Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

Constellation Brands has recently announced a significant decline in its wine and spirits division, which includes prestigious names such as Robert Mondavi and The Prisoner. For the first fiscal quarter ending May 31, the company experienced a staggering 47% drop in net sales for this division, totaling $149.2 million. This downturn follows the sale of numerous lower-priced labels in June 2025, which has led to a reduction in shipment volumes by 64.1% compared to the previous year.

In stark contrast, the organic sales of its remaining brands showed a positive trend, with an 8% increase to $149.2 million from $138.5 million a year earlier. Shipment volumes for these organic brands rose by 7.7%, reflecting a 6.6% increase in distributor sales to retailers.

Constellation noted that their premium wine and spirits brands outperformed the broader market, making them the second-largest gainer by dollar share in the overall wine category, thanks largely to brands like Kim Crawford and The Prisoner. The division also reduced its operating loss to $1.1 million from $6 million in the same quarter last year, thanks to increased organic shipment volumes and reduced marketing expenses.

Overall, Constellation Brands’ total net sales for the first quarter were $2.43 billion, marking a 3% decrease from the previous year, although organic sales excluding divested brands actually increased by 3%. Furthermore, operating income climbed 18% to $845 million, while earnings per share rose by 31% to $3.79.

Despite these challenges, beer continues to dominate the company’s revenue, with $2.28 billion coming from this sector, which represents more than 94% of total sales. For the upcoming fiscal year, the company expects essentially flat organic net sales growth, while projecting that wine and spirits sales will also hover around stable levels.

Constellation previously sold various mainstream wine brands to focus on high-end products, aiming to concentrate on labels priced above $15 per bottle. Shares in Constellation traded at $136.88 following the earnings report, reflecting a slight decline in value amid fluctuating stock prices over the past year.

In a surprising development within the wine industry, Idaho’s Snake River Valley is gaining recognition as a viable wine-producing region, showing promise to rival more established areas like California. The state, long known for its outdoor activities and potatoes, is now producing award-winning wines that have recently outperformed offerings from recognized wine regions such as Washington and Oregon at prestigious competitions.

Will Wetmore, owner and winemaker at Veer Wine Project, is at the forefront of this Idaho wine renaissance. Wetmore’s unique winemaking techniques include low-toast oak aging, which contribute to the distinctive character of his wines. While tasting a complex Rhône-style red named Mataro, he showcased the potential of Idaho vineyards to produce exceptional wines with flavors reminiscent of more famous wine regions.

Idaho currently supports around 65 wineries, and in just a decade, the economic impact of wine production in the state has grown to approximately $314 million. Greg Koenig of Devil’s Bedstead Winery echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the state is still discovering its identity in the winemaking world but has the potential for growth. He believes that the ideal climatic conditions, including well-drained volcanic soils and significant temperature swings between day and night, are essential for producing quality grapes.

During a visit to the region, the charm of Idaho’s up-and-coming wine scene was palpable. Tasting rooms in Garden City adjacent to Boise, like Cinder Wines, reflect the creative energy of local winemakers, with diverse offerings including a vibrant tempranillo that showcases similarities to Spain’s Ribera del Duero region.

Idaho’s wine landscape is continuously evolving, with varietals like viognier beginning to emerge as standout options. At venues like Scoria Vineyards, winemakers are tapping into the unique terroir for distinctive Rhône varietals. The ongoing exploration of grape varieties keeps the region dynamic and ensures that wine enthusiasts can look forward to new experiences.

As Idaho continues to build its reputation, new ventures like Gem 73 are part of the growth narrative, providing stunning tasting experiences directly overlooking the valley. Despite lacking extensive accommodation options, the warmth and friendliness of Idaho wineries offer an appealing and intimate atmosphere for visitors, making each wine tasting a memorable discovery.

In terms of logistics, visitors can fly into Boise and explore local accommodations or embark on wine tours that highlight the breadth of Idaho’s wine offerings, making it a fascinating destination for those eager to uncover the next great American wine region.

What should winemakers do in the face of a warming planet? Climate change poses significant risks to viticulture globally, prompting a rethinking of practices. In Chile, winemakers are grappling with prolonged droughts affecting irrigation strategies. California’s vintners are dealing with the dual challenge of wildfires and smoke, which can alter grape flavors. Meanwhile, severe frosts in Champagne are impacting grape acidity and flavor, leading some growers to adapt.

A recent study from Cornell University explored three strategies for winegrape producers to cope with rising temperatures: installing shade cloths for grape protection, planting new heat-resilient grape varieties, or relocating to cooler climates. The research discovered that consumers are willing to pay a premium for wines produced using these methods, even if it means sacrificing some brand recognition associated with regions like Napa Valley.

This market study aims to inform growers of available adaptation strategies, associated costs, and consumer perceptions. According to Alex Susskind, a co-author of the study, a producer’s efforts are futile if consumers do not appreciate or understand them.

Among the strategies considered, only two—switching grape varieties or relocating—are readily apparent to consumers. For instance, if a California vineyard adds shade cloths, most consumers would remain uninformed unless noted on the label. Conversely, if a renowned Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard transitions to growing Carignane grapes or relocates to a cooler region, consumers are likely to notice the change.

The study found that consumers were least willing to pay more for wines produced from relocated grapes. However, they still showed a willingness to pay extra for wines made with heat-resilient techniques.

While the study offers valuable insights, it has limitations. It focuses solely on adaptation for winegrape growers, not on mitigation strategies aimed at reducing carbon impact. The survey involved only 300 participants, mostly eco-conscious college graduates under 40, which may not accurately reflect the broader public’s preferences. Researchers noted that consumer enthusiasm for climate-resilient wine could diminish over time.

Despite these limitations, industry experts find the study results promising. Jimena Balic, a winemaking researcher in Chile, highlighted the importance of documenting the economics of climate adaptation. She believes that growers are unlikely to adopt these strategies unless they show clear financial benefits and suggested that adaptation might be implemented gradually.

Greg Jones, an experienced wine climatologist, echoed that educating consumers about viticulture processes and climate impacts is critical. He remains optimistic, hoping the study will spur further research into adaptation strategies and consumer preferences.

Ultimately, the fate of winemaking amidst climate change may depend on how effectively the industry communicates its adaptations and engages consumers in understanding the evolving landscape of wine production.

For more information on the effects of climate change on viticulture, check out the detailed study from Cornell University here.

The summer season brings a surge in popularity for rosé wine, known for its bright and fruit-forward flavor profile. Recently, Adam Lapierre, a master of wine at Total Wine, highlighted a notable newcomer: the Celesia Côtes de Provence rosé. This wine, priced at $17.49 per bottle, comes from France’s esteemed Estandon wine cooperative and embodies the traditional Provence characteristics—pale, dry, crisp, and refreshing.

Lapierre emphasized the versatility of this rosé, stating it pairs wonderfully with seafood, salads, and grilled chicken. To enjoy it at its best, serving temperatures between 46 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended, which may require refrigerating it for up to three hours beforehand.

The appeal of rosé is also influenced by environmental factors such as regional weather conditions and terroir. The Côtes de Provence region, situated along the Mediterranean coast, is ideal for grape growing, producing primarily rosé wines. As summer temperatures rise, interest in rosé increases particularly in the Northeastern U.S., as consumers seek wines that complement outdoor dining experiences and seafood dishes.

In contrast, wine preferences in warmer regions like the South and West Coast also gravitate towards refreshing whites and sparkling wines year-round, aligning with a lifestyle of outdoor entertaining.

This summer, the Celesia Côtes de Provence rosé is expected to be a popular choice among wine enthusiasts, thanks to its affordability, quality, and flavor profile that embodies the essence of summer. For ideas on pairing food with this delightful wine, explore some favorite wine and snack combinations.