Glass Globes Gain Popularity In Wine Vinification
Image Source: Clos Solène / Robb Report
Winemakers around the world are experimenting with new vessels for vinification. Traditionally, wine is aged in oak barrels. In more recent years, producers have experimented with vessels such as clay pots and concrete eggs, which seal oxygen away completely, making them ideal for aging wine. Glass is 100% non-porous, so punchy fruit flavors are retained longer in the vinification process. “It’s like taking a fresh fruit you’ve just cut and keeping it just as fresh smelling and tasting for 12 months,” says winemaker Guillaume Fabre. As of now, Wineglobes are being used by 20 wineries in U.S.A., and nearly 500 around the world.
What A 200% Tariff On EU Alcohol Could Mean For The Industry
Image Source: Barmalini / Stock.Adobe.Com
This month, President Trump threatened the European Union with a 200% tariff on all imported wines and spirits. The announcement came in response to the EU's proposed 50% American whiskey tax. “If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. European alcohol exports to the U.S surpassed $5 billion in 2024, and the proposed tariff would devastate the country's alcohol exports industry. “The U.S.-EU spirits sector is the model for fair and reciprocal trade, having zero-for-zero tariffs since 1997,” said Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger. "We urge President Trump to secure a spirits agreement with the EU to get us back to zero-for-zero tariffs, which will create U.S. jobs and increase manufacturing and exports for the American hospitality sector. We want toasts not tariffs.”
Alcohol Giant Diageo Plans To Build $415m Plant In Alabama
Image Source: Diageo
Last year, shortages of Guinness beer became for a huge problem for U.S. bars, restaurants, and alcohol distributors. Now Diageo, the behemoth behind Guinness, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker and other beverage brands has announced plans to build a $415 million manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama. The project will bring higher quality products directly to U.S. bars and restaurants while boosting the sustainability of the supply chain and company operations. The facility is expected to be fully operational by the second half of this year, creating nearly 750 new job opportunities.
Bar Fight: Maryland's Orange Crush Cocktail Claimed By Delaware As Its State Cocktail
Image Source: Rey Lopez
Pour equal parts vodka, triple sec, and fresh orange juice into an ice-filled pint glass, top with lemon-lime soda, and serve. The Orange Crush is a straightforward summer cocktail. So is its undisputed history: it was invented and named in 1995 at the Harborside Bar & Grill in Ocean City, Maryland. However, the neighboring state of Delaware introduced a new bill last month proclaiming the Orange Crush its official state cocktail. The bill claims “The Orange Crush has been made famous and become synonymous with Dewey Beach, Delaware," specifically at The Starboard bar. Who really owns this highly quaffable thirst-quencher? The impending signature of Delaware Governor John Carney may soon end the drink's debate.
Cornell Researchers Identify Cause Of Rotten Egg Smell In Canned Wine
Image Source: Javier Zayas
In bottles, wine ages well. In cans, not so much. Cornell University researchers Gavin Sacks and Julie Goddard have discovered why. Winemakers regularly use sulphur dioxide (SO2) as an antioxidant and antimicrobial. At concentrations higher than 0.5 ppm, the SO2 bypasses the can liner and reacts with the aluminum itself, forming hydrogen sulphide, which emits the dreaded rotten egg smell. To avoid it, Sacks and Goddard recommend using cans lined with epoxy and keeping SO2 at or below 0.4 ppm in the wine. Because no one wants to drink a rotten egg.
