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# What We're Reading --
- URL: https://bevnews.net/what-were-reading-171/
- Published: 2026-09-17T19:51:39.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-18T00:14:26.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: What We;re Reading!

## [Happy Constitution Day! Celebrating Our Constitution of Alcohol Regulation](https://www.alcohollawreview.com/happy-constitution-day-celebrating-our-constitution-of-alcohol-regulation/?ref=bevnews.net)

Americans overwhelmingly say they are [satisfied](https://www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Center-for-Alcohol-Policy-National-Survey.pdf?ref=bevnews.net) with the alcohol laws in their state. We thus owe a debt of gratitude to the framers of the 21st Amendment who wisely understood the importance of letting state and local communities set alcohol policy. (Alcohol Law REview)

## [Grape Microbiomes Shape Wine Characteristics](https://www.the-scientist.com/grape-microbiomes-shape-wine-characteristics-74991?ref=bevnews.net)

Native grape bacteria and fungi persist through fermentation, suggesting that regional factors that influence the microbiota could also affect wine profiles. (The Scientist)

## [Gallo Vineyard a California Time Machine](https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/09/gallo-vineyard-a-california-time-machine?rss=Y&utm%5Fsource=Afternoon+Brief&utm%5Fcampaign=363c5766d1-EMAIL%5FCAMPAIGN%5F2026%5F09%5F16%5F09%5F43%5FCOPY%5F02&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=0%5F-ad2d6a8bd3-587960459)

Gallo doesn't just do mass-produced wines; it also has one very old – and old-fashioned – project up its sleeve. (Wine-searcher/W. Blake Gray)

## [This Centuries-Old Wine Grape Was Just Officially Recognized for the First Time](https://www.foodandwine.com/semillon-gris-grape-variety-recognized-12122781?ref=bevnews.net)

Sémillon Gris is both centuries old and newly official. The pink-skinned grape has long grown among South Africa’s Sémillon vines, sometimes appearing unpredictably on the same plants as its better-known, golden-hued counterpart. This August, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) certified Sémillon Gris as a distinct variety — a milestone that could give this historic grape a far more visible future. (Food & Wine)

## [Scotch Whisky Gets A Flavor Boost When Paired With This Pantry Ingredient](https://www.chowhound.com/2253239/scotch-whisky-10x-more-flavorful-paired-with-dark-chocolate/?ref=bevnews.net)

As you start to appreciate Scotch whisky, the food almost always discussed with it is steak, as the flavors complement and enhance each other, making scotch and steak a must-try pairing. But one sumptuous pairing you may not have thought of is probably already in your kitchen pantry. Dark chocolate in particular makes for a sophisticated flavor combination. (Chowhound)

## [Growing season will push Ohio winery to ‘create some blends that we probably wouldn’t normally consider’](https://wineclassroom.substack.com/p/growing-season-will-push-ohio-winery?utm%5Fsource=Afternoon+Brief&utm%5Fcampaign=363c5766d1-EMAIL%5FCAMPAIGN%5F2026%5F09%5F16%5F09%5F43%5FCOPY%5F02&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=0%5F-ad2d6a8bd3-587960459)

M Cellars, in Geneva, is wrapping up its harvest after a year that produced plenty of weather extremes. (Wine Classroom)