"Pacta sunt servanda = the foundation of prosperous future relations."

That's latin for "agreements must be kept," and it was part of a straightforward message from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today, reacting to the news from London that UK government ministers are, it seems, absolutely fine with the idea of breaking international law. Don't worry, I had to search for a translation, too. 

Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney added that the European reaction will not include any "appeasing of this approach, no condoning of a breach of an international agreement" in a speech to the Irish Dáil. Brexit, as ever, rumbles on. 

In today's interview we talk to Richard Bampfield, a Master of Wine, about a bountiful French vintage this summer, and the expected increase in production, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a European court has thrown out a case brought by Slovenia to annul the European Commission decision of May 2017 that allows Croatian wine producers to use Teran, the name of a red wine protected by Slovenia, on their labels.

Finally, my colleague Arij has produced a fascinating graphic for a story she's publishing tomorrow about the history of the internet. Do scroll down – it really puts into perspective some of the tools many of us use on a daily basis. 

Happy reading, 

Patrick Atack

Digital business correspondent 

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Richard Bampfield is a Master of Wine. He talked to CGTN Europe about the French vintage this summer, and how the sector is dealing with the challenges of the pandemic.

What are the challenges faced by French winemakers this year and is that different from previous years?

In recent years, there have been really shocking floods, hail, frosts, that sort of thing. There's been nothing dramatic on that side this year, but it will have been difficult to find labor. 

I think that it will have been helped by the fact that in most European countries, as a result of COVID-19, there is more local labor available this year than there has been in the past.

When we talk about output cuts to boost prices, we're usually talking about oil. But champagne producers are considering such a move, aren't they?  

To be honest, they did act pretty quickly, but only just in time. It was a very early harvest this year, starting in August, which is certainly earlier than it used to be.

Champagnes had a tough year for obvious reasons. Now, can I put it that the atmosphere of 'joie de vivre' that normally triggers purchase and consumption of champagne has not been widespread. 

Has the boost in 'home drinking' been enough to offset the losses? 

Although alcohol sales through supermarkets are definitely up, I think the general feeling is that those sales don't compensate for the loss of volume through restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs.