Liquor Industry News 08-07-23

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*

08-07-2023

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Massachusetts DTC numbers for 2022

Are Children Allowed to Drink Nonalcoholic Beer?

New Bedford MA Licensing Board bans nip bottles

Will heatwaves doom Italian viticulture?

As Italy grapples with the latest in a series of potentially record-breaking heatwaves, it raises questions about whether scorching summers could spell the end for Italian wine as we know it.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/07/will-heatwaves-doom-italian-viticulture/

Want to Buy Better Tequila? Look for This Code on the Back of the Bottle

Four digits can tell you a lot about that tequila you’re about to purchase.

https://www.foodandwine.com/tequila-nom-7561871

The science of thiols in wine

The aroma compounds often associated with Sauvignon Blanc’s tropical and citrus notes are impacted by techniques like leaf plucking and selecting specific yeast strains.

https://news.wine.co.za/news.aspx?NEWSID=41515

Ukrainian wine exported to 49 countries in 2022

The wine industry suffered significant losses due to a full-scale war. Last year, we managed to export Ukrainian wine to 49 countries of the world.

https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/922927.html

What Is a Tête de Cuvée Champagne?

Once you think you’ve learned everything you need to know, more confusing language pops up. This is especially true when it comes to those from Champagne,

https://vinepair.com/articles/tete-de-cuvee-champagne-explanation/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=b837e91bc7-July_17_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-b837e91bc7-38937345&mc_cid=b837e91bc7&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Why do wines come in different colored glass bottles?

How to Drink Better: After thousands of years, is it possible that the days of the wine bottle are numbered?

https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2023/07/16/why-do-wines-come-in-different-coloured-glass-bottles/

What Is Blue Wine And How Does It Get Its Hue?

First and foremost, yes, blue wine is actually wine — and it’s made from a combination of white and red grapes, plus a couple of natural pigments.

https://www.mashed.com/1336137/what-is-blue-wine-food-pairings/

How To Save Leftover Wine Without Any Fancy Tools

Some hobbyists invest in wine stoppers specifically engineered to help wine last as long as possible, but those can cost a pretty penny depending on how airtight you want your wine to be.

https://www.thedailymeal.com/1337322/how-to-store-leftover-wine-fresh-mason-jars/

Four reasons why less wine is being drunk in France

Wine consumption has dropped from 120 litres per person annually in 1960 to just 40 litres in 2020

https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/French-news/Four-reasons-why-less-wine-is-being-drunk-in-France

Earliest Evidence of Wine Consumption in the Americas Found on Small Caribbean Island

Researchers have discovered what is thought to be the earliest documented proof of wine consumption in the Americas within ceramic artifacts retrieved from a tiny Caribbean island.

https://scitechdaily.com/earliest-evidence-of-wine-consumption-in-the-americas-found-on-small-caribbean-island/?expand_article=1

What Is Smirnoff Ice? Is It…Beer?

But, as Jerry Seinfeld would surely agree, it’s good to know “what’s the deal” with stuff before you actually put it in your tummy. So, let’s take a closer look at Smirnoff Ice.

https://sporked.com/article/what-is-smirnoff-ice/

The Story Behind Tequila’s Iconic Name

Believe it or not, the idea of using the sap of the agave plant as a beverage is thought to have originated with the Olmecs civilization that inhabited the lowlands of Mexico in 1000 B.C.

https://www.mashed.com/1337795/story-behind-tequilas-iconic-name/

An Introduction to the World of New Mexico Wine

The winemaker Vara is finding success in a region not typically known for its wine.

https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/eat-and-drink/2023/07/new-mexico-wine

UBCO publishes study on best way to improve the wine tasting experience

Researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan have done a deep dive into what makes the wine tasting experience tick

https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/437848/UBCO-publishes-study-on-best-way-to-improve-the-wine-tasting-experience

11 Tips For Buying The Best Canned Cocktails

Pick up a couple of styles and see what appeals — there’s a whole lot on offer.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1344025/things-look-buying-canned-cocktails/

DREW Bledsoe put together a number of vintage performances during his Super Bowl-winning career in the NFL.

And the former New England Patriots quarterback is now the toast of the town after becoming a successful winemaker in his home state of Washington

https://www.the-sun.com/sport/8656691/drew-bledsoe-new-england-patriots-doubleback-winery/

These Are the 10 Driest Cities in America

While Americans are certainly known for throwing some beers back, that certainly doesn’t apply to drinkers in every zip code.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/top-driest-cities-us-2023/

Why Piedmont Wines Have a Unique Bottle Shape

The unique bottles from the prestigious Italian region of Piedmont, though, often fly under the radar

https://vinepair.com/articles/piedmont-wine-bottle-shape-albeisa/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=f328584bd8-July_21_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-f328584bd8-38937345&mc_cid=f328584bd8&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

WORTH DRINKING: A GUIDE TO ITALY’S BEST WINE REGIONS

When you look at a map of Italian wine regions, you’re basically looking at a map of Italy. Nearly every acre of the country is dotted with — if not covered in — vines.

https://travelcurator.com/destinations/italian-wine-regions/

Is Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy’s next major wine destination?

Though only small in size, the northeastern Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia could have big potential when it comes to food and wine tourism.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/07/is-friuli-venezia-giulia-italys-next-major-wine-destination/

Winery experiences affected by more than what is in your glass

New research from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus has determined that enjoying a tasting at a winery goes well beyond the sip

https://phys.org/news/2023-07-winery-affected-glass.html

EU wine labelling: The changes explained

As part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, from late 2023 anyone drinking a wine marketed in the European Union will see a great deal more on the label.

https://www.decanter.com/learn/eu-wine-labelling-the-changes-explained-507553/

Whatever Happened To Wine Balloon After Shark Tank?

Sometimes, after a long day at work, it’s nice to sit back and relax with a glass or two of wine.

https://www.looper.com/1343793/whatever-happened-wine-ballon-air-cork-shark-tank/

How To Choose The Best Type Of Tequila For A Cocktail, According To An Expert

Choosing the right tequila for your cocktail can often be perplexing

https://www.tastingtable.com/1343846/best-type-tequila-cocktail-expert/

Sicily’s Best Kept Secret Is This White Wine

If you can’t make it to Italy this summer, pick up a bottle of Grillo.

https://www.foodandwine.com/grillo-wine-7562390

Massachusetts DTC numbers for 2022 – $81.4 Million.

1,238 producers with a MA DTC permit, selling legally into MA.

– $81.4 millions of total sales

– 188,510 direct to consumer buyers

– 442,000 transactions

– 12.5% of the customer demand came from Boston.

– The MA ABCC conducted compliance checks on 43 direct shippers in 2021 and 2022.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7086841108034383872/

The One Thing You Should Always Do When Drinking Vermouth

Vermouth has seen quite a renaissance in recent years, evolving from that forgotten dusty bottle you might use to cook with to a chic, sought-after staple at home and at the bar.

https://vinepair.com/articles/do-this-when-drinking-vermouth/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=ca7545ea6c-July_19_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-ca7545ea6c-38937345&mc_cid=ca7545ea6c&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Are You Buying Beer Wrong?

How To Buy The Best Tasting Beer Possible

https://www.forbes.com/sites/emsauter/2023/07/18/are-you-buying-beer-wrong-how-to-buy-the-best-tasting-beer-possible/?sh=7f690b583c03

The Champagne of Maine

The top-selling spirit in Maine is a coffee-flavored brandy, something that could be straight out of old medicine texts. A hunt for the origins of a staple, in the northern woods and waterfronts.

https://themorningnews.org/article/the-champagne-of-maine

6 Hot Wine Trends This Summer In The U.S. Market

Though 107 million Americans drink wine, according to Wine Market Council (WMC), in the last year wine sales in the U.S. market have started to decline in volume

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2023/07/18/6-hot-wine-trends-this-summer-in-the-us-market/?sh=eab807f577d7

Sherry Is Chic — A Beginner’s Guide To Enjoying This Underrated Wine

In its most broad definition, sherry is a fortified wine that comes from Andalusia, Spain. It is primarily made from the Palomino grape (around 90%) and styles can range from bone dry to very sweet.

https://www.thezoereport.com/living/sherry-wine

Wine Growing Pains This Summer

As we write, there are news articles citing record breaking, extreme heat across the USA and also across Europe… it seems like this spring and summer there is one catastrophe after another that is weather related. Climate change is hitting home hard this year.

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/2023/7/14/sustainable-organic-vineyard-farming-climate-change-mildew-hail

A Glass of Wine a Day Could Help Keep Frailty Away as We Age

Researchers find that key antioxidants present in red wine may reduce the likelihood of frailty in adults over 55

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/a-glass-of-wine-a-day-could-keep-frailty-away-as-we-age

Where is the Expiration Date on Wine Bottles?

When you find yourself standing in the wine aisle amidst the great spectacle of bottles, it’s common to feel a bit overwhelmed.

https://beezzly.com/where-is-the-expiration-date-on-wine-bottles

Should You Serve Cocktails In Plastic Cups?

Here’s what you need to know about serving cocktails in plastic cups:

https://www.tastingtable.com/1344776/serve-cocktails-plastic-cups/

The Truth About What Happened To Obvious Wines After Appearing On Shark Tank

With the company’s eye-catching branding, some of the Sharks were ready to bite, but how has Obvious Wines fared since entering the tank?

https://www.nickiswift.com/1345502/truth-about-obvious-wines-after-shark-tank/

Sting to launch new alcoholic drinks brand

Legendary singer Sting is preparing to launch a new alcoholic brand named after his hit ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.’

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/07/sting-to-launch-new-alcoholic-drinks-brand/

All of Austria’s vineyards are now digitally accessible

An online tool now shows where an Austrian wine comes from, as well as the factors that influence its flavor.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/07/all-of-austrias-vineyards-are-now-digitally-accessible/

Yes, You Can and Should Age Rosé

Here’s how to find a bottle that’s worth keeping in the cellar until next summer.

https://www.foodandwine.com/can-rose-age-7561512

Cork taint seems to be decreasing. Is it about to decrease a whole lot more?

When looking at the percentage of wines closed by cork, the data are less convincing that cork taint has gone down dramatically. If anything, it appears to have gone down slightly, as the change is only dramatic when compared to some years.

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2023/07/cork-taint-seems-to-be-decreasing-is-it-about-to-decrease-a-whole-lot-more.html

Champagne yields to drop in 2023 as sales decline

The region of Champagne has capped yields for its impending harvest at a slightly lower level than last year, as sales of the French fizz fall by almost 4% in the first half of 2023.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/07/champagne-yields-to-drop-in-2023-as-sales-decline/

Yeast Labeling

When it comes to winemaking and viticulture, some stories are hardy perennials and this week’s news is no different.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2023/07/wines-next-challenge-yeast-labeling

How does wine affect gout, and is it safe to drink?

People with gout may need to avoid or limit alcoholic drinks, as they are high in purines.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gout-and-wine#effect-on-gout

New Tequila

Diageo has launched a new Cristalino Tequila from Casamigos, the first new release from the brand since 2018. The 40% abv Tequila begins as Casamigos Reposado before charcoal filtering and bottling. The new release is available across the U.S. in 1-liter, 750-ml., and 375-ml. bottles for around $74, $61, and $32, respectively. According to Impact Databank, Casamigos surged 35% to 2.4 million cases last year to become Diageo’s fifth-largest brand in the U.S. in volume terms.

New Hampshire youth program calls for changes to liquor laws, voices concerns over alcohol marketing

Members of “Dover Youth to Youth” say packaging and marketing for alcoholic beverages could make drinks appealing to children.

https://whdh.com/news/new-hampshire-youth-program-calls-for-changes-to-liquor-laws-voices-concerns-over-alcohol-marketing/

Is organic production becoming a prerequisite for fine wine?

A quick check of the wines in the Liv-ex Power 100 would suggest that many of the world’s top wines on the secondary market are now organic. Arabella Mileham asks what is driving this trend, and if organic is becoming a prerequisite for fine wine.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/07/is-organic-production-becoming-a-prerequisite-for-fine-wine/

New Bedford MA Licensing Board bans nip bottles

Licensing Board Chairman Edmund F. Craig Jr. said liquor stores would be given 90 days’ notice of the new ordinance that would take effect on or around Nov. 1

https://newbedfordlight.org/new-bedford-licensing-board-bans-nip-bottles/

While Twitter Tanks, Elon Musk’s Tesla Tequila Is Inexplicably Increasing in Value

But there’s one Musk product that has quietly been rising in value: Tesla Tequila.

https://vinepair.com/articles/elon-musk-tesla-tequila-soars/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=f982103c53-July_27_2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-f982103c53-38937345&mc_cid=f982103c53&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

26 Best Tequila Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

We sampled dozens (and dozens) of tequilas in our search for the ultimate blancos, añejos, reposados, and more. These are the best tequila brands you can buy.

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/best-tequila-brands

Tullio De Rosa’s Book About Prosecco And Enology

With its scholarly Prussian blue cover and reassuringly guided chapter on making sparkling wine the Italian way, 1964’s Tecnica dei vini spumanti written in the city of Conegliano, unofficial capital of the Prosecco hills in Veneto’s Treviso province, set that vinous landscape’s way to Prosecco Superiore.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/susangordon/2023/07/27/tullio-de-rosas-book-about-prosecco-and-enology/?sh=193a40f9234f

Do we need new grape varieties?

University of California, Davis experts recently examined the question.

https://www.farmprogress.com/grapes/do-we-need-new-grape-varieties-

Nickels and Dimes

Wine Industry Prepares for California’s New Bottle Bill Redemption Requirement

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/274455

The ‘Jesus’ wine barrel, the largest in the world

This we were told is the largest wine barrel in the world that’s actually making wine. Construction of it started in 1989 using 109 Slavonian oak trees–used in a great many barrels around the world