With almost the entire world economy in recession it is hardly surprising that even wine sales are reflecting the general trend and have taken a bit of a dive. The cru classé wines of Bordeaux that have traditionally been a ‘safe haven’ for investors have also not been immune to the downturn. As a result of all the turmoil probably one of the most difficult areas of the market is that of the mid-priced wines, including our very own albariño.  At the top end, the expensive, luxury wines will always sell as consumers push the boat out and treat themselves for special occasions. On the other side of the coin, as they try to reduce their outgoings and save a few pounds, dollars or euros, then lower end wines can also feel the benefit of this ‘trading down’. This then leaves the selection of mid-priced wines slightly in limbo, perhaps left on the shelf as unsold.

Now, it could be that I’m really quite an evil person, or maybe it’s just because I am naturally suspicious (living in Spain certainly does not help, especially amidst all the recent tales of political  and financial corruption), but when I read stories of strange wine ‘thefts’ I simply can’t help but wonder. 62,000 bottles of wine, valued at AUD 500,000 recently went missing whilst in transit across New South Wales. The point that makes this story a bit curious is that the transport company who were moving these wines went into administration whilst they were in possession of the stock. Now forgive me for thinking, that strikes me as being a bit bizarre to say the very least.

Then there was a local tale, much nearer to home, here in Galicia. A wine cellar (perhaps overstocked with too much old vintage wine), was apparently broken into, and several tanks of wine were inexplicably emptied down the drain. As far as I know nothing was actually stolen, and there was no clear motive for the break-in. Vandalism? I’m not so sure I have to admit. In the meantime I have no doubt that the respective insurance companies will be studying these uncanny losses quite closely.

With almost the entire world economy in recession it is hardly surprising that even wine sales are reflecting the general trend and have taken a bit of a dive. The cru classé wines of Bordeaux that have traditionally been a ‘safe haven’ for investors have also not been immune to the downturn. As a result of all the turmoil probably one of the most difficult areas of the market is that of the mid-priced wines, including our very own albariño.  At the top end, the expensive, luxury wines will always sell as consumers push the boat out and treat themselves for special occasions. On the other side of the coin, as they try to reduce their outgoings and save a few pounds, dollars or euros, then lower end wines can also feel the benefit of this ‘trading down’. This then leaves the selection of mid-priced wines slightly in limbo, perhaps left on the shelf as unsold.

Now, it could be that I’m really quite an evil person, or maybe it’s just because I am naturally suspicious (living in Spain certainly does not help, especially amidst all the recent tales of political  and financial corruption), but when I read stories of strange wine ‘thefts’ I simply can’t help but wonder. 62,000 bottles of wine, valued at AUD 500,000 recently went missing whilst in transit across New South Wales. The point that makes this story a bit curious is that the transport company who were moving these wines went into administration whilst they were in possession of the stock. Now forgive me for thinking, that strikes me as being a bit bizarre to say the very least.

Then there was a local tale, much nearer to home, here in Galicia. A wine cellar (perhaps overstocked with too much old vintage wine), was apparently broken into, and several tanks of wine were inexplicably emptied down the drain. As far as I know nothing was actually stolen, and there was no clear motive for the break-in. Vandalism? I’m not so sure I have to admit. In the meantime I have no doubt that the respective insurance companies will be studying these uncanny losses quite closely.