Wines in the press, July 4-5

Here is what the national wine critics had to say over the weekend of July 4-5.

The Guardian
Victoria Moore is upbeat to see the 2007 Rhône reds hitting our shelves. Not a vintage generally admired in France, says Moore, "but while it poured in much of the country that summer, the southern Rhône remained defiantly dry".

World wine leaders sign up for WineFuture 2009

Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson MW and Oz Clarke are just some of the high profile names to be lined up for a world forum on wine to be held in Rioja, Spain in November.

Swedes press for higher EU drinks taxes

Sweden wants to kick off its presidency of the European Union by persuading other member states to follow its lead on high alcohol taxation.

Union condemns Diageo cuts

Diageo is facing increasing pressure over its decision to axe 900 jobs at production and packaging facilities in Scotland.

Under-18s drink just for "something to do"

Drinkaware is launching a guide to help teachers and youth workers better tackle under-age drinking after its research found 25% of young people drink alcohol just for "something to do".

Jacob's Creek seals Selfridges listing

Madeira finish for Balvenie

Balvenie malt master David Stewart has released a limited-edition 17-year-old single malt finished in Madeira casks.

Diageo under fire from First Minister

Diageo has come under attack from Scotland's First Minister and the chairman of a leading football club over its announcement that 900 jobs will go in Scotland over the next two years, 700 of them from the closure of a packaging plant in Kilmarnock.

Churchill Vintners founder David Smith dies

David Smith, founder of Churchill Vintners has died of a heart attack, aged 67.

New consumer drinks show for London

A new consumer drinks show will take place at Vinopolis in London in November.

Richard Siddle, Editor's blog June

Around the world in 80 stands - well 2,400 exhibitors to be exact - but if you really want to get a feel for the global drinks industry then there is no better place than Vinexpo.

Richard Siddle, Editor's blog June

Around the world in 80 stands - well 2,400 exhibitors to be exact - but if you really want to get a feel for the global drinks industry then there is no better place than Vinexpo.

Tradeteam in £12m distribution deal

UK drinks logistics firm Tradeteam has clinched a £12m eight-year contract with Wales's largest brewer.

Weather boosts Greene King

Sizzling summer temperatures and a renewed focus on food has boosted the performance of pub owners Greene King, the company has reported.

Chilean Sauvignon joins Jack Rabbit range

Constellation Europe has extended its Jack Rabbit wine brand with the launch of a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

Constellation upbeat despite sales fall

Constellation Brands has reported a 15% drop in consolidated net sales in the first quarter of its current financial year, largely impacted by the sale of its value spirits business.

Diageo to shed 900 jobs in Scotland

Diageo is to cut 900 jobs with the closure of a whisky packaging plant in Kilmarnock and its Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow over the next two years.

Scotch wins after talking Turkey

Scotch whisky producers have won a battle over discriminatory tax rates in the Turkish market.

Cooley Distillery cleans up with gold awards

Ireland's only independent whiskey distiller, the Cooley Distillery, cleaned up with eight gold medals in the US, at two separate spirits competitions which took place in New York and Los Angeles.

SAB offers 10% equity to black community

Black drinks retailers in South Africa are being offered a 10% stake in South African Breweries as part of SABMiller's commitment to an economic empowerment programme.