How our taste for wine matures like a fine red

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

"Their taste changes with age, that's common to humanity — you tend to start sweet then develop more complexities as you get older," Dan Jago, Tesco director of wine, beers and spirits told a parliamentary inquiry on the wine industry.

Many drinkers started with new world wines from Australia, New Zealand or California but, as their palates matured with age, they turned to the old world wines of France and other European vineyards.

"There is still this view that the heart of history in wine is based in the appellation and DOC of the old world," said Mr Jago.

He added: "Disposable income has a great impact on what you are prepared to experiment with. A lot of consumers buy a small number of products."

The popularity of stronger wines appears to be in decline.

Julian Dyer, wine buyer for Sainsbury's, told peers: "We are seeing a trend towards a lighter, fresher style of wine." Sales of rosé have risen by 30 per cent.

Mr Jago said he could sell a "mountain" of English wine if a decent bottle was priced at about £5 but a really good bottle costs about £10.