Read our round-up and find out what’s the latest wine news:
JEB DUNNUCK APPOINTS NEW ITALIAN CRITIC
Renowned US critic Jeb Dunnuck has announced that Audrey Frick will join his site as its new Italian wines reviewer.
“It has always been my aim to offer comprehensive, consumer-focused coverage of the most interesting wines from around the world and I am now excited to include Italy in that line-up,” said Dunnuck. “I am thrilled that Audrey Frick will join me as a contributing editor covering the regions of Brunello and Piedmont to start. I have known Audrey for nearly a decade, and she has worked with me on numerous regional and importer portfolio tastings for JebDunnuck.com.” Click here to find out more.
Hospices de Beaune 2020 auction
The 160th Hospices de Beaune charity wine auction which took place on 13th December has been deemed the ‘second most successful in its history’. This year’s sale culminated in prices totalling £12,169,280, despite a slight drop (0.67%) in the average price per barrel from 2019. Click here to find out more.
‘THE ALMANAC’ Released by Château Lafite Rothschild
‘The Almanac‘ has been released as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Rothschild family’s acquisition of the historic estate. The book documents the science, history, and lore of the vineyard. It also discusses 150 vintages since 1868, taking in vintage conditions and the quality of the wines. Click here to find out more.
THE DRINKS BUSINESS GREEN AWARDS 2020 WINNER
Honouring the drinks trade’s eco warriors, The Drinks Business held a virtual ceremony this year on 7 December. Winners of the much-coverted Eco-Awards included Flor de Caña, Château de l’Escarelle, Accolade Wines and Garçon Wines and many more. Click here to find out more.
Wine Spectator releases it’s Top 100 wines of 2020
‘Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed over the previous 12 months and select our Top 100, based on quality, value, availability and excitement. This annual list honors successful wineries, regions and vintages around the world.’
This year, top wines include; Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010, Aubert Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast UV Vineyard 2018 and San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucére 2015. Click here to read more.
PHILLIP SCHOFIELD LAUNCHES RED WINE IN FLAT BOTTLE
TV presenter Phillip Schofield has launched an organic Italian wine, Nero di Troia from Puglia. The wine is normally sold in a 2.25 litre ‘bag-in-box’, but has gone undergone a true eco-transformation. It is now being sold in Garçon’s 75cl flat bottles, which are made from 100% recycled PET plastic. This makes Mr Schofield the first celebrity to adopt the eco-friendly packaging!
“My mission is to bring premium wines to market that provide wine lovers with more sustainable options when purchasing, without compromising on quality.’ Click here to read more.
James Suckling awarded Bleu du mérite
American wine critic James Suckling has been awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by French president Emmanuel Macron. The honor has been given for his decades of work covering and reviewing French wines as a journalist, critic, and wine lover. Click here to read more.
POST MALONE LAUNCHES PROVENCE ROSÉ IN THE UK
Following a successful launch in the US, rapper Post Malone’s wine ‘Maison No. 9’ will launch in the UK at midday on 17 December via the brand’s website. Click here to read more.
FRENCH POLICE SWOOP NETS STOLEN GRANDS CRUS WORTH MILLIONS
‘French law enforcement swooped on locations in the Gironde, Dordogne and Loire early last week, recovering some 900 bottles of stolen wine and arresting 25 suspects in what one French news station called the “seizure of the century”.’
This raid has recovered over €5 million worth of stolen fine wines and resulted in the arrests of over 20 people. Click here to read more.