• So you know how the Chinese are obsessed with Bordeaux and have been driving prices through the roof? Now Chinese corporations own at least six vineyards in the region, including Chateau Latour-Laguens. They’re also trying to copy the look of the estates at wineries they’re building in China. [BBC]
• Even though California producers like Korbel still insist on using the term “Champagne” for their sparkling product (much to the chagrin of the French), the Russians have decided to play the game and stop using the term, even though they’ve been using it for centuries. [Harpers UK]
• Moscato is, like, really hot right now. [Miami Herald]
• We’ve heard a lot during this harvest how Napa’s had a tough and soggy growing season. To help combat mold and save their crop, some winemakers are employing helicopters to hover over vineyards and act as huge blow-dryers. [NPR]
• As we noted the other day, New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov is becoming the interim restaurant critic for the paper. But he won’t be taking a break from writing his wine column. [Diner’s Journal/NYT]
• Here’s a profile of Merry Edwards, one of the pioneering — and still one of the few — female winemakers in the business. [Reuters]
