WINE IS TOO INTERESTING, SAYS CHOCOLATE MARKETER

Not enough cues, almost too much choice and a complete risk in trying to make an appropriate choice. These are the impressions of the wine fixture of Mark Palmer, marketing director of Green & Black's, the leading premium organic chocolate brand.

BLOSSOM'S ITALIAN HILL

Blossom Hill, the Californian brand that sells more than three million cases a year in the UK off-trade, is treated as an Italian wine, according to Her Majesty's Customs & Excise (HMCE). The same rule applies to all wines that are shipped to another country for bottling, and then imported to the UK.

DIRECT WINES BUYS INTO VIRGIN

Direct Wines has expanded its direct sales empire by buying a significant stake, understood to be more than 50%, in the web-based Virgin Wines business.

BIODYNAMICS UNDER QUESTION

Biodynamic viticulture is more than just a marketing tool, but more hard scientific evidence is required to prove some of its adherents' claims.

HARPERS DEBATES THE VALUE OF YOUR MARKETING SPEND

This year's Harpers LIWSF debate will look at the issue of
marketing, and how to get the most out of it. The debate is
entitled: Spending Power: Are you getting value from marketing?

GRAHAM HINES LEAVES WINES FROM SPAIN

Graham Hines is leaving Wines from Spain after 21 years of pushing the Spanish generic message.

FOSTER'S TO RAISE SOUTHCORP BID?

Reports in Australia are claiming that Foster's is preparing to extend the bid period for rival Australian wine company Southcorp for a fourth time next week, and will also increase its bid for the producer.

CIVB FINALISES VINE-PULL DETAILS

The CIVB is preparing the final details for its proposed vine-pull programme and has also announced that it will allow producers to release more of the 2004 vintage - which is currently capped at a limit of 50hl/ha for most of Bordeaux - if they can prove they have market for it'.

TWO-THIRDS' OF RED WINE CONTAMINATED BY BRETT

Renowned wine scientist Pascal Chatonnet has claimed that incidences of Brettanomyces in red wines are much higher than previously thought.

'PRIMEUR' RIOJA LAUNCHED

The Codornu-owned Rioja producer Bodegas Bilbainas (BB) is launching the first primeur' Rioja, available for shipping straight after bottling, despite it spending 15 months in oak.

THE INTERVIEW - LUDOVIC PECH

Ludovic Pech - Assistant manager, Chapter One, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, Kent Interview: Christian Davis

ITALIAN FISCAL POLICE INVESTIGATE FRESCOBALDI

The Guardia di Finanza, Italy's fiscal police, on the order of the Florence district attorney, have launched an investigation into the affairs of world-famous wine producers Marchesi Frescobaldi.

HARPERS DEBATES THE VALUE OF YOUR MARKETING SPEND

This year's Harpers LIWSF debate will look at the issue of marketing, and how to get the most out of it. The debate is entitled: Spending Power: Are you getting value from marketing?

THE INTERVIEW - GORDON MINNIS

THE INTERVIEW - DANNY CAMERON

38-year-old former sommelier Danny Cameron describes himself as the junior partner' at Raymond Reynolds' eponymous Portuguese specialist, a position he has held for more than six years. He is also the chairman of the Association of Portuguese Wine Importers (APWI), formed last year, and the founder of the Specialist Importers Trade Tasting (SITT), to be held in London and Manchester this month.

THE INTERVIEW - NEIL MATHIESON

Neil Mathieson, Managing director, Eaux de Vie Ltd, London. Interview: Josie Butchart

THE INTERVIEW - MALCOLM DUCK

Malcolm Duck, Owner, Duck's at Le March Noir, Edinburgh. Interview: Josie Butchart

THE INTERVIEW - YANNICK CHALOYARD

Yannick Chaloyard, Restaurant manager and wine buyer, Morgan M, London. Interview: Josie Butchart

THE INTERVIEW - MICHELE ZORZI

Michele Zorzi, Matre D', Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Interview: Josie Butchart

THE INTERVIEW - CHRIS VAN TATENHOVE

Chris Van Tatenhove, Operations director, Greenwich Inc (including Bar Du Muse). Interview: Josie Butchart