Read more about the article Evin Law: the final decision
Emmanuel Macron and Manuel Valls at the National Assembly.
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Evin Law: the final decision

On the 16th of June, the French Prime Minister and National Assembly officially added a new amendment to the Macron Law, which distinguishes information from advertising. This outcome has been hailed as a victory by the wine industry, even if the adopted definition is somewhat diminished from the initial version by Senator Gérard César. Here is a short chronological summary to conclude this debate about the Evin Law and its definition of advertising: The Evin Law – proposed by MP Claude Évin and passed in January 1991 – aims to tackle the issues…

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Tapas week – Tortilla Espanola

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Tortilla Espanola Serves 3 people Ingredients 4 eggs ½ kilogram of potatoes, with firm flesh 1 medium onion Olive oil Salt Preparation Peel and wash the potatoes. Cut into fairly thin slices or dice finely. Cut…

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Tapas week – Pan Con Tomate

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Pan Con Tomate (Tomato on Toasted Bread) Ingredients 4 large slices of country bread (like the French-style Poilane bread) 4 very ripe tomatoes 3 garlic cloves Olive oil Salt Preparation Toast the bread slices in the…

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Tapas week – Cod Croquettes

Tapas are more than just a recipe, it's a way of life – known for being great summer starters. With summer in the air, we are having a tapas week at iDealwine! Keep an eye on the blog for a new, classic Spanish tapas recipe every day, to enjoy with a good rosé or chilled white wine. Cod Croquettes Serves 4 people Ingredients 200 g cod ½ bunch of chives 2 garlic cloves 100 g flour 1 litre of milk 3 eggs Breadcrumbs Olive oil Salt Parsley Preparation Chop chives, garlic and cod…

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Read more about the article Chambord vineyard resurrected after 500 years
®Ludovic Letot
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Chambord vineyard resurrected after 500 years

In June 2015, domaine Chambord began replanting the vineyards of King Francis I, 500 years after its introduction to the Loire Valley in 1519. The famous Château de Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley châteaux and a Unesco World Heritage site. It was built for King Francis I in 1519 in the town bearing the same name – on the site of an old château of the counts of Blois and the village’s church – in order to affirm power and to serve as a hunting lodge. At the start of…

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A good year for Vinexpo

The 18th edition of Vinexpo took place in Bordeaux last week and is said to have been a great success, with visitor numbers more or less on par with 2013, while exhibitors are commending the quality of these visitors. From Sunday the 14th to Thursday the 18th of June the Bordeaux Exhibition Centre was the hub of this large-scale event. It was the first Vinexpo to be opened by the French president and attracted nearly 48,000 professionals from across the globe. Created in 1981 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux,…

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Read more about the article Vinexpo: Château Margaux unveils new cellar
Château Margaux © Mathieu Anglada
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Vinexpo: Château Margaux unveils new cellar

To coincide with this year’s Vinexpo and in celebration of its 200th vintage, Château Margaux launched its new facilities, designed by Lord Norman Foster. iDealwine’s deputy managing director, Angélique de Lencquesaing, was among the media and wine trade guests. Château Margaux recently unveiled its new cellar and underground library vault, with the type of reception to which only the greatest Bordeaux producers hold the secret. This project took more than three years under the supervision of the great architect, Norman Foster. Arriving at Château Margaux, one of the first things that strike you…

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Read more about the article Asia’s thirst for wine
An iDealwine tasting in Hong Kong at Hullett House for 25 of our customers.
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Asia’s thirst for wine

The days of wine being little more than a status symbol gift with which to impress colleagues and friends, may soon be over – there is a fresh new wind blowing through Asia, with a growing number of young and knowledgeable consumers enjoying a wider range of wines, more frequently. The Chinese may be known for their “Red Obsession” – overtaking France and Italy last year to become the number one consumer of red wine – but according to an article in Gambero Rosso, there is definitely room for something new. The article quoted…

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Christophe Delorme of La Mordorée dies at age 52

Christophe Delorme, head of domaine La Mordorée (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tavel and Lirac), suddenly passed away on the 9th of June at the age of 52. Domaine La Mordorée (a reference to the particular colour of the woodcock, the emblem of the domaine) was created in the late 80s by Christophe Delorme, who traded his original profession in textiles for a life of vines and wine. His passion quickly revealed a particular focus on quality, both for vine growing and winemaking. Very soon the domaine was recognised as one of the great producers of the…

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Evin Law change: victory for the wine industry

The amendment to the controversial Evin Law, suggested by Senator Gérard César for a clear distinction between advertising and information regarding wine in France, was adopted by the National Assembly last week. This amendment has been dubbed ‘incomprehensible’ by his opponents, but celebrated by his followers – so what does it really mean? The consideration by the National Assembly committee regarding the new Macron Law (Emmanuel Macron, minister for Economic Affairs) was validated on Thursday, 11th June, against the advice of the government. The amendment of Girondian Senator Gérard César (Republican, former UMP)…

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A taste of Provençal life

The arrival of beautiful sunny days, blue skies and the first barbecues create an almost holiday-like atmosphere, and with it comes a desire for good rosé. Our Fixed-Price Sale offers a superb selection to choose from! Rosé has become a real phenomenon. In France, it represents nearly 30% of wine consumption. Unfortunately, lower prices often lead to a certain mediocrity in quality, which becomes more acceptable when you are relaxing in the sun or at the seaside… For this sale, however, we were particularly careful to select only the very best rosés (after…

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A world of wine tourism

If you want to discover new and exotic locations, eat delicious food and experience wines from different vineyards, then try wine tourism. Indeed, in these difficult economic times, wine tourism appears to be a useful tool, taking advantage of the growing tourism sector. Both old world and new world countries have their own approaches in this regard. In recent years we have observed the emergence of quality wines, accompanied by wine tourism, from new world wine producing countries such as Australia, Chile, South Africa, California and Argentina. Did you know that the USA…

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iDealwine’s WineDex up 7%

The iDealwine indices appreciated by 0.81% in May, resulting in an overall growth of more than 7% since the beginning of 2015. The iDealwine indices continued its upward trend in May, with Burgundy setting the tone, realising an increase of 1.16% for this regional index. This amounts to an increase of more than 14% over the past 12 months! Angélique de Lencquesaing, deputy managing director of iDealwine, notes that wines from recent vintages included in the index are generally very desirable after their release. This explains the upward trend observed with the great…

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Considering the UK market

The UK wine market finally seems to be stabilising, with especially the on-trade showing signs of a revival, while the price per litre for wine has been increasing in both the on-trade and off-trade. With our head office in Paris, iDealwine has been growing its international reach by opening an office in Hong Kong in 2013 and London in 2014, focussing more time and resources on serving our clients in the UK, Western Europe, Asia and the US. Based in our London office and following the recent London Wine Fair, I decided to…

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Jancis Robinson on the evolution of wine since 1985

Last week, the famous wine critic Jancis Robinson published an article on her website in which she analyses the evolution of wine and viticulture around the world since 1985. Some of the factors that emerged from this analysis include the globalisation of the wine trade, "francisation" of grapes around the world, the emergence of New World wines, the globalisation of tastes and wines, and finally, in a kind of countermovement, the promotion of identity and uniqueness of terroir. In 1985, Australia exported only 2% of its wine production (compared to 60% today). This…

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Roulot | Centre stage

One white Burgundy producer has been hogging the spotlight of late, exuding the style and flair of its thespian winemaker. [embeddoc url="https://www.idealwine.info/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2017/10/2015-06-Roulot-iDealwine-The-Drinks-Business.pdf" viewer="google"] See Roulot wines currently for sale See all wines currently on sale Register here to access auctions and fixed-price sales Receive a free estimate of your cellar Read further on iDealwine Le Blog: Meursault’s Roulot impresses on auction Auction report: Meursault Premier Cru Les Perrières booming Top 20 of Burgundy wines

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Read more about the article Stephan von Neipperg invests in South Africa
Baron Stephan von Neipperg
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Stephan von Neipperg invests in South Africa

Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of (among others) Châteaux Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte, has expanded his portfolio by investing in Capaia Wines near Philadelphia in South Africa. Aside from Canon La Gaffelière (premier grand cru of Saint-Emilion) and Mondotte (premier grand cru of Saint-Emilion), Stephan von Neipperg is also the owner of Peyreau (Saint-Emilion), Aiguilhe (Côte de Castillon), Clos de l'Oratoire (grand cru of Saint-Emilion) and Clos Marsalette (Pessac-Léognan). He also has interests in Châteaux Guiraud (Sauternes) and Soleil (Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion), and is the co-owner of domaine Bessa Valley, in the Pazardjik region…

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Read more about the article View from the top at London Wine Fair
The six wines tasted during the iDealwine blind tasting competition
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View from the top at London Wine Fair

What an exciting few days it has been! Last week, iDealwine exhibited at the London Wine Fair for the first time, as part of the newly launched premium wine section, The View. In-between seeing old friends, making new ones and tasting some amazing wines, we also put our visitors’ taste-buds to the test with our blind tasting competition. While the jury is still out as to the exact visitor numbers, the 35th edition of this world-leading trade event can no-doubt be hailed a success. Held again at Olympia London, the fair was set…

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Attractive euro boosts WineDex: 2.23% increase for April

The iDealwine indices recorded a strong performance in April, largely boosted by the weak euro. The iDealwine 100 indice rose by 2.23%, owing much of its growth to the global demand for Burgundy, which increased by 3.10%.   The prices recorded on auction in April were boosted by Burgundy, with the regional iDealwine Burgundy indice appreciating by 3.10% during this period. Some bottles recorded price jumps of 80%, both for reds – including the Chambertins of mature vintages of the 1980s – and whites, for example Meursault Perrière of Coche-Dury. In fact, Burgundy…

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Grilled lobster with salted butter by Chef Olivier Roellinger

An inexpensive, yet delicious and powerful dish! Great with Champagne or white wine. Preparation time: 20 min Cooking time: 15 min Serves 8 people Ingredients: - 4 lobsters (800g each) - 150g salted butter - Juice of 2 lemons - 3 tablespoons of heavy cream - A few drops of Calvados - Ground black pepper Preparation: Pre-cook the lobsters It is best to boil the lobsters as soon as possible – this will prevent it from releasing its water and preserve the freshness of its flesh. Bring a large amount of water to…

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Meet iDealwine at London Wine Fair

The 2015 London Wine Fair is around the corner and for the first time, iDealwine will be exhibiting! Taking place from Monday 18th May to Wednesday 20th May, iDealwine will showcase some delicious favourites and rare, older vintages, as well as a couple of Champagnes and large format bottles to coincide with our current sales. The London Wine Fair is a world-leading trade event – running annually since 1981, it brings together all aspects of trade for three days. Last year, the event moved back to its original Olympia location and attracted more…

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Bordeaux 2011-2014 for every style and pocket

Following the 2014 En Primeur tastings last month – when the wine world quite literally descended on Bordeaux – a group of grands crus producers recently crossed the English Channel to present their 2011 to 2014 wines to London’s trade and media. A matter of price The price of Bordeaux is constantly in the limelight, from the hype surrounding the annual En Primeur campaigns, to the high auction prices often achieved by prestigious first growths. While prices of the top wines have been slowing over the last year (the iDealwine iDealwine indicefor Bordeaux…

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1945 – The Victory Year

Today marks the end of the Second World War in Western Europe, when 70 years ago on the 8th of May 1945, Germany unconditionally surrendered. In France, the churches rang out the end of the war and people took to the streets in joyous celebration, while General de Gaulle announced that “victory is ours”. As if to celebrate the end of the war, 1945 is also considered one of the best vintages of all time in Bordeaux! Some wine regions may claim to produce a great vintage, or even a “vintage of the…

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Bordeaux 1990, Rousseau, Rayas and old Armagnac in the spotlight

Attracting more than 550 buyers, the Online Auction that closed on the 29th of April recorded a surge in prices of certain Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. Krug Champagne and aged spirits also garnered good results. Bidders from 25 countries, from all four corners of the world, competed for the great wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône and Champagne, not forgetting the Loire, as well as some rare and aged spirits. In Bordeaux, Petrus remained the top performer. Even lesser vintages, such as the 2007 (€1,680), or classic years like 2004 (€1,620), recorded price increases.…

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Read more about the article Champagne legend Joseph Henriot dies
© Michel Joly
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Champagne legend Joseph Henriot dies

The world of Champagne is in mourning with the passing of Joseph Henriot last week, the man who directed – among others – this eponymous Champagne house since 1962. Joseph Henriot can be described as a visionary and great entrepreneur. Training as an agricultural engineer, he joined the family Champagne house in 1957, at only 21 years old, before taking over the reins after his father’s death in 1962. He guided this house with great skill, bringing a renewed energy and further improving its good reputation. He was also in charge of Charles-Heidsieck…

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Read more about the article Exploring the South
Trade and press gather at the Sud de France tasting in London.
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Exploring the South

The South of France, and particularly Languedoc-Roussillon, is known for its mild, Mediterranean climate, modern production techniques and good value for money wines. A recent showcase by Sud de France in London highlighted this region’s diverse offering, from easy-drinking and fruit-forward sippers to the more serious and individual wines. Languedoc-Roussillon is the world’s largest vineyard and in 2013, more than 453 million bottles were exported. Germany remains its most important market, while sales in the US have doubled over the last five years. Of the 20,000 growers in the area, around 1,000 have…

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Meursault’s Roulot impresses on auction

Roulot may be less renowned than other Coche-Dury or Auvenay producers, but has emerged as a sought-after success during the recent auction sales of white Burgundy. A key reason for this is that Jean-Marc Roulot’s Meursault wines are not only of exceptional quality, but also with a strong personality and style which is becoming more and more popular. Many Meursault producers have gained a reputation for creating big and opulent Chardonnay that is rich and concentrated, often marked by a “smoky or toasty” character, wrongly suggesting that this is the only style of…

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Petrus, Krug and wines from Chambertin, Cornas and Alsace in the spotlight

The latest Online Auction that closed on the 15th of April attracted nearly 500 buyers from 30 different countries. All regions garnered interest, in particular wines from Chambertin, Cornas and Alsace, while Petrus and Krug were also stand-out performers. Among the great wines of Bordeaux, Petrus is clearly distinguished, with prices on the rise for all vintages, from the classic years, to the highly sought-after 2000, which sold for €3,360 (+6%). The 2011 Petrus that recently started to appear at sales, already registered good growth compared to the iDealwine estimate, reaching €1,680 (+17%).…

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Women and wine

As a woman working in the wine industry, I wanted to focus on Wine and Women. When I started working in the wine sector, my friends thought that it was a great idea, but a very male-dominated industry. Even today, they question whether it is difficult to work in a traditionally male industry. While men still make up the majority, figures show that the grape game is becoming more and more feminine. It is not uncommon to see women working as winemakers or wine merchants, sommeliers or public relations officers. Ophélie Neiman, a…

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A thirst for Rhône

While Bordeaux and Burgundy remain synonymous with fine wine investment, the Rhône Valley is growing in popularity, with renewed interest in top wines particularly from Côte Rôtie and Hermitage. In addition, the entire Côtes du Rhône AOC experienced a 27% value growth in the UK over the last decade. iDealwine’s iDealwine Rhône indice registered an increase of 6.95% for the first quarter of 2015 – more than either Burgundy (+5.49%) or Bordeaux (-1.23%). Angélique de Lencquesaing, co-founder of iDealwine, explains that the Rhône Valley has become one of the most praised regions over…

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Read more about the article Biodynamic, organic, sustainable?
Credit: Pontet-Canet
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Biodynamic, organic, sustainable?

An introduction to sustainability Impossible to miss, this yearly “grande messe” of the En Primeur, where about 5,000 wine trade and press gather talking, gossiping, swirling, spitting, bashing or praising the new releases. For my second year of this tasting, I was glad to discover a better vintage than 2013. Part of the iDealwine team of four visiting this year, we tasted hundreds of extremely (often too) young juices full of tannins and anthocyanins, all the way from the left to the right bank. We finished our two-day visit with obviously black teeth,…

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