Posts Tagged ‘Chardonnay’

Liquor Industry News 10-19-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 19, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-19-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the curated collection (LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-19-26 by Mark Lenzi / The Wonderful World of Wine):

  1. Liquor Industry News Overview
    • Source: thewonderfulworldofwine.education
    • Summary: A weekly compilation highlighting new products, trends, and updates across the liquor and beverage industry.
  2. 6 Genius Uses for Wine Corks You Probably Haven’t Thought of Yet
    • Source: Good Housekeeping (by Wendy Rose Gould)
    • Summary: Creative and practical household or garden DIY ideas for repurposing leftover wine corks instead of throwing them away.
  3. Why Is Marijuana Regulated More Strictly Than Alcohol, Even Though It Is Safer To Use? (Op-Ed)
    • Source: Marijuana Moment
    • Summary: An opinion piece examining the regulatory discrepancies between the cannabis and alcohol industries, noting that cannabis often faces much stricter compliance and tracking standards despite being considered safer to use.
  4. Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
    • Source: Tasting Table
    • Summary: A seasonal cocktail recipe combining autumn flavors like apple cider with wine/spirits and bubbly for a festive fall drink.

(Note: The curation contains a total of 12 stories focused on wine, industry commentary, DIY tips, and drink recipes.)

Liquor Industry News 10-08-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 8, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-08-26

Here is a summary of the stories from Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News 10-08-26 magazine feed on Flipboard:

1. Trentino Sparkling Wine Exploration

  • Source: Substack (Tom Hewson)
  • Summary: An in-depth feature exploring the mountain sparkling wines of Trentino, Italy, following a series covering the Franciacorta region, highlighting the region’s picturesque vineyard landscapes and traditional-method sparkling wines.

2. IWSC Best American Whiskey Award

  • Source: Food & Wine (Brad Japhe)
  • Summary: Bardstown Bourbon Company’s limited-release 104-proof bottle ($140) was named the top American whiskey for 2026 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). The release blends aged bourbon and rye with a unique finishing process that earned it a near-perfect score.

3. Wild Turkey’s $300 Russell’s Reserve Release

  • Source: Food & Wine (David Thomas Tao)
  • Summary: Details why the new premium $300 Russell’s Reserve release from Wild Turkey carries a rye-like spicy and earthy profile. The article attributes this distinct flavor to where and how the barrels were aged over more than a decade in specific microclimates across the rickhouses.

4. Rise of Low-Alcohol Wine Trends

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: Examines the growing trend of low-alcohol wines as consumers seek moderate drinking options without completely foregoing wine, highlighting shifts in production methods and market demand.

Liquor Industry News 10-05-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 5, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-05-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10/05/26) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi:

1. Liquor Industry News & New Products

  • Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
  • Summary: An industry update covering new beverage alcohol product launches, market trends, and industry updates compiled by wine and spirits certified specialist Mark C. Lenzi.

2. Our Favorite Cheap Beer Brand Of All Time Was Also The Favorite Of Miners

  • Source: The Takeout (by Joe Hoeffner)
  • Summary: A look back at classic budget-friendly American beer brands, exploring how historical working-class staples (such as mining-community favorite beers) continue to hold a nostalgic and appreciated spot alongside the modern craft beer market.

3. One Of America’s Most Beloved Beers Is Also The Worst Tasting Overall

  • Source: Tasting Table (by Autumn Swiers)
  • Summary: An analysis examining how one of the most ubiquitous and popular light beers across American tailgates and college campuses regularly ranks poorly in taste rankings, highlighting the divide between mass popularity/affordability and sensory quality.

4. There Are Rules That Distinguish Sparkling Wine From Champagne

  • Source: Morning Brew
  • Summary: An overview of the strict regional, legal, and production rules (such as traditional method fermentation and protected designation of origin in France’s Champagne region) that differentiate authentic Champagne from other global sparkling wines.

Liquor Industry News 10-04-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 4, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-04-26

Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-04-26) collection on Flipboard:

1. Quick Trick for Chilling Wine (Southern Living)

  • Summary: Offers practical guidance on how to chill a bottle of wine down in as little as 15 minutes without relying on the freezer, providing a fast solution when preparing for dinner parties or last-minute gatherings.

2. Advocating for Wine Consumption (Post-Journal)

  • Summary: A commentary encouraging readers to enjoy a glass of wine with friends or family, framing wine consumption and appreciation as an enjoyable routine to share with loved ones.

3. Napa Winery Introduces Ingredient Labels (Wine Spectator)

  • Summary: Honig Winery in Napa Valley is introducing detailed ingredient labels (listing simple ingredients like grapes, yeast, and sulfites) on their bottles, sparking discussions around transparency and wine-labeling standards across the industry.

4. How to Serve Sake Like a Pro (Elite Traveler)

  • Summary: Explores proper sake serving techniques and etiquette, aimed at demystifying traditional Japanese sake service for international drinkers accustomed to standard small ceramic cups.

New Products This Week-Franklin Liquors New Beer, Wine, Liquor

October 2, 2026

New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products

10-02-26

Liquor Industry News 10-02-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 2, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-02-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News collection:

1. Health & Trends: What Happens to Your Body During “Sober October”

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: With a recent Gallup poll showing that only 54% of U.S. adults consume alcohol (a historic low), interest in temporary abstinence programs like “Sober October” is rising. Doctors explain that health benefits begin within days—such as improved sleep quality and hydration—while deeper metabolic and physiological benefits continue to build throughout the 30-day period and beyond.

2. Bourbon Release: King of Kentucky Single Barrel 14-Year Returns

  • Source: Food & Wine
  • Summary: Brown-Forman has announced the fall release of its highly sought-after King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon. Aged for 14 years and bottled at proof starting at 125, only 99 barrels made the cut for this ultra-premium collection, which will retailed at a suggested price of $399 per bottle.

3. Trade & Regulation: What US Winemakers Don’t Have to Tell UK Consumers

  • Source: The Drinks Business
  • Summary: A newly published UK-US bilateral wine agreement signed on September 30 outlines labeling requirements and trade rules for American wines sold in the UK. The report highlights discrepancies in how winemaking techniques, ingredients, and processes are disclosed to British consumers compared to local or European standards.

4. Spirits Exploration: What 50-Year-Old Whisky Tastes Like

  • Source: Esquire
  • Summary: An in-depth feature exploring ultra-aged whiskies, examining the maturation process, the rare flavor profiles that develop over five decades in wood, and why these exceptionally aged spirits command such significance and high value in today’s liquor market.

Liquor Industry News 10-01-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

October 1, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

10-01-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories from the Liquor Industry News collection on Flipboard:

Key Stories & Headlines

  1. U.S. Ban on Canadian Alcohol Imports
    • Source: CNN
    • Summary: A newly implemented U.S. ban targets Canadian alcoholic beverages, affecting roughly $800 million worth of trade between the two nations and highlighting heightened trade tensions.
  2. China’s Wine Imports Continue to Slide
    • Source: The Drinks Business
    • Summary: Demand for imported wines in China continues to decline as economic factors and changing consumer preferences alter the international wine market landscape.
  3. Understanding Biodynamic Wine & Farming
    • Source: Vero Wine
    • Summary: An exploration of biodynamic winemaking, looking beyond standard organic certification into holistic farming techniques, unfiltered wines, and popular styles like orange wine.
  4. Expert Recommendations for Wedding Wine
    • Source: Wine Enthusiast
    • Summary: Industry professionals weigh in on selecting the best wine profiles, sparkling wines, and crowd-pleasing varietals for wedding receptions and toasts.

New Products This Week-Franklin Liquors New Beer, Wine, Liquor

September 25, 2026

New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products

09-25-26

Liquor Industry News 09-21-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 21, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-21-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News” collection:

  • Liquor Industry News (Overview): An introductory curation by Mark C. Lenzi highlighting the latest product updates, trends, and news within the wine and liquor industry.
  • A Turtle Taught Millions of People to Cut Up Six-Pack Rings. Does It Still Matter?: A look back at Peanut—the red-eared slider turtle whose shell was permanently warped into a figure-eight by getting stuck inside a plastic six-pack ring as a baby—and how this iconic story inspired a generation to cut up their plastic rings to protect wildlife, examining whether those habits still hold significance today.
  • 3 Fall Beers You Should Be Trying in 2026: A seasonal spotlight recommending three distinct fall beer styles and selections to try as the weather shifts and beer enthusiasts transition into autumn drinking.
  • 8 Best German Beers Available in the US: A curated guide to top-tier German beers widely accessible to consumers in the United States, perfect for Oktoberfest season and classic European beer styles.

Liquor Industry News 09-18-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 18, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-18-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 09-18-26” collection by Mark Lenzi:

  1. Your Favorite College Sports Team Might Have Its Own Beer — Here’s Why
    • Source: Food & Wine (Rich Manning)
    • Summary: Universities and alcohol producers are increasingly collaborating to release school-branded beers and beverages. These partnerships generate valuable revenue for athletic programs while providing fans and alumni with a thematic drink to enjoy on game day.
  2. Why Soju Is The Ultimate Vodka Swap
    • Source: Food & Wine (Clara Wang)
    • Summary: The article explores how Korean soju serves as a great alternative to vodka in cocktails. With its neutral flavor profile and lower alcohol content, this traditional spirit (distilled from rice or other starches) offers a clean and versatile base for various drinks.
  3. Italian Aperitivo Favorites: Classic Bottles, Spritz Ideas & European
    • Source: mydrinx.shop (Yulia Nazarini)
    • Summary: A look into the Italian aperitivo culture, detailing classic bottles, spritz recipes, and the relaxed European lifestyle surrounding pre-dinner social drinking.
  4. Sazerac Revives Glenmore Whiskey
    • Source: The Spirits Business
    • Summary: Sazerac is bringing back the historic Glenmore whiskey brand, adding another classic label back into active production within the spirits market.

Liquor Industry News 09-14-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

September 14, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

09-14-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-14-26) collection on Flipboard:

  • Top U.S. Wine Towns for Fall Harvest: Highlights nine scenic U.S. wine destinations—spanning from coast to coast—that come alive during the late summer and fall harvest season, offering visitors a dynamic look at vineyards during peak grape picking.
  • Optimum Nutrition’s Protein Beer Review: A review of ChampionSips, a new limited-edition non-alcoholic pilsner created by Optimum Nutrition that incorporates 10 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
  • Virginia’s Emerging Whiskey Scene: Explores how Virginia is rapidly becoming one of the American South’s premier whiskey destinations, giving traditional bourbon hotspots like Kentucky strong competition through its rich history and growing craft distilleries.
  • Essential Bourbon Cocktails: A round-up guide covering 18 classic and essential bourbon cocktail recipes every whiskey fan should know.

Liquor Industry News 08-31-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 31, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-31-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (08-31-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):

1. Podcast & Special Features

  • The Wonderful World of Wine (Episode 323): Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy with Jennifer Martin
    Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore the intersection of destination weddings, Italian wine selection, and navigating Italian culture and language.

2. Spirits & Whiskey Industry News

  • Grain Profiles in Whiskey Making (Substack – The Spirits Journal)
    An in-depth look at Cereal Choices: How Grain Type Shapes Whisk(e)y, detailing how grain chemistry (barley, corn, and rye) and processing directly influence final flavor profiles beyond acting as raw starch sources.
  • Angel’s Envy Cask Experiment Review (Robb Report)
    A taste-test review of Angel’s Envy’s latest release—a bourbon finished in both stout and Amburana casks—describing the experimental blend as a misfire that results in a very unusual flavor profile.
  • Top-Selling Bourbon Retains Market Lead (Mashed)
    A feature analyzing the brand strategy and long-term consistency of the world’s best-selling bourbon brand and how it maintains its dominant global position year after year.

New Products This Week-Franklin Liquors New Beer, Wine, Liquor

August 28, 2026

New Beer, Wine And Liquor Products

08-28-26

Liquor Industry News 08-27-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 27, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-27-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (August 27, 2026) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):

Key Stories & Headlines

  1. Changing Palates (World of Fine Wine)
    • Summary: Renowned wine writer Terry Theise, alongside a panel of distinguished wine writers, explores how taste in wine evolves over a person’s lifetime as they grow older.
  2. Alcohol at the Supreme Court (SCOTUSblog)
    • Summary: Kelsey Dallas reviews Supreme Court discussions regarding alcohol law precedents, examining how the justices referenced the Founding Fathers’ drinking habits while considering legal frameworks around substance regulations.
  3. Rally Dog Vodka Ade Launch (Boston Beer Co.)
    • Summary: Boston Beer Company announced Rally Dog™ Vodka Ade, the latest RTD (ready-to-drink) canned cocktail from its innovation incubator, tapping into the rapidly growing vodka-ade category.
  4. Flavor Trends: From “Swicy” to “Newstalgia” (Craft Beer & Brewing)
    • Summary: Author Randy Mosher breaks down emerging flavor profiles for brewers and beverage makers to consider, covering trends such as “swicy” (sweet + spicy) combinations and nostalgic flavor spins (“newstalgia”).

Liquor Industry News 08-21-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 21, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-21-26

The stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (August 21, 2026) Flipboard collection curated by Mark Lenzi highlight new product releases, brand expansions, and industry milestones across spirits and wine:

1. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Releases Jura Cask & Discovery Expressions

  • The News: Bardstown Bourbon Co. (under Lofted Spirits) introduced two new annual whiskeys: the 2026 Discovery and the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish.
  • Key Details:
    • The Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (52% ABV) blends 11-year Indiana bourbon, 10-year Indiana rye, and 12-year Kentucky bourbon, finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura distillery in Scotland.
    • The 2026 Discovery (66.4% ABV) blends 10-year Indiana bourbon with 11-year and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, finished in custom Garryana (Oregon white oak) barrels.
    • Both bottles retail for $139.99 USD and feature custom label artwork by artist Margaret Archambault.

2. Fireball Debuts “Torch’d Vanilla” Limited Release

  • The News: Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Whisky launched a new limited-edition variant in the US called Torch’d Vanilla.
  • Key Details:
    • Bottled at 33% ABV, it blends vanilla, toasted marshmallow, smoky oak, and baking spices with Fireball’s core cinnamon flavor.
    • Rollout begins in September in two formats: 750ml bottles ($14.99 USD) and 50ml 10-packs ($9.99 USD).

3. Sazerac Expands into Soju with “Dalho”

  • The News: Sazerac entered the rapidly growing US soju market with the launch of Dalho Soju, featuring a “category-first” 50ml mini format.
  • Key Details:
    • Bottled at 17% ABV, Dalho is available in Original, Peach, Strawberry, and Lychee flavors.
    • Offered in traditional 375ml bottles ($5.99 USD) and 50ml bottles ($0.99 USD / $9.99 10-pack) to lower the barrier for consumers looking to try soju.

4. Seven New Masters of Wine Named (Largest Class Since 2021)

  • The News: The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) announced seven new Masters of Wine (MW), bringing the total 2026 cohort to 11—the largest intake since 2021—and raising the total number of active MWs globally to 427.
  • Key Details:
    • The class includes historic national firsts: Tiago Macena MW becomes Portugal’s first resident MW, and Sue Tolson MW becomes Hungary’s first resident MW.
    • The newly inducted members are Alice Archer (UK), Owain Hughes (UK), Weiran Liu (China), Gabriella Macari (US), Tiago Macena (Portugal), Jake Skakun (Canada), and Sue Tolson (Hungary).

Liquor Industry News 08-13-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 13, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-13-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s curated Flipboard collection Liquor Industry News (08-13-26)from The Wonderful World of Wine:

Key Stories & Headlines

1. Crown Royal Partners with Juicy Couture

  • Source: The Spirits Business
  • Summary: Diageo’s Crown Royal has teamed up with Y2K lifestyle brand Juicy Couture to release limited-edition bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits inspired by Crown Royal’s flavored whiskies (Regal Apple, Peach, and Blackberry).
  • Key Detail: The collaboration supports diversity in the fashion industry through a $75,000 donation to RaiseFashion, funded by 100% of the net proceeds from tracksuit sales.

2. Old Elk Releases 10-Year-Old Whiskey Trio

  • Source: The Spirits Business
  • Summary: Following its acquisition by Ohio-based Middle West Spirits, Colorado whiskey maker Old Elk introduced three high-ABV 10-year-old expressions:
    • Straight Bourbon (52.2% ABV): Unique high-barley recipe (51% corn, 34% malted barley, 15% rye).
    • Straight Wheat Whiskey (51.5% ABV): 96% wheat and 4% malted barley.
    • Wheated Bourbon (52.5% ABV): 51% corn, 46% wheat, and 3% malted barley.
  • Pricing & Availability: All three bottles are priced at $69.99 (750ml) and distributed nationwide.

3. The “Frozen Pickle Wine” Viral Trend

  • Source: Sporked
  • Summary: An analysis of the latest internet drink trend: dropping frozen dill pickle slices into a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc as savory ice cubes.
  • Takeaway: Evolving from frozen grapes and “spicy Sauvy B” (frozen jalapeño slices in white wine), the trend highlights how consumers embrace low-effort, high-novelty freezer hacks—even if food critics conclude that the brine clash is best kept separate from good wine.

4. How to Grow Wine Without Herbicides

  • Source: Beyond Organic Wine (Substack)
  • Summary: Examines sustainable and organic viticulture practices, detailing modern advances in vineyard tools, cover crops, and soil management aimed at eliminating chemical herbicides in favor of regenerative grape growing.

Liquor Industry News 08-11-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 11, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-11-26

The stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-11-26) collection cover a mix of industry launches, legal developments, and market trends:

1. China’s Top Wine Influencer “Lady Penguin” Faces Smuggling Trial

  • The Story: The company behind Wang Shenghan (known online as Lady Penguin), China’s prominent wine influencer with over 6 million followers, is set to stand trial in Beijing on September 1, 2026.
  • Details: Both the corporate entity (Beijing Lady Penguin Wines & Spirits) and an individual are accused of smuggling goods and duty evasion. This marks a dramatic downturn for a digital brand that previously generated up to RMB 350 million ($48M+) in annual sales before facing debt, lawsuits, and declining operations in recent years.

2. PourPlays Launches Gamified Wine Education & Discovery Platform

  • The Story: Startup PourPlays announced the official launch of its interactive “Play–Learn–Win” mobile platform designed to make wine education engaging for new generations of consumers.
  • Details: The app combines game mechanics (such as pairing challenges and trivia levels) with AI-powered tasting notes, live event integrations, and promotional coupons. It aims to bridge the disconnect between traditional wine marketing and younger, digitally native drinkers.

3. Bota Box Debuts Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a 1.5-Liter Format

  • The Story: Major boxed wine brand Bota Box launched a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon packaged in a 1.5-liter box (equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles) at a suggested retail price of $20.
  • Details: Crafted by winemaker Alicia Ysais using select lots from recent Napa vintages, the launch reflects growing industry demand for premium-tier wines packaged in sustainable, eco-friendly alternative formats.

4. A Look Back at Pre-1984 State Drinking Laws in the U.S.

  • The Story: A historical analysis published by VinePair explores the state-by-state landscape of legal drinking ages prior to the passage of the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
  • Details: The article highlights how state drinking ages varied widely—ranging from 18 to 21—and examines how the federal government used federal highway funding leverage to standardize the age at 21 nationwide.

Liquor Industry News 08-10-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 10, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-10-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-10-26) collection on Flipboard:

Key Stories in this Edition

  • Liquor Industry News Roundup (thewonderfulworldofwine.education)
    Curated by wine & spirits educator Mark C. Lenzi, this issue covers industry updates, new beverage releases, regulatory notes, and retail market developments across the wine, spirits, and beer sectors.
  • How Weight-Loss Medication is Changing Relationships with Alcohol (BBC News)
    An exploration into an unexpected side effect of popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy): many users report a significant decrease in alcohol cravings and overall consumption alongside their reduced appetite.
  • Best Champagne for Celebrations: How to Choose (winesfromfrance.com)
    A practical guide to selecting Champagne for major milestones and events, detailing differences in sweetness levels, grape blends, price points, and serving tips for memorable toasts.
  • Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter (mexicosolidarity.com)
    A report detailing Mexico’s dominant milestone as the top global exporter of beer, driven by sustained international demand for Mexican lager brands in major export markets like the United States.

Liquor Industry News 08-04-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 4, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-04-26

Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-04-26) collection on Flipboard:

1. Declining Wine Consumption: Reliving 1986 or 1993?

  • Source: Substack (Tom Wark)
  • Summary: Analyzes current downward trends in U.S. per-capita wine consumption. The piece draws parallels to historical downturns in 1986 and 1993 to evaluate whether the American wine market is experiencing a temporary contraction or a long-term structural shift.

2. Tales of Kosher Alcohol

  • Source: talk-a-vino.com
  • Summary: Explores the landscape of kosher wines, spirits, and liquors (including whiskey, tequila, and vodka). It breaks down how kosher certifications influence production and consumer purchasing decisions beyond just price considerations.

3. Daily Marijuana Use Surpasses Daily Drinking in the U.S.

  • Source: Fox News (Angelica Stabile)
  • Summary: Reports on SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) survey data showing a major shift in substance habits. With 21.4 million Americans reporting daily or near-daily cannabis use, daily marijuana consumption has officially surpassed daily alcohol drinking in the United States.

4. How Heatwaves Affect What We Drink

  • Source: The Drinks Business
  • Summary: Examines how rising temperatures and seasonal heatwaves alter consumer preferences, driving shifts toward lighter, colder, and lower-ABV beverage formats.

Liquor Industry News 08-03-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

August 3, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

08-03-26

Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-03-26) collection from The Wonderful World of Wine:

1. Episode 321 — Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina

  • Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast
  • Summary: Co-hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi sit down with Gabrielle Malina, the driving force behind Boston’s First Crush. The episode explores how local wine culture is being redefined through natural wines, community-focused events, and initiatives aimed at making wine more approachable and inclusive for everyday consumers.

2. The World’s Best-Selling Vodka Isn’t Grey Goose or Ketel One — It’s Cheaper

  • Source: Tasting Table
  • Summary: Despite the premium marketing of brands like Grey Goose, Cîroc, or Ketel One, Smirnoff remains the undisputed global leader in vodka sales. Backed by global distribution via Diageo, Smirnoff moves roughly 23.4 million nine-liter cases annually—nearly double its closest competitor, Absolut. Its dominance is driven by an affordable price point (~$12 a bottle) and its status as an industry-standard, versatile workhorse mixer for high-volume bars.

3. Why You’ll Never Find Norway’s Best-Selling Beer on American Shelves

  • Source: Tasting Table
  • Summary: Norway’s top-selling pilsner, Ringnes Bryggeri (brewed since 1886 and owned by Carlsberg), is virtually impossible to find in the United States. Due to heavy alcohol production taxes in Scandinavia and high US import costs, bringing the domestic lager stateside is economically unfeasible for distributors. While traditional Norwegian lager remains abroad, American beer lovers can still sample Norwegian influence through craft imports or local beers brewed using traditional Norwegian kveik yeast.

4. What Real Vikings Drank When They Wanted Something Stronger Than Beer

  • Source: The Takeout
  • Summary: Centuries before modern distillation introduced hard liquor to Scandinavia, wealthy Vikings drank fruit wine when they wanted drinks with higher alcohol content than standard beer or mead. Using locally abundant ingredients like cherries, apples, pears, lingonberries, and cloudberries, ancient producers fermented fruit wines reaching ABVs similar to modern grape wines—a craft that parallels today’s revival in artisanal fruit wines, traditional ciders, and perries.