Tesco recently announced its support for a minimum price, but the Wine and Spirit Trade association remains opposed.

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Nyetimber's accolades include three times winner of the Best Worldwide Sparkling Wine award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

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But the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said recent figures showed alcohol consumption was falling and there was little evidence showing that a minimum price would reduce problem drinking.

BBC: David Cameron vows to end cheap alcohol sales

On January 18th the sigh of relief with which the Wine and Spirit Trade Association greeted government plans to impose a minimum price on alcohol in England and Wales was almost audible.

ECONOMIST: Cheap booze

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association agreed.

BBC: Medics back cheap booze clampdown

The farmers are just as disgruntled: "Europe was born out of the spirit of wine, " winegrower Rudolf Trossen argued at a public hearing on Wednesday.

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It's that designer's touch that has made Harlen Wheatley and the men and women like him the heart of the modern wine, beer and spirit community.

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Restaurants are showing greater interest in providing wine, beer, cocktail and spirit matches to certain items on their menus.

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Although all Port, produced in the Douro River Valley of Portugal, is made the same way (partially fermented wine is fortified with a neutral spirit, which stops fermentation and raises the alcohol level), there are two distinct types: ruby and tawny.

WSJ: Why You Should Make Time (and Place) for Port | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Just like with tasting wine, look at the visual qualities of the spirit you are tasting.

FORBES: How To Taste Spirits