Episode description

Today in Wine News

The American Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has adopted production and labeling standards for a brand new category of spirits: American Single Malt Whisky. For the first time in 52 years, a new category has been added to the TTB, and American distillers are hoping to spark some growth in sales for a beverage that has continued to rise in interest from American drinkers over the past few years.

With the United States and Japan both issuing new regulations for single malt whiskies, how will drinkers around the world respond to the new spirits hitting shelves? And will the rising tide lift all single malt boats, including single malts from Scotland?

Keep listening to learn more.

Further Reading

* “American Single Malt recognised as official category by federal law” (Alec McDonnell/Whisky Magazine)

* “How New Japanese Whisky Regulations Will Impact the U.S. Market” (Betsy Andrews/SevenFifty Daily)

* “US Whiskey to Star in 2025” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)

In Other News

Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:

Tribeca Grill, the New York institution for elevated New American cuisine, will be shutting its doors after 34 years. Founded by chef slash restaurateur Drew Neiporent and Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, the restaurant has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 2002 - one of only nine restaurants in New York City to win the award. The last day of service will be Saturday, March 1.

* “After 34 Years, New York’s Iconic Wine Restaurant Tribeca Grill Will Close” (Julia Larson/Wine Spectator)

Winemakers from the Livermore Valley AVA have announced Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc as its two signature grape varieties. The Livermore Valley Wine Community released a statement last week announcing the two heritage varieties as present and future focus points for Livermore Valley wine.

* “Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc named signature varietals of Livermore Valley” (Cierra Bailey/Livermore Vine)

And finally, an update on the use of non-alcoholic wine and gluten free bread in The Church of England. Their statement is as follows: “Contrary to recent reports following a question asked by a General Synod member, the Church of England is not banning ‘gluten-free’ wafers nor ‘non-alcoholic’ wine at Communion. Church of England churches across the country routinely offer ‘gluten-free’ bread or ‘non-alcoholic’ wine at Holy Communion. Many professional ecclesiastical suppliers have long provided wine or bread which may contain tiny traces of alcohol or gluten which can legitimately be considered non-alcoholic or gluten free”.

* “No, the Church of England Didn’t Ban All Non-Alcoholic Wine for Communion” (Collin Dreizen/Wine Spectator)

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

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We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!

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