As world leaders – or most of them – gather in Glasgow for COP26, the wine industry is being encouraged to sign a petition against weighty wine bottles. While welcoming the initiative, Robert Joseph wonders if this the best way to save the planet.

Alcohol limits vary greatly by country and by gender. David Morrison takes a fascinating look at the data.

For the first time in 140 years, the British government is changing the way it taxes alcohol. This could have an impact beyond the shores of the United Kingdom. Robert Joseph reports.

The owner of one St Emilion chateau has to pay a fine, while another does not. Robert Joseph considers this latest storm-in-a-wineglass.

Shares of Russian alcohol companies rose on news of the introduction of a lockdown from 28 October. What other factors could be behind the volatility in the Russian market? Meininger investigates.

Robert Joseph discovers a trio of wines at Vinitaly Special Edition that make him rethink his position.

No other country now imports more wine than Germany. In this market overview, using data from the World Bulk Wine Fair’s Bulk Wine Club we analyse where most of that wine comes from – and the broad range of prices between producing countries.

In Italy, where so much buying and selling of grapes and bulk wine takes place every year, the 25 leading wine brokers have a unique insight into production and market trends. Veronika Crecelius of Weinwirtschaft magazine talks to Andrea Verlicchi president of Med.&A, the association that brings together these businesses to discover the impact the 2021 vintage is likely to have on the availability and prices of some of the most popular styles of wine.

Robert Joseph visits Vinitaly 'Special Edition' and discovers a very different atmosphere to the Vinitaly events he is used to.

The beautiful poor relation of the red Crus Classés of Bordeaux, Sauternes is desperately in need of imagination and inspiration. The owners of Châteaux Lafite and Rieussec are facing up to the challenge. Robert Joseph wonders whether others will follow their example.

Worldwide, the costs of wine production increase. In Germany, too, the producer complaints are getting louder and louder. We analysed Germany's wine production cost structure.

On his return from a trip to Switzerland, Robert Joseph draws some parallels between attitudes to watches and wine, and corks and screwcaps. 

Should Provence Rosé be pale? Should English fizz be made in the same way as Champagne? And should the next Bond be a woman? Robert Joseph sees some connections between these questions

Most wine writers presume that English Sparkling wine is destined for international success. Indeed, some have compared the young industry to the one that sprang up in New Zealand in the 1980s. Robert Joseph has his doubts. 

A group of global players want to develop a worldwide standard. This is welcome, says Alexandra Wrann, but the task may not be straightforward.