Italy report: Importer viewpoints

Italian wines have always remained popular in the UK, with Italy regularly topping lists of wine imports by volume. As many of these importers note, this is reflected in the continued performance of the category across several key areas – particularly when it comes to more upmarket wines. Clearly, the enduring trend of premiumisation plays a role here, and especially in the on-trade, where curious consumers are looking to explore the diversity that Italy has on offer. Particularly, indigenous grapes are enjoying their time in the sun, from the re-emergence of Timorasso and Dolcetto to the more obscure (Maceratino, for example).

Friday read: Macedonia’s Balkan stallion and more besides

North Macedonia, sited in the landlocked and southernmost section of the Balkan Peninsula is bisected by the Vardar River and also a territory swept by winds from several directions. The southerly latitude and rugged, relatively denuded landscape of Povardarie, its primary growing region, offer challenges of excess heat, lack of biodiversity and shade. With accelerating climate shifts, combatting hydric stress also requires attention. Thankfully, these conditions help with the historical preference for full-flavoured reds while supporting early harvested versions of aromatic whites.

The great Rías Baixas experiment

In a region primarily known for Albariño, plenty of winemakers are uncovering the potential in blends and lesser-known grapes, finds Andrew Catchpole.

H&K Wine Agencies to land Palestine wine

New UK-based wine agency business H&K Wine Agencies is set to represent Cremisan Winery as its broker in the UK in what is believed to currently be the only Palestine producer to be offered here from the Middle-Eastern territories.

Towards a Turkish revival

Turkey’s indigenous varieties offer a wealth of options to explore. Peter McCombie MW takes the country’s temperature

On-trade wine trends for 2019

Georgia: The cradle of wine

With a winemaking culture stretching back multiple millennia, Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine.

Portuguese wine sales soar at Majestic

Sales of Portuguese wine at Majestic soared in the past year driven by indigenous grapes.