Manny Valdes’ Post

Vineyard Area in Spain, France, Italy, and the U.S., 1880-2022. Note the abysmal decline of the Italian vineyard area, from almost 4.5 million hectares (!) to now just above 715,000 hectares.

140 years of vineyard shrinkage. Bear in mind that Phylloxera was first identified in Europe in 1863 and destroyed nearly 2.5m ha in France over next 20 years. Around half of France's vines. So the blue line would have been far higher if the graph were extended to the left. Other parts of Europe were affected post 1880 - years where we have little/no data for Spain and Italy. Also, very curiously when considering the graph, Italian wine production *doubled* 1946-1980's before dropping again... https://lnkd.in/e3HBby_X Note too, the introduction of DOC laws in Italy in 1963 and the plummeting of Algerian exports post 1962 when it ceased to be a French colony. One might have expected southern French vineyards to have had a boost then, but apart from a plateau in 1970-75, this doesn't seem to have been the case

This chart illustrates what I- and others - have been saying about appellations for decades An appellation is an attempt at brand-creation: the making of a name that target consumers will recognise and look out for and possibly even be ready to buy at a higher price To succeed, any brand, in any sector, has to be distinctively different and it has to have the means to establish that point of difference For most wine regions, this is provided by the critical/market recognition of one or more key producers Regnié has never had a 'key' producer. It lacked one when it was given its AOC in 1988, and never subsequently acquired one. As the Beaujolais regional site - https://lnkd.in/ewM4r9cU - says, its wines are 'light, easy to drink... maturing quickly' There are many hundreds of appellations like this across the world, and new ones are being created all the time. If they ceased to exist, the world would need little adjustment to accommodate their absence

So that's why Moldovans are such a cheerful people. They drank wine already when there was nothing else.  The first archaeological evidence of winemaking in Moldova dates back to about 5500 B.C. However, the most significant finds, confirming the development of winemaking in this region, belong to the period between 4500 and 3500 B.C. The most significant finds are from the period between 4500 and 3500. In these excavations, ceramic vessels similar to amphorae were found that were used to store and transport wine. Traces of grape processing and yeast were also found, indicating the fermentation process. These artifacts are important evidence that people in this region were engaged in winemaking already in a fairly early period of history. Moldova, thanks to its climatic conditions and rich soil, has always been one of the key winemaking regions in Europe. Modern winemaking in Moldova continues to inherit this long history, offering high quality wines that are internationally recognized. 😉

🍐 Do you know that pear appeared in Homer's Odyssey, where it was listed among the 'gifts of gods'? The Greek author was unable to write about the renowned Portuguese Rocha pear, as this variety was discovered several centuries later. However, it is undeniable that this fruit merits divine recognition. The tale of the Rocha Pear commenced in 1836 at Pedro António Rocha's Farm, situated in close proximity to Lisbon. The variety was officially recognized by the 2nd National Congress of Pomology in Alcobaça in 1932. In 2003, the Rocha pear, a solely Portuguese product, was granted the Protected Designation of Origin status. Portugal produces approximately 173,000 tonnes of Rocha pear every year. The country also has a high pear consumption rate: 6.2 kilograms of pear per person. This sweet and crispy fruit isn't just a favourite of the Portuguese. Portugal exports 60% of yearly production. The list of places where exports go includes more than 20 countries like Brazil, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Sources: 🔹 https://perarocha.pt/ 🔹 https://lnkd.in/dvT8qPrf #PPCC #summerpost #rochapear #Portugal #pearproduction #fruitproduction #fruitexport

🍇 According to recent #archaeological, archaeochemical and archaeobotanical data, #winemaking emerged during the Neolithic period in the South Caucasus, and subsequently reached the Iberian Peninsula and Western Europe during the local beginning of Iron Age, following the main maritime civilizations. 📜 This review summarises the most relevant findings evidencing that the expansion of wine production, besides depending on adequate pedo-climatic conditions and wine-growing practices, also required the availability of pottery vessels to properly ferment, store and transport wine without deterioration. Besides being a pleasant drink, wine was even used for medicinal purposes and became an important part of religious rituals and social celebrations throughout successive ancient Western civilizations. Other fermented beverages such as mead and beer gradually lost their relevance and soon wine became the most valorised. 👉 Check out the whole story on the rise of wine among ancient civilizations across the Mediterranean Basin here: https://lnkd.in/gDBMQncB In the figure, authors illustrated a wine production facility in Areni-1 site.

Why should the Douro Valley be on every wine lover’s wish list? Boasting the largest area of mountainous vineyard in the world, Douro Valley is a marvel of ancient vines and beautiful landscapes. Learn more about the vinous revolution taking place in this Unesco-protected area in this week's Vinosity article. Words by Lisse Garnett Read it here: https://loom.ly/VlgMEjY

When describing Australian Shiraz, common terms are “full-bodied”, “ripe”, “rich”, and “intense” with blue fruit, black fruit, chocolate, and spice notes. These descriptors are in line with the warmer climates of the famous Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale. But did you know that you can also find cool-climate medium-bodied Shiraz in Australia? Meet Mount Langi Ghiran, a pioneer in cool-climate Shiraz since the 1960s. https://lnkd.in/gbTgiM6K

Introducing @arcticrush.no a fusion of natural superfood ingredients harvested from the Andean highlands of Bolivia and Peru, the exotic Brazilian Amazon rainfores, and the fresh purity of the Norwegian nature water. Created by @darkenergymedia.no

In today's newsletter, I talk about the difference between lavender and lavandin. Did you know that those beautiful fields from Provencal postcards are not even lavender? Check out the newsletter to find out more! #herbalmedicine Levanduľová sezóna/Lavender season