Christie’s wine sales top $71 million for 2010
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – In another sign that the world economy is in the midst of a recovery, Christie’s auction house reported global wine sales topped $71 million for 2010, or about what they were in 2007 before the recession began.
“Recession? Not in the wine business,” Charles Curtis, head of Christie’s wines said on Wednesday. “Wine sales were sort of trending up throughout the year” and kept getting stronger.
Sparkling wine — pouring style without draining your wallet
Earlier this week, I wrote about alternatives to non-vintage and cuvee Champagnes that can lend a festive atmosphere to any occasion. Below is a list of the wines that I mentioned, some alternatives and their suggested U.S. retail prices.
Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut $12
Santa Margherita Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Brut $17
Freixenet Cordon Rosado $10
Domaine Tselepos Amalia Brut $24
Gruet $14
Dom Perignon $125-$150
Bollinger RD 1997 $130-$150
Krug Brut Grande Cuvee 1998 $180-$200
Giulio Ferrari 1997 $100
There are many other sparklers that didn’t make it into the story such as: Lucien Albrecht ($19), Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco ($19) and The Chook, a sparkling Shiraz from Australia ($17).
Sparkling wines a cheaper alternative to Champagne
NEW YORK, Dec 7 (Reuters Life) – Champagne can only be produced in the French region that bears its name, but the joy that comes from hearing a cork pop can come from any number of other sparkling wines – at a fraction of the cost.
“The central problem is that wine pricing is almost completely arbitrary … the price of a wine does not significantly correlate to the pleasure it brings,” said Robin Goldstein, editor of “The Wine Trials,” an annual guide to wines under $15 a bottle that beat wines costing $50-plus a bottle in blind tastings.
Greek winemaker’s winning ways in vineyards and politics
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – While Yiannis Boutaris was campaigning earlier this month to be the next mayor of Thessaloniki, in Greece his older son was waging his own campaign in North America to win recognition for Greek wines.
“My father is really the patriarch or the pope of Greek wines,” said Stellios Boutaris, who was in New York to showcase his family’s wines from their Kir-Yianni Estate.
Choices are varied for Thanksgiving wines
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Wondering what wine to serve with turkey? Wine experts agree that a good Pinot Noir is always a safe bet but there are many other choices that go well with a Thanksgiving feast.
Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, who holds the title Master of Wine, suggests a rich California Chardonnay would be perfect to accompany butternut squash for the traditional American meal but if chestnut stuffing is on the menu she suggests a Norton.
Mr. Pinot Noir becomes wine packaging’s prince
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Jean-Charles Boisset, scion of Burgundy’s largest wine empire, has been called Mr. Pinot Noir for his enthusiasm for the grape that he tends on both sides of the Atlantic.
The 41-year-old, who spent much of his youth in California soaking up sun, surf and a business degree, lives his life by a few rules he learned as a child.
Corrected: Portuguese wine family saves the grapes
(Corrects spelling in 3rd paragraph to Alentejo)
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Climate change has a serious impact on all kinds of crops, including grapes, but one Portuguese wine family is trying to save some of the country’s seldom-used varieties from global warming.
Portugal has about 258 indigenous varieties of grapes but many are no longer used to make wine.
Portuguese wine family saves the grapes
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Climate change has a serious impact on all kinds of crops, including grapes, but one Portuguese wine family is trying to save some of the country’s seldom-used varieties from global warming.
Portugal has about 258 indigenous varieties of grapes but many are no longer used to make wine.
Italian coffee brand takes up Brunello wine
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Coffee, tea, chocolate or wine? Italy’s illycaffe has branched out from coffee beans, tea leaves and cocoa to produce some of the country’s most iconic wines.
Riccardo Illy, 55-year-old chairman of Gruppo illy S.p.A., is a former ski instructor, politician and author. Two years ago, just as the economic turmoil began, he decided to become a vintner.
Amarone wine producers fight to maintain quality
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – Amarone is one of Italy’s iconic wines and a dozen family producers of the pricey, opulent red have banded together to ensure it stays that way.
The Amarone Families are dismayed that their fabled wine is becoming almost mass-produced, which they say has resulted in a drop in price and quality.
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