Champagne's Supernova

While there was little to celebrate in 2020, Champagne was back with a bang last year, which seemed to take everyone – including the Champenois – by surprise. 

Highest volumes of Champagne produced for 10 years

Since March 2020 the Champagne market has been on ice, with little cause for celebration during a global pandemic that has reduced so many gatherings and engagements to a Zoom call.

Five minutes with Jerome Jacober, Eminent Wines

As the frontrunner of celebrity-endorsed wines with the UB40 Red, Red Wine range, Eminent Wines’ founder and CEO explains to Jo Gilbert how famous faces – and a compelling story – can help brands to stand out.

Bolney Wine Estate acquired by major international

Sussex-based Bolney Wine Estate has been sold to sparkling wine behemoth Henkell-Freixenet via Freixenet Copestick in the UK.

Prosecco opens doors for Italy

David Kermode delves into the world of Italian sparklers as the category covers new ground, from the march of rosé Prosecco to the increasingly popular high-quality fizzes of Franciacorta and Trento.

Champagne visionary Claude Taittinger dies

One of Champagne's most important pioneers passed away last week, aged 94.

Sparkling wine delivered bumper Christmas sales

The sparkling wine category was the clear winner of the Christmas retail bonanza, with both merchants and analysts reporting bumper sales.

New Generation adds Champagne Carbon to its portfolio

Wine importer and wholesaler New Generation has become the exclusive agents of Champagne Carbon, a niche brand created by Alexandre Méa.

Champagne Castelnau and Nicolas Feuillatte finalise merger deal

Two of Champagne’s most important cooperatives reached an historic agreement this week, creating a powerful new stakeholder in the region.

Campari Group UK to distribute Champagne Lallier

Campari Group UK is to take over the distribution of Champagne Lallier within the London M25 area, in a phased approach with current distributor, Boutinot wines.

Q&A: Laurent Fresnet Cellar Master, Mumm

In partnership with Champagne Mumm

Champagne anticipating the arrival of a 'classical' vintage

After a run of atypically warm growing seasons, the Champenoise are joyous at the return of a high-acid, 'classical' vintage.

Lockdown accelerated Champagne's growth in mainland China

Demand for Champagne has risen dramatically in mainland China over the past 12 months, according to market expert Lei Meng.

Cambridge’s Veni Vidi Bibi charity bash delivers for children

Cambridge Wine Merchants inaugural Veni Vidi Bibi charity dinner managed to raise £5,735 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in one sitting.

Five minutes with Carine Bailleul, Champagne Castelnau

Having recently succeeded Elisabeth Sarcelet as Champagne Castelnau’s chef de caves, Carine Bailleul, who worked alongside Sarcelet since 2003, shares how her wine journey ended in Champagne with Lisa Riley

Champagne sets an available yield of 10,000kg of grapes per ha

The Comité Champagne’s executive board has decreed an available yield of 10,000kg of grapes per hectare (ha) for this year’s harvest.

New Generation acquires Boxford Wine Company

New Generation has acquired the Boxford Wine Company, for an undisclosed sum.

The life aquatic for English wine

Henkell Freixenet reports record UK turnover

Henkell Freixenet has announced an overall drop in turnover, but reported record turnover for the UK and Scandinavia. 

Champagne: A rollercoaster year

David Kermode takes the measure of Champagne, which managed to add some sparkle to its sales in 2020 despite the loss of celebratory drinking occasions.