A change to the Wine Australia Corporation Act 1980 means that from now on, ‘Sherry’ produced in Australia must no longer be called “sherry” but can be called ‘Cream, crusted/crusting and solera fortified’; and ‘Port’ is now called ‘Vintage, ruby and tawny fortified’. It is also possible for Australian wine-makers to invent their own descriptor or trademark as another option. The change in law was included in an Australian Bureau of Agricultural... ...Read more »

Australian consumers are being treated to considerable reductions in Champagne prices and making the most of it. According to market research leaders, The Nielsen Company, the average price of Champagne has fallen by over eight percent per bottle over the past two years, from $65.58 in 2008 to $60.43 for the 12 months ending September 2010. As a result, the Champagne segment has enjoyed a 17.5 percent increase in volume sales, over the 12 months to September 2010; a significant feat given growth... ...Read more »

A new agreement between the European Union and Australia has been reached to govern the wine trade between the EU and Australia. The agreement, signed in Brussels yesterday by EU Commissioner for Agriculture Mariann Fischer Boel and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith, will replace the one signed in 1994. Commissioner Fischer Boel said the new agreement established principles for the protection of Geographical Indications and traditional expressions and protected the EU’s... ...Read more »