The January 2005 issue of Decanter that I just received contains two
short stories in the news section concerning this matter.

"French exports plummet". According to the FEVS exports of still wines
fell 5.6% in volume and 9.6% in value in the first 8 months of 2004
compared to the same period last year. Bordeaux suffered most, with
exports down by 10.4% in volume and 25.4% in value. On the bright side,
Champagne grew 7% in volume and 10.3% in value. Between 1998 and 2003,
wine exports fell by 12%. Bordeaux trade chief Christian Delpeuch is
wanting a vine pull scheme to increase quality, creation of a mixed vins
de pays/vins d'appellation zone, and use f oak chips in generic wines.
He claims: "30% of our wine is either not adapted to the market or is of
questionable quality."

"French consider PR move". The government is considering making health
warnings for pregnant women compulsory on wine bottles. The French
deputies have voted to ammend the Evin law to allow wider advertising of
wine.

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