by Michèle Shah

Italy is a patchwork of the world’s most diverse microclimates, unusual soils, exciting scenery and anarchic producers. Few doubt that it produces, in small volumes, many of the world’s finest wines; but it is also a land where unity, strategy and brands are still taboo.

by Bob Campbell MW

The exceptional growth of New Zealand’s vineyard plantings has many analysts worried that the overheated market may soon come under intense pressure. In less than ten years the total area under vine has more than tripled; but for the moment increased demand has kept pricing firm.

by Ana María Barahona and Jürgen Mathäß

Powered by strong exports, Chile has doubled production over the past 15 years. But since 2005 wine producers are in the red. The Chilean peso has made gains on the American dollar. As a result, the wineries income in dollars often no longer even covers their costs in pesos.

by Bernard Burtschy and Joel B. Payne

In spite of the phenomenal prices attained by a small number of top 2005s inBordeaux, life is increasingly tough for France\'s wine industry. The annual traditionof distilling excess production is now slowly giving way to a realisation thatvineyards are going to be uprooted. Things are changing. Too little? Too late?