitiveness – Department of Management – University of Verona.

Professor Cardebat explained that economic cycles have always influenced global wine consumption. While current economic and geopolitical challenges have caused a decline in the market, he believes that controlling inflation could lead to a turning point in 2026. He also predicted that 2027 might mark the start of a recovery phase with sustained growth for the wine sector. However, he emphasized that this recovery would not replicate past market conditions. Changes in consumer behavior and new trends will shape the next phase of the industry.

Professor Cardebat also highlighted the importance of premiumization, with consumers increasingly seeking quality and high-value wines. He stressed the need for wineries to invest in brand development and enhance consumer experiences, such as wine tourism, which has grown significantly in recent years. He also noted that emerging markets might drive a renewed interest in red wine, which has declined in Europe.

Professor Gaeta outlined key factors for resilient wine companies to thrive in international markets. These include having a strong organizational structure, transparent information management, and strategies to diversify product offerings. He emphasized the importance of flexibility in responding to changing demand, both in grape supply and product range. Gaeta also pointed out that segmenting distribution and maintaining a diverse presence in global markets can help mitigate risks and create growth opportunities.

Additionally, Professor Gaeta noted that competitiveness in the wine industry can be strengthened through attention to corporate identity, strategic marketing, and innovation focused on sustainability. Both professors agreed that adapting to new consumer preferences and market conditions will be essential for the wine industry to navigate future challenges and opportunities.