The UK wine industry took a huge hit in the 2018 autumn budget as Philip Hammond, the chancellor confirmed that wine duty will rise in line with inflation on 1 February 2019. Continue reading “Grossly unfair decision”
Grossly unfair decision
Pectinases and glucanases
Enzymes are proteins which act as biological catalysts that facilitate and accelerate specific reactions and are useful tools during pre and post alcoholic fermentation. Post ferment enzymes, in particular glucanases enhance organoleptic attributes as well as improving stability and they aid filtration by minimising clogging compounds. Maryam Ehsani of Laffort explains further the role Extralyse can play during wine stabilisation. Continue reading “Pectinases and glucanases”
Engineering heritage
English wine industry legend Kenneth McAlpine started his machinery dealership, Lamberhurst Equipment, by accident. Continue reading “Engineering heritage”
Vineyard economics
Current view of the market
We are delighted to be part of the successful UK wine industry. The quality of UK wine is excellent, winning top international awards. Continue reading “Vineyard economics”
November’s words from the editor
In light of this year’s ridiculously big, quality harvest, I, like many, already can’t wait to taste the fruits of the industry’s labour. Whether that is some time next year for still wines or over the next three years or so for the sparklers, there is no doubt that there is going to be an abundance of interesting wine. Continue reading “November’s words from the editor”
Retailers urged to support partnership scheme
Alcohol retailers are being urged to help drive down underage drinking by supporting the Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) scheme. Continue reading “Retailers urged to support partnership scheme”
‘Tis the season
Christmas is looming and ‘tis the season of goodwill, so I am taking a more light-hearted look at the wines you should be devouring over the next few months in order to take the heat out of the ‘discussions’ which were stirred up by last month’s column! Continue reading “‘Tis the season”
Additional business
This is the season to be jolly and, with the increase of UK consumers investing or should I say drinking English Wine, I am sure that all of you are looking forward to a busy couple of months. As any hostess will know, in order to organise the best Christmas party the first and most important thing (some would say) is to organise the booze first, and the rest will follow. In my world the top three most important items are booze, hair and shoes! Continue reading “Additional business”
A year in review
The grapes are pressed, the leaves are yellowing and falling to the floor and attention is now switching towards pruning and the year to come. It seems strange now to look back at the year we have had with the summer’s prolonged high temperatures (and the challenges it brought) making ‘the Beast from the East’ a distant memory. This year illustrates just how influential temperature is on good cropping in grapes, following a prolonged winter. Continue reading “A year in review”
Feeding the vines
To spread fertiliser across the vineyard in a speedy way the broadcast applicator is best, normally requiring a pass up every third or fourth row, operating at a speed of four to six kph. Continue reading “Feeding the vines”