MERLOT SHOWS DECLINE IN POPULARITY

ACNielsen reported that wine sales increased 10.2% in the 13 weeks ending September 24, 2005. While the three most popular varietals remain in tact - Chardonnay as the most popular, Merlot coming in second, and Cabernet Sauvignon remaining last – there are some surprising developments. Chardonnay and Cabernet sales both rose by 7.8% and 13.7%, while Chardonnay’s case volume grew 4.2% and Cabernet gained 6.7%. Merlot, however, has shown a decline since April 2005 with sales decreasing -1.7% and case