Wine news 3 November 2012

 BREAKING NEWS...

SYNTHETIC CORKS AND SCREWCAPS are approved for the FIRST TIME by the ITALIAN AUTHORITIES,on higher quality DOC and DOCG wines This follows a long-running wine industry debate 'for and against' the use of synthetic corks and screwcaps, after such a long time dominance of the use of natural corks in DOC and DOCG wines. The synthetic cork producer Nomacorc, say that they are 'blocked from 30% of the market'.Now they have the approval,they can now fully approach winemakers with their product,for consideration. Marketing manager for Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, Silvia Fiorentini, says the company are interested in taking advantage of the new rule,but that it would require a review and change to production codes. 'It is under consideration' ,she added. Nomacorc is the second biggest wine closure producer in the world,selling around 2.4bn synthetic corks annually,behind natural cork maker Amorim,with just over 3bn closures per year.

WIND FARMS BLOCKED IN KEY WINEGROWING AREAS. The South Australian government are to block wind farms being sited in the key winegrowing areas of McLaren Vale and Barossa.25% of the state energy needs are supplied by South Australia's wind power. The government hopes it will be 33% by 2020. The plan,approved by the Statewind Farms Development Plan Amendment [DPA],also discourages wind farms in scenic ares such as Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges,and the River Murray corridor. The idea is to keep wind turbines one kilometre away from towns,and for anyone affected by the changes,to have a strengthened 'right to appeal'.This follows 276 submissions relating to such. Government attorney general John Rau says 'We are committed to investing in wind energy in South Australia,while also highlighting community concerns'.