Thirsty Russians push Italy's wine exports to record level

Rome - Exports of Italian wine reached a record €6bn ($7.2bn) in 2017, up 7.0% on the previous year thanks largely to Russia, Italy's largest agricultural union said on Wednesday.

Sales of everything from the full-bodied to the fruity were glugged with glee in established markets, with sales up 8% in Britain, 6% in the United States and 3% in Germany.

Sales in China increased by 25%, though they were still relatively limited compared to the import of French wines.

But Russia proved the most partial to an Italian glass or two, with sales there leaping 47% on a 12-month comparison.

And much of the fizz came from sparkling wines, such as prosecco, with sales of bubblies up 15% to nearly €1.1bn, the union said.