O'Neill Vintners & Distillers’ Post

🍇 Court Of Master Sommeliers Dispenses With Old/New World Designations The Court of Master Sommeliers, a prestigious global body established in the UK in 1969 and known for setting high standards in the wine service industry, has announced a pivotal change. Starting in 2024, the terms "Old World" and "New World" will be phased out from their educational materials and examination assessments. This decision, highlighted in their December 2023 newsletter, aims to enhance historical accuracy, reduce cultural bias, and address the blurring lines between traditional wine production styles. 🌍 Embracing a Unified Wine World This change signifies a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion within the wine community and acknowledges the evolving nature of global wine production. The distinction between Old World wines, typically from Europe and known for their terroir-driven characteristics, and New World wines, often bolder and from newer wine regions, is becoming less clear. This update reflects a more inclusive approach to understanding and appreciating the diverse world of wine. 🍾 A New Era in Wine Tasting The Court's initiative to revise its tasting terminology is a response to the dynamic changes in wine styles and production methods worldwide. This move is expected to influence how wine professionals and enthusiasts discuss and evaluate wines, promoting a more holistic and less geographically constrained appreciation of wine quality and character. #WineIndustry #MasterSommelier #WineTastingRevolution #DiversityInWine

The El Dorado AVA produces what the sommeliers say they like about European wines. Grapes that retain acid into ripening. This happens best in the Mesic temperature regime, above about 1,800 feet elevation. https://lnkd.in/gba4WDtE

Chilean wines are poised to make a significant impact in the United Kingdom market in 2024, with several notable trends driving their entry: 1)Exploration of New Markets: Chilean winemakers are actively expanding into new markets, including the UK, to diversify their consumer base. 2)Diversification of Offerings: With the launch of new ranges such as Pinot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, Chilean wineries are catering to evolving consumer preferences in the UK. 3)Geographical Advantage: Chile's unique geography, with major wine regions located relatively close together, ensures a diverse range of wine styles, appealing to the discerning UK market. 4)Focus on Quality: Chilean winemakers continue to emphasize quality across all price points, earning accolades and attracting UK consumers seeking value and excellence. 5)Dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon: Chile's long history of cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon positions it as a leader in this varietal, appealing to UK wine enthusiasts. These trends signify a promising future for Chilean wines in the UK market, characterized by innovation, quality, and strategic positioning and offer the best price-quality ratio in the market.

Wine IQ: How is a vintner different than a winery and vineyard? Vanessa Robledo, owner of Vintne’sr Diary, was gracious enough to explain the differences to me during our conversation at the inaugural La Onda music festival in Napa. A vintner grows the crop as well as produces and markets the wine. Whereas a vineyard only grows grapes and a winery produces wine. Those in the cheese world , may consider a vintner similar to a farmstead cheese. Vanessa clarified this distinction to me with great patience and knowledge as well as discussing her vision. Vintner’s Diary (Napa, CA) is a third generation female owned business. It is the only Latina vintner and produces a delightful Rose’, which continues to find its way on menus, in homes, and venues like La Onda. Vanessa explained the choice of the word Diary is specific to the story she is sharing. Wine and the food industry are paired closely and are a great example of how 1+1=3. Whether paired with cheese, fruit, or your favorite meal, Rose’ is flexible and versatile. Napa, Sonoma, or anyone of the other great wine producing regions across the USA, are great destinations to get to know the story and the people behind the wine. #vintnersdiary #laonda #wine #foodindustry @foodservicexpert.com

Langtons Classification of Australian Wine: Eighth edition is “a dramatic shake-up” // The latest edition of Australia's answer to the 1855 Classification has had an infusion of new, cooler blood. Australian fine-wine auction house and merchant Langtons has unveiled the latest, eighth edition of the Langtons Classification of Australian Wine, with the company describing the 100-strong selection of Australia’s most in-demand fine wines as “the most dramatic shake-up” of the influential list since its first edition in 1990. The new list, which comprises wines that have been released for at least ten vintages and which “have a strong track record in the secondary market,” has been simplified, with the three tiers of the previous edition (published in 2018) replaced by two: all 100 wines are now “Classified” with a top tier of 19 wines given the title “First Classified”—a nod to the first growths of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification which has always been the inspiration for the Langtons Classification. See link to learn more bit.ly/41TBYeF #worldoffinewine #editorspick #Langtons 📸: Langtons

Oregon's Vinous Chessboard: Navigating Quality, Sustainability and Consolidation. Folks, if you want to learn about the Oregon wine region or know whats going on there, here is the latest story on Sommeliers Choice Awards about wines from Oregon. In this article we cover: 1) What are the defining characteristics of the Oregon Wine Industry that set it apart from other U.S. wine regions? 2)What are the challenges and opportunities the industry faces? 3)What trends in the global wine industry are impacting it on the local level? Sommeliers Choice Awards Oregon Wine Board Willamette Valley Wineries Association Sommelier Business

Local declination of global trends; interesting and useful exercise. Evolutionary forces point towards increased concentration, even in an industry as fragmented in some ways as wine. #wineindustry #wine #winery #winebusiness

🍷 Ready to uncork some thoughts on wine service? Whether it's the beginning of the week or the end, it's always a good time to plan the wine at your event.🥂 🌍 Let's start with the importance of sourcing wines as local as possible. Not only does this support local vineyards and reduce carbon footprints, but it also allows us to savor the unique flavors of our region's terroir. 💡 Ever been at a table where the bottle of white is left untouched while the red drinkers hope for just one more sip? Serving wine rather than just placing bottles on the table can prevent such delightful issues. Cheers to ensuring everyone's glass stays perfectly paired! 🏠 Exploring venues? Consider ones that offer wine service beyond the standard pour. Whether it's selling bottles directly at the table, featuring a dedicated wine bar, or even a special wine sales area, these options elevate the wine experience for all. ⏰ And remember, good wine service is like a fine wine itself - it takes time and planning. Thinking about wine well in advance ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all involved. Here's to a week filled with great wine and even better company! 🍇 #EventPlanning #Wine #EventBudgets #WineWednesday

Though winemaking in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe dates back to 1683, most vines were abandoned or torn out by war, and by 1997, only 10 had survived. Today, the region is comprised of nearly 200 wineries, making up 90% of Mexico’s wine. So who is responsible for the region’s recent growth? As SevenFifty Daily reports, “Pedro Poncelis Raygoza, the founder of Vinícola Punto y Aparte, believes the identity of Valle de Guadalupe is in the hands of the next generation of winemakers.” Raygoza, once named the best sommelier in Mexico by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, may have a point. In recent years, we have seen second- and third-generation vintners transforming their family vineyards and producing innovative wines that excite today’s wine consumers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eetyuZ5Z 📷: SevenFifty Daily

Unraveling the Enigma of Wine! 🍷Maturing wines is no easy feat, as only a chosen few undergo an elegant transformation with time. It's crucial to bear in mind that a 50-year-old bottle doesn't qualify as an 'archive' wine unless it has been flawlessly preserved, often within the official vaults of the winery. Attempting to age an ordinary, everyday wine serves little purpose. Only a relatively small selection of wines boasts the potential for a noteworthy aging process. Consequently, only a handful of wines will authentically evolve in bottles over time. The question remains: Do you opt to store your wines in the cellar or uncork them right after the journey? #writetous #winevocabulary #WineAgingSecrets #CellaringConundrum #WineraPerspectives #UncorkOrCellar