10 Champagne facts to impress your friends with

To celebrate National Champagne Day today, we’ve rounded-up 10 little-known facts about the world’s most famous sparkling wine, from how many bubbles you’ll find in a flute to the accidental creation of rosé Champagne.

Bordeaux 2018: ‘aggressive’ mildew but volumes normal

The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux suffered a little from localised hail and some “aggressive” mildew outbreaks but volumes are much better than last year.

Baron de Ley: Rioja is the Bordeaux of Spain

Rioja giant Baron de Ley’s international general manager, Victor Fuentes, revealed that while “none of the big Rioja brands are doing well in China,” the company is hoping to promote the region’s wines as the Bordeaux of Spain.

The week in pictures

It’s been another busy week in drinks, with the legend that is Rick Astley opening a bar in Bethnal Green, a Champagne costing £115,000 going on sale at Harrods, and some of Britain’s best female chefs attempting an Ellen-style selfie.

Hot new London restaurants: October

Tokaj in pictures

Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands to step down

Legal highs: The drinks companies taking on cannabis

Khan: The restaurant industry can be quite isolating

Prince Charles visits Diageo-owned Scotch distillery near Balmoral

In focus: Chile trends

Guilty Pleasures: Tobias Gorn

Here’s what you missed in Sonoma with Vinexpo

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More news

M&S releases wine with adult colouring-in label

Al Gore to speak at climate change conference in Porto

Somm360 Congress unveils full programme

Wines of Argentina wraps up successful UK roadshow

Alibaba invests US$290m in online drinks retailer 1919.cn

Black Sea area offers greatest winemaking potential, says Michel Rolland

In focus: Top trends in Pinot Grigio

Asia to drive global alcohol travel retail sector

Scotch exports boom in H1

‘Solidarity’ wine to support Oregon growers

Daily

Asian

Jobs

October 2018

Brut strength

Why non-vintage Champagne is the liefeblood of the region

Leading lights

Low-alcohol beers tap into trend for healthier serves

Just for picks

France’s 2018 harvest could produce a sublime vintage

Subscriber Articles

In focus: Chile trends

Best known for making supermarket wine, Chile is determined to raise its game. Producers are focusing on quality expressions and are impressing with indigenous grape País, finds Lauren Eads.

In focus: Tequila trends

The Tequila market is one of the most exciting in the spirits world. Producers are being snapped up for huge sums, and brands are enjoying incredible growth. But with this upsurge in demand comes pressure on raw materials, writes Lauren Eads.

Natural Selection: the rise of organic wine

Low-intervention wines, whether they be made organically, biodynamically or naturally, are becoming increasingly popular. Edith Hancock reports.

Green Awards 2018

Deadline: 19th Oct 2018

Rioja Masters 2018

Deadline: 26th Oct 2018

The Global Pinot Noir Masters 2019

Deadline: 1st Nov 2018

Fortified Masters 2018

Deadline: 23rd Nov 2018

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IBWSS China

Shanghai,China

5th Nov 2018

Exploring Beaujolais Wines Across The Years & Appellations

Manchester,United Kingdom

6th Nov 2018

Pink Rosé Festival

Cannes,France

7th Feb 2019

IBWSS UK

London,United Kingdom

11th Mar 2019

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Wine

Fine wine investment: Investment philosophies

Ceretto’s restaurant climbs World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings

Tokaj in pictures

Spirits

Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands to step down

UK supermarkets to trial facial recognition for alcohol sales

HKTDC International Wine & Spirits Fair returns for 11th edition

Beer

London brewery creates beer to pair with KP Nuts

How climate change will affect beer drinkers

Brewdog raises over £26 million from donors in 5th crowdfunding round

How the evolving economics of Burgundy wine is changing how the product reaches customers

While the demand for Burgundian wine should signal boom times for the region, poor yields are have meant the region is embracing new practices that are transforming how wine makes the trip from the vineyards of Burgundy to your cellar. BurgDirect CEO Jeff Rubin explores.

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Lot pursuit: curating a fine fine auction

by Roger Morris

db reader: Gruet’s sparkling project thriving in New Mexico

by Roger Morris

Uruguay hosts nine Masters of Wine in attempt to broaden its appeal

by db_staff

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Hot new London restaurants: October

Is a bumper 2018 harvest good for Champagne?

With the 2018 grape crop delivering both quantity and quality in Champagne, and the Comité Champagne having received a derogation from the INAO to add 4,700 kg/ha to fill up the reserve individuelle, we ask key players in the region whether the abundant harvest is advantageous.