Decanter reports that water is not always a neutral companion to wine, with sommeliers and tasters pointing to total dissolved solids and carbonation as factors that can accentuate alcohol, flatten fruit, or sharpen minerality, and the article argues that choosing lower TDS waters can help preserve a wine’s structure while specific styles may benefit from carefully matched sparkling waters.
Simon Judge
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China Warns French Wine Could Be Targeted in EU Tariff Dispute
Reuters reports that China has signalled French wine could face retaliation if France pushes the EU towards tougher tariff measures against Chinese imports, a warning that underlines how politically exposed premium wine and spirits exports can be when trade rows escalate, and comes as investors watch for knock on effects across French drinks groups and their Asian sales.
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California Growers Poised to Pull Another 40,000 Vineyard Acres
Farm Progress reports that California is on pace to remove another 40,000 acres of vineyards this year as growers respond to a structural oversupply of grapes. The article attributes the estimate to Allied Grape Growers president Jeff Bitter, and says a further 40,000 acres would take statewide vineyard area to about 473,000 acres, bringing supply closer to balance at current shipment rates. It also notes recent pullouts alongside new plantings, and references unsold fruit in 2025, with the broader industry debate focused on whether the market is nearing stabilisation.
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Macron Backs Uprooting Unprofitable Vines as France Tackles Oversupply
Vinetur says President Emmanuel Macron told producers at Wine Paris 2026 that uprooting loss-making vines is a necessary part of stabilising France’s wine sector amid overproduction and falling demand. The piece links the message to a €130m government fund offering subsidies to remove surplus vines, with attention on regions such as Bordeaux and Languedoc, and it notes export headwinds, including a reported 20% drop in exports to the US, France’s largest market. It adds that industry groups estimate a surplus of about 100,000 hectares of vineyards, with tens of thousands of hectares already removed in prior efforts and further removals expected under the new programme.
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EU Parliament Backs New Measures to Protect and Promote the Wine Sector
The European Parliament says MEPs backed new legislation designed to help wine producers manage market pressures and climate risks, and to open opportunities in tourism and exports. The press release highlights clearer labelling for no and low alcohol wines, with “alcohol-free 0.0%” for wines at or below 0.05% ABV and “alcohol reduced” for wines above 0.5% ABV that are at least 30% lower than the category’s standard strength before dealcoholisation. It also outlines extra crisis support for extreme weather and disease, EU funding options for grubbing up, and higher co-financing for promotion, including wine tourism and third-country marketing, with the deal now needing Council approval to enter into force.
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French Wine and Spirits Export Volumes Sink to a 25-Year Low
Reuters, on Tuesday 10 February 2026, reports that French wine and spirits exports fell to their lowest volume in at least 25 years, pressured by US tariffs, Chinese duties and a strong euro, with exporters warning there is no quick fix. Total exports dropped 3% by volume to 168 million cases and fell 8% in value to €14.3bn, with sales to the US down 21% in value to €3.0bn and sales to China down 20% to €767m. Cognac was hit hardest, down 24% in value, while Champagne volumes edged up but value slipped 4.5%, with industry figures saying any 2026 rebound is likely to be limited.
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Lifetime Achievement for Andrew Jefford
BusinessWire reports that renowned wine writer and journalist Andrew Jefford was named the recipient of the 2026 Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the V d’Or awards ceremony by Kylie Minogue. Jefford is celebrated for his work with Decanter and The World of Fine Wine, and for his deep exploration of terroir.
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Western Australia Wine Sector Rolls Out Sustainability and Profitability Partnership
Winetitles reports that Wines of Western Australia, the state government’s DPIRD, and Wine Australia are rolling out collaborative initiatives aimed at sustainability, competitiveness and future profitability, including a Sustainability Engagement Officer role and renewed support for a Sustainability and Industry Development Program Manager. The story highlights practical levers such as encouraging accreditation through Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, pushing wider uptake of Margaret River’s Lightweight Bottle Charter, and relocating the WA Vine Improvement Association germplasm collection to a new site to safeguard access to verified grapevine material, with funding support via Wine Australia’s Research and Innovation Fund and matched investment.
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Bolle Launches Premium De-alcoholised Burgundy Chardonnay Reserve
Harpers Wine & Spirit reports that non-alcoholic producer Bolle has introduced Bolle Chardonnay Reserve, starting life as an AOP Burgundy Chardonnay then going through gentle de-alcoholisation before a secondary fermentation with fresh Chardonnay juice from the same region, a technique the company says is unique in the category. The producer positions the release as a step-change for alcohol-free wine, arguing it can deliver structure, balance and depth without resorting to additions such as sugar, glycerine, flavourings or aromas.
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Italian Large-Scale Wine Sales Down €2.3 billion
Reports from Italy show that wine sales in large-scale distribution channels closed 2025 in the negative, with a value drop of roughly €2.3 billion (-0.5%), reflecting tighter consumer wallets.