BRITONS DRINKING UP BETTER

We are not only drinking more but we are drinking better. Having become the world’s number one importer of wines, data shows that the British market is going for better, more expensive wines – a trend that is expected to continue in the face of – or perhaps because of – the recession.

These are the findings of VINEXPO, organisers of the world’s biggest wine and spirit fair, a wonderful drink fest that takes place in Bordeaux each year.  The drink world gathers here to sell what will be in shops and bars over the next 12 months, and it is the figures from this event that reveal Britain has overtaken Germany and the U.S for the top importer spot.

And the value of the wines we are drinking has increased too, and is expected to continue to rise over the next three years.

The suit pictured here shows style at the bar, in a suit from T.Fox & Co (see Style p2).

Fizz has clearly boosted the figures, as more and more champagne and sparkling drinks from other markets have been drunk by British drinkers. The champagne bubble may have burst, as champagne sales are reported to have slumped, but sparkling wines from America, Australia, Italy and Spain are gaining favour.

With considerable hype about British binge drinkers, it is gratifying to find that we are by no means the world’s greatest imbibers – indeed, we languish at 13th in the international consumption of wine per head ranks. France is top of this league, followed by Italy, Switzerland (something of a surprise, given their sober image), Portugal and Austria.

We prefer white wine, and rosé sales are on the increase, as the red stuff shows a  slight decline, and more and more of all of it is coming from New World wine regions – America especially, and Australia. French wine sales to the UK have fallen but they still retain second place.

We are drinking more spirits too but alas, whisky has been outstripped by sales of vodka. This is now the favourite spirit and continuing to grow in popularity at a faster rate than any other.  Gin, which has been out of fashion, seems to be making something of a comeback.

The next VINEXPO takes place over June 21-25 and is expected to attract some 50,000 dedicated visitors from over 150 countries to sample the beverages from near 2,400 producers.  Whatever the state of the world economy by then, this is one event that should remain buoyant.

POP GOES THE SEASON

Gearing up for the London Season is Veuve Cliquot, official champagne at many of the events.

Of the traditional happenings, the London Boat Race might be said to kick off the proceedings on March 29. First staged in 1829, it attracts huge crowds along the river, with entrenched loyalty to either the light blues or the darks from those who may never have been near either university. Other long-established highlights of the season are listed here and all to be enjoyed with much imbibing, of champagne, fizz of all sorts, Pimms and other summertime concoctions. For a complete list, go to www.clicquot-season.com

May 19 - 23… Chelsea Flower Show
May 21 - Aug 30… Glydebourne Opera
May 21 - May 31… Hay Festival
June 5 - June 6… The Derby
June 8 – Aug 16… RA Summer Exhibition
June 16 – June 20… Royal Ascot
June 22 – July 5… Wimbledon
June 23 – July 19… Veuve Cliquot Polo
June 24 – June 28 … Glastonbury
July 1 – July 5 … Henley Royal Regatta
July 28 – Aug 1… Glorious Goodwood
Aug 1 – Aug 8 … Cowes Week

And Veuve Clicquot's Rosé is going to be a top choice at many event. This boxed set with champagne flutes is available on line at www.sparklingdirect.co.uk at £69.99