Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Loire rebrand aims for modernisation

Published: 19 February, 2024

InterLoire has announced the launch of a new collective identity for its wines as part of a move to update the region’s branding.

New Zealand eyes continued growth as annual tasting returns

Published: 26 January, 2024

The New Zealand London Annual Trade Tasting is making its return to Lindley Hall next month where it will be showcasing wines from 70 producers covering the whole of New Zealand.

Producer Q&A: Ed Macdonald, Hunter’s Wines

Published: 07 December, 2023

Embracing regenerative viticulture, lightweight bottles and with an Offshoot label to appeal to a different demographic, this family winery stands out from the Marlborough crowd. Andrew Catchpole catches up with Ed Macdonald GM of Hunter’s Wines.

Vine diversity project sketches path ahead for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Published: 06 February, 2023

A plant breeding research project looking at how Sauvignon Blanc vines adapt to external stress in New Zealand could unlock the future potential for the grape when facing an increasingly ‘chaotic’ climate.

UK’s most popular wines unveiled

Published: 14 September, 2022

Much is written in Harpers about alternative styles and lesser-known grape varieties, and for good reason – discovering new and exciting wines is all part of the fun in this business.

Cono Sur launches new Sauvignon Blanc Blush as pale rosé trend continues to soar

Published: 25 April, 2022

Cono Sur, one of Chile’s leading wineries, has launched a new Sauvignon Blanc Blush into its Bicicleta range.

Concha y Toro goes after greater share of the UK’s most valuable variety

Published: 30 March, 2022

Casillero del Diablo, Concha y Toro’s (CyT) flagship brand, is looking to nab a greater share of the Sauvignon Blanc pie with the launch of a premium coastal wine from Colchagua’s Ucuquer vineyard.

Andean offer

Published: 28 March, 2022

Both as wine producers and countries, Argentina and Chile offer very different profiles. The former has its hugely successful hero variety in Malbec, while the latter, having driven its reputation on affordable and accessible international varieties, is gaining ground as a producer of genuine interest and value in the mid-price range. Argentina too, with Malbec having secured a strong foothold at a more premium ‘entry’ price level, has been pushing its diversity, while climbing its flagship variety higher up the price ladder in independents and the on-trade.

Pernod Ricard extends range in response to ongoing Malbec and Sauvignon growth

Published: 09 March, 2022

Pernod Ricard UK is adding to its portfolio of premium wines with the launch of two new expressions, extending its Cafayate and Leaps & Bounds ranges.

NZ’s finest feels the squeeze

Published: 23 February, 2022

A distinctly herbaceous flavour profile and pro-sustainability winemaking have boosted New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to the status of global phenomenon. Jo Gilbert looks at where the shortages go from here.

Some relief in New Zealand as harvest looks to return to normal size

Published: 21 February, 2022

The first grapes of the 2022 New Zealand vintage have been harvested, with ongoing international demand and low stock levels meaning that winemakers are hoping for a significantly larger harvest this year.

Sotheby’s to offer inaugural sale of fine and rare wine from Napa Valley

Published: 02 February, 2022

In a landmark event, Sotheby’s is to auction a collection of rare bottles from the Napa Valley wine region, organised in partnership with Napa Valley Vintners.

Bancroft welcomes new English wine agency

Published: 18 January, 2022

UK distributor Bancroft has expanded its English wine portfolio with the addition of Lyme Bay Winery.

Hennings welcomes Delta Estate into fold

Published: 13 December, 2021

Hennings Wine Merchants has taken the first shipment from its new partnership with Delta Estate Wines in Marlborough.

Chronic Sauvignon Blanc shortfall creates “unprecedented opportunity”

Published: 17 November, 2021

New Zealand will not be able to satisfy forecast global demand for Sauvignon Blanc in 2022, due to an exceptionally small harvest this year.

Kingsland Drinks signs new partnership with The Iconic Estate

Published: 05 October, 2021

Kingsland Drinks has agreed a new partnership with Romanian wine producer – The Iconic Estate – in a move to further broaden its offering.

Long read: Museum Wines’ MD Daniel Grigg shares his passion for South Africa

Published: 12 August, 2021

Long a champion of The Cape, Daniel Grigg gives the lowdown on why the wines make commercial sense and what more needs to be done to communicate its vinous cornucopia.

Ara Wines claims UK first with alcohol-removed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Published: 30 June, 2021

Kiwi wine brand Ara Wines has introduced what it claims to be the first alcohol-removed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in the UK.

Casillero del Diablo goes white for new campaign

Published: 29 June, 2021

Casillero del Diablo, the UK’s leading Chilean wine brand known for its punchy reds, is launching a new consumer campaign to drive awareness of the “seasonality and great quality” of its white wines.

IWC announces 2021 winners

Published: 17 May, 2021

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced the winners of its 2021 competition, with a haul of 6,800 medals being claimed across over 40 countries.