E&J Gallo signs up new Swedish distributer

California-based E&J Gallo signs import and distribution contract with Spendrups Vin.

Jacob's Creek/Gallo lead the way in brand recognition

The two wine brands with the highest level of consumer awareness are Jacob's Creek and E&J Gallo.

Constellation profits dive

Stronger competition in Britain and a drop in wine shipments to US wholesalers have seen US-owned Constellation Brands, the world's largest wine producer, record a 64% fall in its first-quarter profits.

Split decision

It is inconceivable that the Cte d'Or would ever be regarded as a single entity, with no recognition of the differences between a Puligny-Montrachet and a Meursault. Yet, for the Clare Valley in South Australia, this is how it is. Though similar in length to the Cte d'Or, the Clare Valley is lumped into one catch-all appellation. But if you have ever tasted a selection of Rieslings from Polish Hill River, Watervale and Sevenhill this is clearly not one homogeneous zone.

Benchmark wines revealed

This year's selection of Californian Benchmark wines, which will be marketed and promoted to the public and media by the Wine Institute of California, has been selected.

Tour de France

When: Wednesday 14 March, 10am-5.30pm
Where: The Nursery End Pavilion, Lord's Cricket Ground, London NW8
Contact: Tina Coady on 01638 614 775 or register at www.franceunderoneroof.co.uk

California calling

Venue: Royal Horticultural Halls, London
Date: Tuesday 13 March, 10.30am-5.30pm

Phylloxera strikes in New Zealand

A wine estate in Wairarapa has been hit by phylloxera, making it likely that the entire region will become infected.

A flavour of the nation

The Italian Trade Commission (ICE) will hold a UK trade tasting for the first time in eight years on Wednesday. With no generic body, Italian tastings in the UK have focused on single Italian regions that wanted to promote their wines, but now ICE has united more than 60 producers from the north, south and islands. Every producer will send a representative, and there will be a tasting in Dublin two days before the London event.

Nyetimber set for huge expansion

Nyetimber Vineyards, the English sparkling wine company, is considering building a new winery to cope with its heavy planting programme.

San Pedro joins Les Grands Chais

Chilean wine group San Pedro has parted company with Buckingham Vintners, naming Les Grands Chais de France (LGCF) as its new UK distributor. LGCF will now take responsibility for the Chilean brands 35 South and Castillo de Molina, as well as its Argentinian label Finca La Celia.

Fetzer is brand with a conscience'

California producer Fetzer, which regularly highlights its organic and sustainable side, has been named a 2007 Brand With A Conscience.

Sauvignon Blanc wins out over rot

Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fum are undoubtedly the most successful of the 2006 wines from the Loire Valley, combining ripe fruit balanced with acidity.

Kiwi wines bask in critical approval

New Zealand's wines are now up there with the best, according to influential international wine commentators attending a recent run of wine conferences in New Zealand. And there wasn't a Sauvignon Blanc in sight. This wave of what is some of the greatest praise received by the industry was prompted by the Pinot Noir 2007 conference held in Wellington, and the associated symposia on Aromatics in Nelson and Syrah in Hawkes Bay.

Special delivery: SITT?2007

Are you being served?

Forty-two per cent of wines on restaurant wine lists are priced at more than 50 a bottle, according to research unveiled by Wine Intelligence (WI) at the inaugural Wine+ exhibition two weeks ago.

How to increase wine list gross profit by 20%

Will Duke, director of on-trade sales at HBJ Wines, told his business clinic session that nothing in his presentation was rocket science', but whatever you do in business, it is about making customers happy.

Kiwi producers proud of diverse climate

New Zealand's unique climatic conditions may protect its wine industry from the threat of global warming, a leading producer said at the country's annual trade tasting last week.

White Grange' to be bottled with screwcap

Penfolds Yattarna - dubbed white Grange' - will be bottled under screwcap for the 2004 vintage, released in May.

The Interview: Katie O'Brien, General manager, Juniper, Altrincham

Katie grew up on the east coast of Scotland. Her father ran hotels in Elgin and Fochabers, near Inverness, and insisted she do anything but catering. So Katie failed her Highers and went to work at the Golf View hotel in Nairn, which she describes as one long drinking party'. She worked in the bar, and in the kitchen on her days off because she wanted to learn and learn quickly'. She moved to Nunsmere Hall, near Chester, where she met Paul Kitching, then left for Hambleton Hall in 1992, working there for three years and driving up to see Paul on her days off. She helped set up Juniper with Kitching in 1995, before leaving to work for Nico Central in Manchester, returning to head the front-of-house and manage Juniper in 2001.