Titbits
No order of priority

OWC Researchers at the University of Barcelona measured consumption of 1232 participants over a period of up to five years and established that those who drank 12 to 35 glasses of wine a month had a 50% lower risk of a heart attack than those who had no more than just one per month. The study published in the European Heart Journal stated that statins cut the risk by around 30% in comparison.

OWC Young drinkers in their 20’s are turning their taste to Guinness. It may be one of the reasons why there was a shortage of the black stuff prior to Christmas. There has been a 24% surge in the number of female drinkers in the past year converting to Guinness with many drinkers also under 30 enjoying this splendid stout.

OWC Mulled Wine has not dodged the trend in reducing the alcohol content and upping the cost. Four of the major supermarkets were offering Mulled Wine at 5.5% ABV in 2022 and 5.0% ABV this Christmas with two of them increasing the cost and two retaining the same cost. One other reduced the ABV from 8% in 2022 to 5% in 2023 reducing the price from £3.89 to £3.00, only to increase the price to £4.00 while retaining 5% ABV this Christmas.

OWC Nearly half of wine lovers are baffled by its terminology. According to a survey 48% of drinkers have been caught out by using terminology they don’t understand at dinner parties. 60% of drinkers polled thought ‘Terroir’ meant ‘terribly good’ Other terms that caused confusion were ‘Oenology’ ‘Maceration’ and ‘Cuvee’- each one 41%. According to Oliver Hoey of the Australian wine brand CTZN which commissioned the poll of 2000 Britons that ‘Brits love wine, but want the confidence to talk about it in social settings’

OWC A poll of young adults aged 18 – 24 revealed that around 75% didn’t own a corkscrew. This compares to an average 80% of over 65’s owning one. The survey was conducted by the retailer Lakeland. Winemakers are announcing the death of the corkscrew with the increase of screw-tops and soaring levels of young people abstaining from drinking alcohol. Around 28% of young adults have not had a drink in the last 12 months compared to 18% in 2011 according to NHS data.

OWC Kylie Minogue’s wine brand is booming with £30 million sales , an increase of almost 20%. Announced on her 56th birthday in May. The brand launched four years ago has sold more than 15 million bottles worldwide. Her £9 signature rose is her best seller and her 0% sparkling rose is top of the pops in the UK’s non-alcoholic premium fizz chart this year.

OWC With the trend for ‘Skinny Wine’ with less calories on the up, here are a few suggestions. Drink wine with a lower ABV. It’s the alcohol level that pushes up the calories. Opt for lower ABV wines from cooler regions. Lighter whites like German Riesling and Portuguese Vinho Verde come in at around 9-11% with lower calorie content. Light bodied wines such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and cool climate Pinot Noir would be good choices in your quest for slimline wines. Wines from vineyards at higher altitudes near the sea generally have lower alcohol levels. Champagnes with no added sugar and low ABV would be a good choice. There is also a growing trend in warmer climes for ‘midi’ wines made from grapes which are picked before they fully ripen, helping keep the alcohol and sugar levels down.

OWC Sir Nick Faldo the renowned golfer has his own wine brand. His label is in the form of his ‘Faldo’ emblem which displays six stripes to represent his six major championships. His brand name has come under scrutiny from the Italian prosecco producer ‘Valdo’ who in their opinion, having a similar name which could cause confusion in the marketplace. The former golfer defended his brands position commenting that the word ‘Aldo’ is a common grouping of letters in the Italian language which can be found worldwide in many variations. He also respectfully drew the comparison of notoriety between a wine brand from a small town in Italy to a six-time major championship winner who has been in the global spot-light for more than 40 years.

OWC A rare bottle of whisky was sold for $2.7m (£2.1m) - breaking the record for the most expensive wine or spirit sold at auction. The sale took place in November 2023. The Macallan 1926 single malt is one of the world's most sought-after bottles of Scotch whisky. It was sold by Sotheby's at more than double its estimated price. The whisky spent 60 years maturing in dark oak sherry casks before becoming one of just 40 bottled in 1986. The 40 bottles were reportedly not made available for purchase - instead, some were offered to The Macallan's top clients.

OWC Oxygen ages wine. Check out Winewizard which uses patented 'Low oxygen' bubbles which instantly react with compounds in the wine, replicating the effects of bottle ageing. The bubbles Increase the surface area, speeding the evaporation effects of decanting. Works on low-cost wines, but apparently really comes into its own with mid-priced wines which benefit from a bit more time open. Retails for around £50.

OWC It appears that scientists have devised algorithms that can distinguish the difference between Scotch and American whisky and that AI can identify the strongest aromas. The findings from a group of German researchers, were published in the Journal, Communications Chemistry. Whisky's aromas are challenging to assess. It was stated that researchers tested the molecular composition of seven American and Nine Scotch whiskies and that algorithms were able to identify the five strongest notes of a specific whisky more accurately and more consistently than any individual expert.... I have a feeling AI will figure strongly in further blogs during 2025.

A Short Guide to
Hungary’s Incredible Wine Regions

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With a winemaking tradition that spans over a thousand years, Hungary stands as a true paradise for wine enthusiasts. Its rich viticultural heritage is deeply woven into the country’s culture and history, making it a destination of choice for anyone passionate about wine. Boasting 22 unique wine regions, each with its distinct charm, Hungary offers an unparalleled variety of flavors and styles. From the sun-kissed vineyards of the south to the mineral-rich soils of volcanic hills, the diversity is astounding.

Whether you’re drawn to the bold, full-bodied reds of Villány, the crisp and refreshing whites of Badacsony, or the world-renowned sweet wines of Tokaj, Hungary caters to every preference. Each bottle tells a story—of the land, the climate, and the centuries of craftsmanship that have honed Hungarian winemaking into an art.

Beyond the wine itself, these regions invite you to immerse yourself in their beauty and hospitality. Stroll through picturesque vineyards, visit family-run cellars, and experience vibrant wine festivals that celebrate the passion and pride of Hungarian vintners. Let’s dive deeper into some of these extraordinary wine regions to uncover what makes Hungary a haven for wine lovers.

1, Sopron wine region 2, Nagy-Somló wine region 3, Zala wine region 4, Balatonfelvidék wine region 5, Badacsony wine region 6, Balatonfüred-Csopak wine region 7, Balatonboglár wine region 8, Pannonhalma wine region 9, Mór wine region 10, Etyek-Buda wine region 11, Ászár-Neszmély wine region 12, Tolna wine region 13, Szekszárd wine region 14, Pécs wine region 15, Villány wine region 16, Hajós-Baja wine region 17, Kunság wine region 18, Csongrád wine region 19, Mátra wine region 20, Eger wine region 21, Bükk wine region 22, Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region.
Image credit: Té y kriptonita. Based on file:HU_counties_blank.svg & file:Hungary map blank.svg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tokaj:
The Crown Jewel of Hungarian Wine

Tokaj isn’t just Hungary’s most famous wine region—it’s legendary. Known as the home of "the wine of kings and the king of wines," Tokaj produces Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s best dessert wines. Made from grapes affected by noble rot, this sweet wine is a symphony of honey, dried apricots, and citrus.

But Tokaj isn’t all about sweet wines. Dry Furmint, the region’s flagship white wine, is gaining global attention. It’s crisp, mineral-driven, and perfect for pairing with food. If you love wine with a story, Tokaj is the place to start—it’s literally part of UNESCO’s World Heritage!

Villány:
Bold Reds with a Big Personality

If red wine is your go-to, you’ll fall in love with Villány. Located in Hungary’s sunny south, this region specializes in big, bold reds like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. Villányi Franc (Cabernet Franc from Villány) has become a symbol of the region, known for its rich flavors and silky texture. Villány is also home to Kékfrankos and Kadarka, native grape varieties that bring a unique, spicy twist to the red wine lineup. The wine culture here is vibrant, with wineries often hosting tastings, festivals, and events. It’s not just about the wine—it’s about the experience.

Eger:
Home of Bulls’ Blood

Eger is another must-visit for red wine lovers. This northern region is famous for Egri Bikavér, or Bulls’ Blood, a robust red blend with a dramatic name and a rich history. Traditionally made from Kadarka, today’s Bulls’ Blood often includes Kékfrankos and other international varieties, creating a wine that’s complex, spicy, and full of character. Not into reds? Don’t worry—Eger also produces some fantastic whites. Egri Csillag (Star of Eger) is a vibrant white blend that’s crisp, aromatic, and super refreshing. Whether you’re a red or white wine fan, Eger has something to offer.

Badacsony:
Volcanic Wines by Lake Balaton

Imagine sipping wine while overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Balaton. That’s Badacsony for you. This region’s volcanic soils give its wines a distinct minerality that wine enthusiasts love. The star grape here is Kéknyelű, a rare variety that produces elegant, floral whites. Other popular options include Olaszrizling and Szürkebarát (Pinot Gris), which are perfect for summer sipping. If you’re a fan of white wines with personality, Badacsony will steal your heart.

Szekszárd:
Red Wines with a Soul

Szekszárd is a small but mighty wine region in southern Hungary. It’s known for its Szekszárdi Bikavér, a velvety and fruit-forward take on the classic Bulls’ Blood blend. This region has a more intimate, traditional feel compared to Villány, but the wines are just as impressive. Kadarka shines here, producing light, spicy reds that are perfect for casual dinners or long conversations. If you’re into reds that are as approachable as they are delicious, Szekszárd is the place to explore.

Somló:
Small but Mighty

Somló may be Hungary’s smallest wine region, but its wines pack a punch. Known for its volcanic whites, this region produces some of the country’s most unique and age-worthy wines. The Juhfark grape is the star here, creating wines with zippy acidity and intense minerality. Legend has it that drinking Juhfark brings good luck in marriage, so it’s a popular choice for celebrations. Even if you’re not tying the knot, these wines are worth seeking out.

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Why Hungarian Wine is So Special?

Hungary’s wine regions are incredibly diverse, offering something for every palate. Whether it’s the world-class dessert wines of Tokaj, the bold reds of Villány, or the crisp whites of Badacsony, Hungarian wine is all about quality, character, and tradition. What makes Hungarian wine truly special is its connection to history and culture. Each region has its own story, and every bottle feels like a journey into the heart of Hungary. So next time you’re looking for something new to try, skip the usual suspects and dive into the world of Hungarian wine. You won’t regret it!

In The Zone

Blue Zones are very unusual regions where locals are 10 times more likely to live to 100 years old . These regions include , Sardinia, Italy; the islands of Okinawa, Japan, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. They don't appear to have too much in common at first glance. They are all relatively warm year-round, fairly small, remote and close to the ocean. The common denominator seems to be a plant based diet which includes a combination of whole grains, greens, tuberous (sweet potatoes or potatoes), nuts and beans with the most important one being beans. It's reported that a cup of beans a day can add two to three years to your life!

Other aspects of this longevity include small portion sizes, quality time with family and moderate wine drinking. According to Blue Zones explorer Dan Buettner "People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly". Adding that "moderate drinkers outlive non drinkers. The trick is to have 1-2 glasses per day with friends, and/or with food". Emphasising that" No, you can't save up all week and have 14 drinks on a Saturday". The wine choices depend, but Dan recommends a garnet red variety called Cannonau. “It’s filled with artery scrubbing antioxidants.”. Blue Zones are heavy on water and tea. “They’re drinking herbal tea all day long,” says Dan. “In Okinawa it’s often green tea, while in Ikaria it’s usually a tea made with oregano, rosemary or mint".

Loneliness can shave eight years off your life. Community and purpose are paramount which is evident in Blue Zone areas. Three of the five Blue Zones (Okinawa, Ikaria and Sardinia) are located in very narrow, steep regions that didn’t always have access to industrial roads, a scenario which forced people to form tight social connections with one another.

Pulling In The Same Direction

A report published by the Daily Mail highlights the practice of popular wine brands reducing alcohol content and secretly hiking prices. The popular Blossom Hill brand have dramatically reduced the alcohol content at the same time increasing their prices. A 75cl bottle of white Zinfandel was 11% alcohol two years ago and cost £5.25. Today its strength has dropped to 8.5% with the price increasing to £5.75. with one consumer comparing it to an alcohol - free fizzy grape drink.

The brands Soft & Fruity Red Wine has also been reduced in alcohol content from 12.5% to 10.5%. Other wine brands mentioned include Hardys Stamp Shiraz Cabernet, which was reduced from 13.5% to 11% in 2023 while the cost has risen from £5.00 to £5.25.

This trend stems from the changes made by the previous government upping taxes on stronger % drinks (covered in detail in a previous blog) meaning that some wines spirits and beers are now sold with less alcohol in them. It seems that getting less and paying more is creeping into other aspects of the food and drink sector especially with regards to confectionery.

Experts have said that the trend in the reduction of alcohol content is likely to have a small positive health impact. Colin Angus, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, an expert in alcohol consumption quoted ' Only people who are drinking for the specific purpose of getting drunk are being short-changed. Writing after the well known beer brand Heineken announced similar measures last year, he said ' Reducing the alcoholic strength ... is in the commercial interests of [manufacturers]. 'But it also aligns with trends in consumer demands and is likely to be a benefit to public health by reducing overall alcohol consumption'.

'it's increasingly rare for these competing interests to be pulling in the same direction, so perhaps the current trend is worth celebrating for everybody'.

Wine has now become the UK's favourite tipple. Last year the World Health Organisation warned that there was no safe level of alcohol consumption. Estimating that excessive alcohol consumption kills 3 million people around the world each year.

Read the aforementioned article here.

Honey Moon

One of the first ways humans consumed alcohol was drinking a mixture of water and honey - Mead. Thanks to new fermentation techniques and clever marketing Mead consumption is on the increase. This ancient drink comes in an assortment of tasty guises including lighter modern options which can be slightly sweet or almost completely dry. They can range from no alcohol to low or mid strength, matching the ABVs of Cider and Beer.

As well as Honey, Mead can be produced with spices, fruit and hops to enhance its flavour. Traditional Mead, usually flat or slightly sparking tastes like aromatic honey-sweetened wine at a similar strength - 12% -14%.

Kit Newell from Mead producer Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co said ' People are looking for lower intervention, natural and sustainable products'. Mead can be crafted now to appeal to a new modern consumer who appreciates a more natural drink without the addition of sulphur, chemicals or sugars.

There is also an upside to Mead production as most modern Mead producers are helping to promote the health of the bee population by donating to bee conservation charities and cultivating wild flowers to enhance their habitat.

In times gone by Monks produced Mead fit for European Royalty but Mead was available so more ordinary folk benefited as well. In fifth century Europe, guests would give newlyweds a month's worth of Mead as a gift. Considered to be an aphrodisiac the happy couple were expected to drink it to improve their chances of conceiving. June was a popular month for marriage and honey harvesting and the 'Mead Moon' or 'Honey Moon' was an old name for the full moon in June. The word 'honeymoon' may have originally referred to the inevitable waning of love, similar to the phases of the moon.

The Disease Of Kings

Gout the 'Victorian Disease' generally associated with Port drinkers, according to a recent press article is on the rise. It seems that just one pint of beer a day can be the cause of this condition. Scientists analysed health records of 400,000 Brits who downed a pint a day and concluded that men were 60% more likely to suffer this form of arthritis which affects the joints and can cause excruciating pain. it was even more pronounced among women at 62%.

Beer contains high levels of purines, and drinking beer daily can more than double your risk of developing gout, although consumption of any type of alcohol may pose additional risks. This is because alcohol increases the production of uric acid and reduces how much is removed from the body in the urine.

it is generally publicised that two pints and more per day can bring on gout, so this article is a red flag to beer drinkers who thought they were in the safe zone by just having the one. Gout typically develops in stages, in the first stage, uric acid levels are rising and there are no symptoms, in the second stage you will start to experience painful attacks known as flares. As gout progresses the pain will intensify affecting more joints with time between flares shortening.

Historically it was known as 'the disease of kings' because it hit middle-aged men and was thought to be caused by overindulgence on rich foods and wine, such as port. Monarchs including King Henry VIII and Queen Victoria suffered from it. According to Arthritis UK, 1.5 million folk in Briton suffer from this debilitating condition. Severe cases have surged with more than 200,000 people hospitalised each year. It primarily affects the feet.

In the new study, researchers tracked the drinking habits of 401,128 UK persons aged between 37 and 73 and free of gout. Over a follow- up of 13 years, the scientists discovered the risk of gout rose the more beer people consume, a man who drank two or three pints a week on average, had an 18 per cent higher chance of getting gout than a non-drinker. The risk more than doubled in those downing more than seven pints a week. Among other drinks, one glass of red wine per day increased the likelihood of developing gout by 12 per cent among men, by comparison, the study revealed that this was not the case regarding women. White wine and champagne also slightly raised the gout risk in both sexes.

You can get gout if you do not consume alcohol but obviously the risk is higher even with modest drinking.

WHO drinks the most

New figures from The World Health Organization (WHO) confirm that Europeans are the heaviest drinkers in the World consuming 9.2 litres of pure alcohol (equivalent to 460 pints) of beer a year on average. This compares to an international average of 5.5 litres (275 pints per person).

Largest consumers are the Romanians who drink 4.6 units of alcohol per day (36.9g of pure alcohol}. Men manage to down 1,365 pints a year and women consume 500 glasses of wine. Britain ranked 18th out of 51 European nations with people drinking 2.9 units (23.5g of pure alcohol). The average male consumes 850 beers and females drink 327 glasses of wine. Italy famous for its love of food and wine was surprisingly modest. Italians drink the equivalent of 635 beers or 233 glasses of wine per person.

Albania, who according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is one of the top countries worldwide for cannabis cultivation consumes even less with just 420 Beers or 127 glasses of wine per person.

European-Wide, Men consumed almost four times more pure alcohol (14.9 litres) than women (4.00 litres) per year. The WHO said there 'has been little or no progress' on reducing alcohol use in line with its goal to cut consumption by 10%. its data suggests that in 2019 there were more than 470 million drinkers in Europe, meaning that two out of three adults consumed alcohol. Their report stated that only 12 out of 53 countries had made significant progress towards the amount they drink.

From the other side of the globe, experts from a different research body in Australia surveyed more than 600 teens and found over half thought zero alcohol products were appealing, and more than one in three had tried them. Researchers were told by some of the teens that they feared their peers could get hooked on the taste of alcoholic beverages from alcohol free alternatives and drink more once they turned 18 as a result. Researchers concluded that the results highlighted a need to treat alcohol free beers wines and cocktails with caution, as they might become the gateway to young people converting to the real thing.

Manifesto for the DWSBR Party

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04/07/2024

The Drink Wine Spirits & Beer Responsibly Party otherwise known as the DWSBR Party is open to all persons regardless of geographical location, sexual orientation, religious belief or financial status. You cannot be a member of the DWSBR Party if you abstain from drinking alcohol or only drink no or low alcohol product by choice or are governed by the moral and religious laws of your country not to drink alcohol, which the DWSBR Party has the most upmost respect for. Equally the DWSBR Party respects the minimum drinking age imposed by each country for younger people.

The objective of our manifesto is to highlight the benefits of being a member on both serious and light hearted issues. The DWSBR Party operates on the basis of free will there is no registration requirement, just by drinking responsibly makes you a welcome member.

Being a member of the DWSBR Party may provide considerable health and wellbeing benefits it can help protect your brain, nervous system, heart, liver and pancreas. It can help stave off cancer, control your blood sugar levels and keep in check obesity. It can help solve mental health issues, make you less likely to be impacted by situations when you are not in control and vulnerable. In short it can save your life.

Your membership can offer a host of other benefits including not being a bore, not being disrespectful, not being violent if you are that way inclined. Sobriety can even bring you to the realisation that your football team is not as good as you think they are, or they think they are after they lose without the need for a punch up. It can stop you peeing your bed, peeing your pants or peeing in public.

There may be benefits regarding improved sex life, it may help erectile dysfunction after a 'drinking session' benefiting both (or more?) participants. It may stop you farting during the act!

Then of course there is Monday morning... being a member may mean you get up out of your bed and get to work on time. It may even make the difference between you going to work at all. If you are fortunate enough to be able to see a doctor these days it could mean fewer visits to obtain a sicky note based on your exaggerated health issues.

Think of the positive results for your local health service, less congestion in Accident and Emergency on a Friday and Saturday night, No more sleeping on a trolley for hours and hours because all the hospital beds are occupied. Of course if you have to pay for your hospital visit, the savings could be immense. Imagine a world free of hangover - No more fatigue, fuzzy head, dry mouth and vomiting.

You may save money because the wine spirit or beer is still in the fridge or cupboard and you haven't drunk it all so it doesn't need to be replaced ... we could go on and on but that's all for now.

The DWSBR slogan is 'Today, Tomorrow and Always' so if your are offered that extra drink or inclined to open another can or bottle just pause for a moment before you make your choice and remember there may be support from somewhere be it friends, family or well known agencies if you need it.

Welcome to the Party.

Mile High Risks

It appears that drinking alcohol on long haul flights can be bad for your heart according to a study from the institute of Aerospace in Cologne, Germany. The study, the first of its kind suggests that alcohol plus cabin pressure may threaten the heart health of sleeping passengers.

Researchers established that this combination lowers the amount of oxygen in passengers blood and raises the heart rate, even for those who are young and healthy. The study comprised of 48 people aged 18 to 40. Half slept in a laboratory with normal air pressure and the others in an altitude chamber which mimicked the cabin pressure of a plane travelling at cruising height. The groups slept for four hours, half in each one having drunk no alcohol while the others drank the equivalent of two cans of beer or two glasses of wine.

Those who slept in normal conditions with no alcohol had steady blood oxygen levels at around a healthy 96 percent with a sleeping heart rate of 64 beats per minute (bpm}. However those who drank and were in the altitude chamber had a fall in blood oxygen levels to an average 85 percent and their heart rates typically rose to nearly 88bpm during sleep. This compared to an average blood oxygen level of 88 percent and a sleeping heart rate of 73bpm for those in the altitude chamber who had no alcohol. The participants slept lying down so the findings may differ from those who fly economy class the report stated.

The larger the amount of alcohol consumed the greater the effect could be, especially among older passengers and those with medical conditions. The academics suggested that it may be time to consider limiting on-board access to alcohol, especially on long haul flights.

Sulphites

A recent press article on Good Health highlighted the role sulphites can play in causing issues for asthma sufferers. Sulphites are chemicals that are added to wine to preserve it and prevent bacteria growing. Mention was made regarding about a third of 366 asthmatics who took part in a study in 2000 at the Asthma and Allergy Research Institute in Perth, Western Australia reporting that alcohol had triggered at least two mild to moderate attacks, and that wine was the most common reason for this. In the UK, Margaret Kelman, a specialist allergy nurse with Allergy UK stated that there had been a significant increase in wine drinkers reporting sulphite allergy in recent years. Adding 'Around two percent of the "normal" population have a sulphite allergy but around 15 per cent of asthmatics find sulphites constrict their airways. It can be immediate but most often the airways start to contract after the wine hits the stomach.

It seems that general awareness on how sulphites in alcohol can cause asthma is very low. If you are an asthma sufferer stick more to red than white as white wine contains higher levels. The grape skins in red act as a natural preservative so fewer sulphites are needed. Non organic white wine has around 100mg of sulphites per litre. Red around 50 - 75g. It appears that prosecco has the lowest level of sulphites in mass produced wine.

It's all about how wine is produced and organic wine does not contain additional sulphites to preserve it which may be the best option or if you delve deeper there are sulphite free wines out there. Distilled drinks such as Gin and Vodka do not contain sulphites.

Longevity

Research suggests that couples who drink together may in fact live longer. A study conducted every two years over two decades involving more than 4500 married or cohabiting couples came up with this remarkable finding. US scientists discovered that couples tend to live longer if they both drink alcohol. The study was broad based examining whether or not a participant had consumed an alcoholic beverage within the last three months. The research carried out by the University of Michigan found that when two individuals have similar drinking behaviours it may be a reflection of compatibility in their lifestyles, intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

Dr Kira Birditt a research professor at the university said 'we've also found in other studies that couples who drink together tend to have better relationship quality, and it might be because it increases intimacy'. There was a caution however against using their findings as a reason to drink more with your partner. The study was published in The Gerontologist Journal and also gave mention that light drinking was linked to better survival rates compared to heavy drinking.

So with this in mind you and your loved one can also capitalise on another study which matched wines to moments in peoples lives. 2,000 wine buffs came up with the ideal match for occasions - rather than what's on the menu. After a long day at work Pinot Grigio came up as the best wine to unwind with. A medium bodied Rioja was suggested as the ideal choice when binge watching TV. Try a gently spiced Merlot when relaxing in a hot bath. If you unfortunately have to comfort a friend or relative after a messy break-up a full bodied fruity Chenin Blanc would fit the bill best. The study was commissioned by Aldi. Wine expert Sam Caporn said 'pairing wine with life events makes sense'. adding 'all grape varieties have characteristics that work better with certain moods'.

Punching Above Its Weight

An English whisky has been voted the best in the world. Produced by the The English Distillery in Norfolk. It is a sherry cask mature single malt, bottled by hand in Breckland, Norfolk. Unpeated and matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Judges heralded its ‘ aromas of rich dark fruits’ adding ‘ it delivers a wonderfully balanced and rich whisky’

The producer Andrew Nelstrop took over the distillery after his father’s death in 2014. His father, farmer James Nelstrop founded the distillery 17 years ago. Barley grown locally is the base for this obviously, wonderful whisky. It retails for around £50 per bottle.

Andrew and his wife Katy run the distillery. He commented ‘We’re stunned. Whilst any whisky maker hopes to win an award, winning the big one is the realisation my father’s goal of creating world class single malt whiskies in England, and sharing them with whisky lovers around the world’.

Unsurprisingly the Scotch Whisky Association have responded saying ‘Choosing a favourite whisky is a very personal choice, and Scotch Whisky consistently wins awards around the world. We are proud it is the world’s number one internationally traded spirit.

Highs And Lows

Sales of no/low alcohol drinks reached over 57 million litres in 2021. Around 1 litre for each adult in the UK, which was 1.06 percent of all sales worth £221 million. Their popularity continues to surge with consumers wanting a more healthier life style by reducing their alcohol intake.

Although on the face of it the trend is very positive, there is a negative side regarding no/low alcohol drinks, which is their high price. The concern is that consumers on tighter budgets are being priced out from buying them. A recent report stated that most drinks in this category cost the same or more than their alcohol included equivalents.

In the first research of its kind, a study analysed consumption of beers, ciders, wines, spirits and ready -to- drink beverages with less than 1.2 percent alcohol by volume. Around a third of adults consumed no or low alcohol drinks with one in five doing so once a month. Lighter drinkers were less likely to consume them on a regular basis than more heavy drinkers. More wealthy drinkers were likely to consume no or low alcohol drinks than those drinkers from poorer backgrounds. The study suggested that similar pricing with alcohol containing drinks put some people off.

John Holmes of the University of Sheffield which carried out the survey said ‘ it’s good to see evidence that risky drinkers are trying no/low alcohol beverages. However these drinks are expensive. That’s a problem because alcohol causes the most harm among more deprived groups. If those groups can’t afford no/low alcohol drinks, it might mean we see only a small improvement in public health’.

Figures from analysts Assosia for the Grocer magazine highlights a price hike of 23.3% for 9 popular alcohol free beers at four of the UK’s leading supermarkets since the start of December last year.

A statement from the industry funded Portman Group said ‘The concerns around alcohol alternatives which share branding with regular-strength drinks are unfounded, as research shows these brands are helping consumers cut their drinking’.

Feeling The Pinch

The oldest restaurant in Paris, La Tour D'Argent has experienced a theft from its magnificent wine cellar to the tune of 1.3 million pounds. Their cellar has a combined value of 21 million pounds.

The 25,000 most valuable bottles, all priced over £250 and over are stored in a special area on the first floor of the cellar which has walls reinforced with battleship grade metal. A routine stock check last month revealed that 83 bottles of some of their rarest wines had gone missing.

The thieves, referred to as the ‘premier crew’ could have taken the wines any time over the last four years. The restaurant went through extensive renovations before it reopened last summer and could have happened then. A list of the missing wines includes a number of red Burgundys from the prestigious Domaine de la Romanee – Conti regarded as some of the world’s greatest wines.

La Tour D’Argent was the inspiration for the 2007 hit film Ratatouille, the story of a young rodent who becomes a chef at a famous eatery in Paris. Celebs who have dined and enjoyed vintage wine at La Tour include Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie, Mick Jagger, Salvador Dali, Charlie Chaplin, Dustin Hoffman and Prince. Some may have ordered the restaurant’s signature dish Canard au sang or bloody duck which was the invention of the 19th century owner Frederic Delair.

So if you are in a dark lit bar off the champs de elysee and a stranger approaches, taking out a bottle of Grand Cru Petrus from his dingy duffle bag offering you it for thirty quid, you will know where it probably came from.

Fancy A Pint?

Moves are a foot to bring back pint sized bottles of still and sparkling wine this year. According to the Department for Business And Trade the new 568ml size will offer more choice to customers. There is no plan to change the rules on selling in imperial measures alongside their metric equivalent, clearly stated on the label due to consultations which suggested that 98.7% of respondents favoured using metric measurement units.

The new legislation will also allow wine to be sold in 200ml containers, potentially paving the way for an expansion in the current wine in a can market. Pint sized bottles for champagne were sold up until 1973 when the UK joined the common market. They are reported to have been the size favoured by our war time prime minister Winston Churchill. It will be the 150th anniversary of his birth this year a definite reason to pour a pint and for the trade to stock up.

On the subject of champagne 2023 saw a change in its fortunes with an 8% decline in volumes shipped compared to the same 12 month period in 2022. Covid caused a complete drop in the market in 2020 which tumbled to 245m bottles followed by a bounce back to 320m in 2021 and a euphoric 326m in 2022, the third highest ever total. The 2023 figure dropped to 298.7m, below the symbolic 300m figure.

With manufacturing costs rising there will be an inevitable rise in prices this year and perhaps the new pint size bottle will fill a gap in the market against its more expensive 750ml relative.

Titbits

As we approach the end of the year and this will be the final blog of the year, we have just put together an array of wine and spirit topics at random.

OWC Researchers from the University of California say an antioxidant called quercetin may be preventing drinkers processing alcohol properly, which could be the reason why red wine is more likely to give you a headache than other alcoholic drinks. Scientists have confirmed that quercetin blocks an enzyme needed to break down alcohol, with further research being carried out.

OWC A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reveals that more women regularly get drunk in the UK than anywhere else in the developed world. Due to binge drinking, more than a quarter of female drinkers (26%) down at least 6 drinks in a single session, once a month or more. This is an increase from 16% in 2015 and around double the global average of 12%.

OWC Around 1.7 million adults were likely to be drinking at a level which would be negative to their health, according to the Health Survey for England 2021. A new weight loss drug is currently being trialled which may also reduce the craving for alcohol.

OWC Try a Pickle Juice cocktail this Christmas. All the rave apparently. It originated a few years ago in Brooklyn, New York. 30 ml vodka/15ml pickled juice/100ml ginger ale/squeeze of lime/garnish with rosemary and red chilli/served with ice. Gives ‘ getting pickled’ a whole new meaning.

OWC Look out for a ‘Zork’ a black plastic stopper that twists off with a hiss and replaces the conventional foil wrapper and mushroom – shaped stopper in Sparking wines. Resealable and supposedly recyclable, it could soon be seen on English and New World sparkly wines and perhaps Cava and Prosecco.

OWC Technology has advanced so much that some producers are happily putting better quality wine in boxes. Bag-in-the box consumers appreciate the cost savings. Most boxes require less Co2 than bottles and meet greener standards more too.

OWC Champagne gets its bubbles from carbon dioxide (Co2) generated when yeasts, sugar and wine combine in a second round of fermentation in the bottle. A French study has found that the longevity of the bubbles is better in bigger bottles. A standard 75cl bottle has a shelf life of around 40 years while a three litre jeroboam can keep fresh for 132 years!

OWC Once described as a ‘ swimming pool drink ’, only to be enjoyed in the summer, There is an increasing trend for lighter wines with rose wine being popular all year round. About 830 million gallons of wine is produced annually in France with nearly 20% of it now being rose.

OWC 40 bottles of what is said to be the world’s oldest Scotch Whisky have been discovered in a clear out at Blair Castle Perthshire. Found in a hidden room, a label on the shelf stated that they were casked 1833, bottled 1841 and rebottled 1932. Castle archives log all food and drink consumed there and by whom including an entry in 1844 recording Queen Victoria drinking Blair Castle whisky during a visit. The value of them is immense.

OWC To avoid hangovers this Christmas and New Year it might be worth taking heed of a review published as long ago as 2008 by Dr Joris Verster a researcher in pharmacology at Utrecht University in the Netherlands that darker coloured drinks, which contain more congeners (chemicals that give drinks their colour and taste) result in worse hangovers. So it might be best to stick to beer, vodka or white wine if you want a clear head in the morning.

So that’s it for this year folks. Seasons Greetings from The Online Wine Club.

Surplus Stock

The French government has recently announced that 200 million Euros will be made available to fund the destruction of surplus wine production with the aim to support struggling wine producers and shore up prices.

A fall in demand, for various reasons has led to over production and it is stated that one in three wine makers in the Bordeaux region are facing major financial difficulties. Changes in consumption habits, the cost of living crisis and the after effects of covid have caused serious difficulties for many growers. European support funding was initially 160 million Euros, which has been topped up by a further 40 million. Agriculture minister Marc Fesneau stated the money ‘was aimed at stopping prices collapsing and so that wine-makers can find sources of revenue again’ but he stressed that the industry needed to ‘look at the future, think about consumer changes ... and adapt’

The south West Languedoc region has also been hit hard by the fall in demand, in some cases the sale price being below the production price. This region is the country’s largest wine producing area, well known for its full bodied reds.

Other public funds are also available for example to encourage grape growers to switch into other products such as Olives. Europe last suffered massive over production in the mid - 2000’s, the so called ‘wine lake’ which caused the European Union to reform its farm policy to reduce over production which was being stimulated by its own subsidies.

In a recent development with growers, things have got very heated in places, with French producers not just complaining but taking action and destroying hundreds of crates of Spanish Cava in protest over cheap imports. Around 500 vintners hijacked lorries in the border town of Boulou destroying their contents in what has been described as ‘economic war’ A 79 year old wine grower from the town of Ouveillan told the press that ‘ The Spanish have lower charges and the right to put all the chemicals they want on their vines while we have the right to do nothing. As a result Spanish wine costs half as much as French wine. A hectolitre of Spanish wine costs 40 Euros whereas it is almost 80 Euros here’

Alcohol from destroyed wine can be sold for use in products including hand sanitiser, cleaning products and perfume.

Wine Mums

Nobody can deny that bringing up small children can be extremely stressful. Experts have warned that reaching for a drink to cope with parenting could lead to problems further down the line. A study at the West Chester University in the US concluded that there was a light-heartedness around wine mum culture, where women joke about having three glasses of wine after a long hard day with a toddler for example.

The study was led by Dr Erin Hill and was centred around mums from both the UK and USA. Dr Hill commented that ‘ It helps women to bond, to feel camaraderie and social support when they might feel isolated or that they are not coping. But the potential negative effects of drinking too much alcohol are a risk and should not be overlooked’.

Researchers recruited 466 mothers and gave them a description of ‘Wine Mum’ culture – which means using alcohol to get through the day. The women were given a questionnaire about their drinking habits. Many of the mums were part of social media groups and shared their jokes regarding needing a drink to cope. Those who said they drank like a ‘wine mum’ were found to have a higher level of problematic drinking which included binge drinking, memory loss after drinking and feeling remorseful afterwards.

The research also concluded that this group of mums also had issues around food, such as skipping meals to avoid extra calories after drinking wine, or eating less so that they could feel the effects of alcohol faster after a stressful day.

Dr Hill said that ‘ The wine mum stereotype in popular culture may play a role in mothers’ decisions about alcohol use’ adding : ‘More research is needed, but it is possible drinking “ like a wine mum” may be related to problems with coping. Women really need to be self-aware about how much they are drinking’

Wine Man’s Bluff

A recent article suggests that Men are twice as likely as women to claim to be wine experts with 30 percent claiming they have used bluster when discussing wine, mainly to impress a date or look like they have a large amount of wine knowledge when they are drinking with friends. Fred Sirieix, star of Channel 4’s First Dates, said that the air of snobbery around wine ‘makes people think they have to be an expert in order to talk about it and enjoy it, when that is simply not the case’.

It also appears that a quarter of shoppers spend more than ten minutes trying to choose which wine to buy. About a third feel overwhelmed by the sheer choice while more than half admit that they don’t know which wines they like or dislike. One in six under 25’s take more than 15 minutes choosing which wine to buy. Incredibly the time we take deliberating over what to purchase in supermarket wine sections adds up to 50 million wasted hours per year!

So if all of this seems stressful, there is a simple answer – drink the wine (responsibly). Having the occasional drink can lower stress levels. A study in the journal of American College Of Cardiology suggests that regular low levels of alcohol were found to lead to long term reductions of stress signalling associated with heart attacks and strokes. Researchers studied data of more than 50,000 Americans and brain scans of 754. Scans showed that moderate drinkers had less stress signalling in the amygdala, a brain area associated with stress responses. Light to moderate drinkers also had fewer past heart attacks and strokes.

Temperature Control

It appears that due to climate change wine is getting sweeter. Experts believe it will become harder to establish subtle aromas due to warmer temperatures giving wine extra sweetness with fewer traditional floral or earthly flavours, giving wines a higher alcohol content. Emma Sayer, a professor at Lancaster University has stated that ‘Climate change may show up some people who like to pontificate about wine without knowing what they are talking about. They will need to taste the difference in wines made from grapes grown in different temperatures and learn about new varieties. The most expensive exclusive wines may even change, as dryer wines from grapes suited to cooler climates with the right acidity become more rare and in demand’.

The traditional way of tasting and distinguishing aroma and flavour in wine could be affected as there could be a reduction of tannins due to higher temperatures. Climate change could lead to more rain in some countries. Producers are harvesting earlier, being selective in picking the healthiest grapes and adapting their fermentation techniques to account for climate changes. It seems that we will have to get used to more varieties such as those made from fungus resistant grapes, developed because traditional vines face a higher threat from mildew.

With things hotting up many people are adding ice to their wine which is causing negative comments from traditionalists and wine snobs. One of the world’s leading chefs, Michelin – starred David Chang has commented that whenever he puts ice in wine it ‘tastes like gold’. ‘Drinking wine with ice tastes like gold. It’s so delicious. I drink on ice right now. I don’t just want to drink it in the summer now, I want to drink it year round. The reason you’re drinking it it is not for culinary snobbery, it’s because it’s a beverage. So drink it as a beverage, not as an artefact.’ OWC echoes that.

Floral Notes

Research by scientists has revealed that our perception of wine can be enhanced by matching it to flowers at the dining table. 32 people were asked to taste two red wines in rooms containing two different types of flower arrangements, or none. One of the wines, a rich Tannat from Uruguay, a wine considered to have a harsh-mouth feel and a strong aroma. When this wine was sipped while looking at delicate flowers people rated it less robust than a milder Australian Pinot noir. The arrangement which had this effect included champagne roses and light blue delphiniums – with their delicacy thought to have brought a similar taste to the wine. Using a brighter display of flowers had the opposite effect making the wine have a more robust flavour.

The study published in the International Journal Of Gastronomy and Food Science was led by Dr Herber Rodriques from the UK Centre for Excellence on Wine Education, Training and Research said ‘Wine is one of the world’s great sensory experiences, but this new research suggests that it can be influenced by factors outside of the glass, like flower arrangements.’

The 32 people recruited didn’t know which wines they were trying and that they were the same reds each time. In every room tasters tended to rate the Pinot noir as delicate but the far more robust Tannat was incorrectly rated as more delicate than the Pinot noir when accompanied by an arrangement containing pale, light and less colourful flowers. When the flowers on the table were brightly coloured or intense blooms such as red ranunculus the Tannat was described as complex and acidic.

So if it’s flowers and wine for a romantic evening, a birthday celebration, a wedding or event the following is a recommendation for the perfect wine and floral pairing.

• Malbec – White Anemone
• Pinot grigio – Light Pink Dahlia
• Pinot Noir - Red Rose
• Sauvignon blanc – Green Carnation
• Bacchus English wine – Blue Delphinium
• Cabernet Sauvignon – Light Pink Calla lily
• Merlot – Lady Jane Grey Heirloom Rose
• Tannat – Light Pink Peony
• Riesling – Blue Hydrangea

TASTING CORNER

Here you will find niche wines and spirits, Some very specific to individual taste and requirements, many not easy to find on popular search engines. Several, in our opinion their absolute best in their Class.

TASTING CORNER

Here you will find niche wines and spirits, Some very specific to individual taste and requirements, many not easy to find on popular search engines. Several, in our opinion their absolute best in their Class.