The Independent

In these times of credit woe we should take note that Aldi has taken the "discount mantle" from Kwik Save, says Anthony Rose.  "Aldi's low wine prices are all the more remarkable, given that the euro is so strong and the government now takes £1.72 in tax on every bottle of wine," he adds. The 2007 Chardonnay Torrontes Tierra del Sol (£3.49) "would not disgrace the dinner table" while Aldi's flush shoppers might want to try the 2007 Latuilière Sancerre (£8.99) which "offers the requisite herbaceous quality to customers in search of a treat".

The Times

"France, for all its failings, continues to set the standards for global fine wine production," Jane MacQuitty explains.  This was her response to a "Gallic-wine-hating reader" who complained that MacQuitty's pages were full of endless plugs for French wine. Particular current favourites include the "celery-scented style" 2007 Vin de Pays Cuvée Pêcheur (£3.69, Waitrose) and the 2005 Moulin à Vent, La Roche-Vineuse (£13.95, Berry Bros & Rudd).

The Observer

Tim Atkin MW is back from his several-week hiatus and he is in a combative mood. "Castel's ownership of Oddbins has been a disaster," he rages, and the recent press tasting has done little to allay his fears.  Atkin's main bone of contention seems to be Alain Favereau, a Castel buyer, who "has no understanding whatsoever of what UK consumers (and wine writers) like to drink". Thankfully there are "one or two decent wines" remaining. As examples, he chooses the "herbal, aromatic, multi-dimensional blend" 2007 De Grendel Winifred (£9.59, Oddbins) and the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Matahiwi Holly (£10.99, Oddbins) with its "remarkable complexity".

Key spirits boost Pernod Ricard sales

Double digit growth for several of Pernod Ricard's key brands, particularly its premium spirits portfolio, has boosted full-year sales figures.

PLB Beer picks up new accounts

PLB's Beer Division has won new listings in Sainsbury's and Booker C&C for Summer Lightning - the Premium Bottled Ale from Hop Back Brewery, which is represented by PLB in the Off-Trade.

Absolut Vodka sale reaches completion

Pernod Ricard's purchase of Vin & Sprit (V&S), the company that sells Absolut Vodka, has been completed.

Russian Standard Vodka Launches in Taiwan

Russian Standard Vodka has announced the official launch of its Russian Standard Original brand in Taiwan.

Guala Closures Group Sponsors ISI

Guala Closures Group has entered into a sponsorship programme with the International Screwcap Initiative (ISI).

The Sunday Times

English wine should be "top of your list if you're feeling even faintly patriotic," Joanna Simon feels. "Quality across the board has been rising steadily," she adds, but consumers can expect to pay for the experience. The 2006 Bacchus Reserve Chapel Down (12.99, Selfridges) is a "delicious, tangy, floral, passion fruit-flavoured" wine.

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Enotria does on-trade deal with Wheeler Cellars

The directors of Colchester Wine Ltd. are pleased to announce that their On-trade wine supply business, trading as "Wheeler Cellars" (formally the Trade Division of Lay and Wheeler), and their Agency business, trading as "Select Vineyards", will join forces with the highly successful Enotria wine distribution company with effect from Monday 21st July 2008.

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The Sunday Telegraph

This week Atkins joins MacQuitty with her own assessment of alternative wine packaging and in particular the pouch, which "is a plastic, silvery, space-age thing with a tap in the top". The 1.5-litre 2007 Chenin-Chardonnay Arniston Bay (9.79, Tesco) is "simple and light, but a perfectly palatable white, with some crisp, green apple fruit". As long as you don't expect the world, Atkins has good things to say about the pouch. One word of warning from her though as "no one is putting classed-growth Claret in a pouch, just yet".

The Sunday Express

Jamie Goode is thinking of our health this week as he touches on the subject of low-alcohol wines. "There are times when something a little lower in calories or alcohol is required," he says. One of his more interesting recommendations is the 2006 McGuigan Shiraz Lower Alcohol (6.19, Tesco). "Aussie Shiraz normally packs a punch like an angry kangaroo," he warns, "[but] there's no doubting its heritage" when you taste this low-alcohol and reduced calorie version.