Published: 07 September, 2026
Since Laurent-Perrier pioneered the modern zero dosage style of champagne with the launch of its Ultra Brut in 1981, the practice has been adopted by many Champagne houses, thanks in no small part to the effects of climate change. As there is no addition of sugar in the creation of non-dosage, winemakers must rely on greater ripening of the grapes to achieve balance and the correct acidity, and progressively warmer growing seasons mean producers are now achieving phenolic ripeness and higher natural sugar levels at harvest, as sommelier and wine consultant Jonathan Kleeman explains.
Read more...
|
Published: 01 September, 2026
Leading wine importers Alliance Wine, Hallgarten & Novum Wines and Graft Wine have all unveiled new additions to their portfolios.
Read more...
Published: 28 August, 2026
Champagne Drappier has reported the earliest-ever harvest in its over-200-year-old history, after growing conditions it described as “remarkably warm and dry”.
Read more...
Champagne House Louis Roederer has acquired Burgundy’s Domaine Pierre Damoy which will now form part of the ‘Roederer Collection’.
Read more...
This year’s marketable yield for champagne has been set at 8,800 kg/ha – the equivalent of about 252 million bottles* of wine.
Read more...
Rooted as it is in a long history of tradition, governed by strict production rules and regarded as a timeless symbol of wealth and luxury, Champagne’s relationship to innovation is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when the corks are popping. But the reality is that the region has been a pioneering force over the centuries in both the vineyards and the wineries, and probably never more so than now as it battles its worst enemy since phylloxera – climate change.
Read more...
González Byass UK has announced that it will be the UK distributor of G.H. Martel & Co’s well-known champagne brands G.H. Martel, Maison Vieille France and Cuvée Victoire from 1 July 2026.
Read more...
Maisons Marques et Domaines has announced that it will be taking on UK distribution for Champagne Deutz from 1 July 2026.
Read more...
Moët Hennessy has announced a new long-term partnership with Silverstone (‘the home of the British Grand Prix’), with Moët & Chandon becoming its official champagne.
Read more...
Crémant has recently seen rapid growth in the UK, driven by value-led premiumisation and an increasing interest in regional exploration, according to producer Grands Chais de France (GCF).
Read more...
The English wine trade has reached a point of maturity that would have seemed unlikely just 20 years ago. English sparkling wine, produced using the traditional method, has secured critical acclaim, strong on-trade presence and a reputation for quality that now comfortably sits alongside champagne. That achievement should not be underestimated: it has validated English viticulture, attracted serious capital investment and helped build a premium image for the category.
Read more...
Published: 09 April, 2026
Independent importer Graft Wine has announced the addition of third-generation family grower Champagne Pertois-Moriset to its portfolio.
Read more...
Published: 08 April, 2026
The volume of champagne shipments to the UK grew by +1.9% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to figures from Comité Champagne.
Read more...
Published: 07 April, 2026
Speaking from Denomination’s NYC HQ, Hamish Campbell runs Andrew Catchpole through spirits’ need to ‘find their Champagne moment’.
Read more...
Published: 27 March, 2026
Applications have opened for the ninth edition of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge.
Read more...
Published: 02 March, 2026
Champagne house Laurent-Perrier and Berkshire’s Newbury Racecourse have unveiled a three-year partnership.
Read more...
Published: 13 February, 2026
On a pedestal it may often be placed, but even champagne is not immune to the trends enveloping the wine world. Overall, as a category, it continues to hold its position as a benchmark premium wine, remaining the fizz of choice for many private celebrations, high-end hospitality occasions and corporate events. But speak with leading brands, and the word ‘polarisation’ crops up severally, with a picture that somewhat mirrors that of still wine consumption. Shifts towards premium, more personal choices and ‘less but better’ appear to be defining choices when it comes to those celebratory occasions.
Read more...
Published: 06 February, 2026
Wine distributor Bibendum has unveiled two new sparkling producers on its portfolio. Grower champagne house Domaine Alexandre Bonnet joins alongside Prosecco estate Fidora.
Read more...
Published: 14 January, 2026
Premium wine distributor Champagnes & Chateaux has announced that Richard Nunn will be appointed to the new role of off-trade key account manager. The well-known industry figure joins the company following 35 years with Louis Latour.
Read more...
Published: 08 January, 2026
Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Château Rayas rose 49 places to fifth place in Liv-ex’s annual Power 100 ranking. The 2025 list ranks the most “influential fine wine brands in the secondary market”, according to the trading platform.
Read more...
