Episode description

Today in Wine News: Alsace recently approved a third Grand Cru vineyard specifically for Pinot Noir. In a major wine region that has thrived on the production and sale of prestigious white wines, Alsace has added three Grand Cru designations for Pinot Noir since 2022.

Why would one of the world’s best destinations start to expand their most high end wine production to red grapes now after decades of specialization in white wines? Is Alsace the new Burgundy, or can wine drinkers expect to see more red wines from Alsace in the near future?

Keep listening to learn more.

Further Reading

Some great reads on Alsatian red wines that may pique your interest.

* “Is the future of Alsace red?” (Benjamin Roefls/Jancis Robinson)

* “Alsace adventure (1): Domaine Weinbach” (Jamie Goode/Wineanorak)

In Other News

Here are some additional highlights from the week:

A former city leader of Hong Kong is publicly pressing the Chinese government to only serve Chinese wines on official government holidays. Representatives from the Wine Association of Hong Kong have already indicated their support for a national mandate that features exclusively Chinese wines at national celebrations. The next public holiday will be celebrated in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau on October 1.

* “Call for only Chinese wine to be drunk at national celebrations” (Sarah Neish/The Drinks Business)

Northern California vineyards have the new state bat to thank for effective pest management. Since pallid bats and other types of bats have been taking the night shift of pest control, especially in organic vineyards, the California wine industry has saved approximately $1.3 billion dollars in pest control every year. 

* “Wine Country’s ‘coolest’ vineyardist - the pallid bat!...” (Janis Mara/North Bay Biz)

And finally, Wine Enthusiast has named its Future 40 Tastemakers for 2024. Among this year’s selections are two of my favorite wine writers on Substack: Chasity Cooper of Bright + Balanced and Amanda Joffee of Shitty Wine Memes. Congratulations to all the honorees!

* “Future 40 Tastemakers 2024” (Wine Enthusiast)

That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!

We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news.

Until then, cheers and happy drinking!

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