Tasting sized pours
Wine consumers in Michigan can rejoice about new legislation that allows direct shipping. But will it too be challenged in court? [CBD]
Meanwhile, New York consumers await UPS and FedEx to start shipping. (Really?!?) [NYT]
Is alcohol to be targeted for new tax revenue? A poll shows little popular resistance.
During the night, protesters sealed the entrance to the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) with bricks. [Decanter]
Would you like some Champagne with your Boston Creme? Not any more. In an end to what has been an unlikely grouping of wines and spirits with fast food, Pernod Ricard is entertaining bids for its Dunkin’ Brands unit, which includes Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, and ToGos. Three private equity bidders are making bids (including the Carlyle Group) as well as the owner of Arby’s. Pernod acquired the fast-growing unit, which generated $4.8 billion in sales last year, in its takeover of Allied-Domecq earlier this year. [NYT]
In other business news, the acquisitive Constellation has decided to drop its effort acquire Vincor, Canada’s biggest winemaker and owner of the Inniskllin, Kim Crawford, and Toasted Head brands, for $1 billion cash. Vincor’s shares had been trading higher than Constellation’s offering price on the hopes of rival bids and the shares dropped 8% in yesterday’s trading, cushioned by the announcement of a buyback and a dividend. Constellation’s chief executive, Richard Sands, said Friday. “In these circumstances, we will move on to other priorities.” Who’s next? Maybe even Vincor again the speculates the Financial Times. [AP]
And my wine of the week: Bouvet signature Brut, $8. A bargain bubbly with almost all Chenin Blanc. Find this wine
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