The Chicago Tribune on "black wine." "Relax: There's no squid ink or cuttlefish in play. "Black wine" is actually red wine — a very dark malbec."
Bloomberg on the $845 wine book that dealers can't keep in stock. "Compiled by one of the world’s best sommeliers, Enrico Bernardo, the book highlights 100 remarkable wines from across time and around the world."
The Wine Enthusiast talks to Kevin Zraly. "The first 10 years, the students were mainly men over 40. Today, the ratio is 55 percent [women]."
The OC Register on how a Beverly Hills cardiologist helped put Paso Robles on the map. "Soon after he planted his first vineyards in 1963, he hired Napa’s legendary André Tchelistcheff, one of the pioneering giants of California winemaking, to serve as a consultant.'
Fox News on how to prevent a wine headache. "Taking a non-drowsy antihistamine prior to drinking wine may help."
The Portland Mercury rates box wine. "And box winemakers are really upping their game—I just discovered that a $12 bottle of rosé we served at our wedding is now available in a box—you can serve and feel almost classy."
The Mercury News on the best wine books. "White’s most useful section is his introduction to “grower Champagne,” high quality, less expensive wines, made by the same folks who farm the grapes — instead of selling them to the big commercial Champagne houses."
The Bangkok Post on Virginie Routis, the first woman to ever be given the keys to legendary cellars of the Elysee Palace. "The 38-year-old is also responsible for serving -- and impressing -- the monarchs and heads of state who regularly dine at the Elysee."
The Drinks Business asks could climate change lead to British Malbec? "These changes could see Britain acquire ideal climate conditions to produce grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, in areas such as Peckham and Milton Keynes, claims the study."
Jane Anson in Decanter on how Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have risen to the top of the world planting league. "Today they hold the two top spots as the world’s most planted varieties, with Cabernet the most well-travelled grape with almost 30,000 hectares (ha) planted globally. Back in 1990 they were in 8th place (Cabernet) and 7th (Merlot)."