Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Profile: Henry Boyes, wine buyer, Mitchells & Butlers

Published: 30 January, 2017

Buying wine for Mitchells & Butlers is no small task.

Spotlight on Riesling at Wines of Germany's annual fellowship dinner

Published: 30 January, 2017

Four new Riesling champions were inducted into the Riesling Fellowship hall of fame at Wines of Germany's recent celebrating of the country's sparkling wine.

Buyers and producers discuss forecasted higher demand for Languedoc at Vinisud

Published: 30 January, 2017

A survey of 1,100 distributors in seven countries has identified the Langeudoc as the wine region most likely to see increased consumer demand in the next 24 months.

The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

Published: 27 January, 2017

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

ADT 2017: Spain and Italy getting more bang for their 1% buck

Published: 26 January, 2017

A quick glance around at London's very well attended Australia Day Tasting on Tuesday (January 24) showed that very few producers were without Italian and Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo, Fiano and Vermentino - one of Austria's fastest growing grapes.

Australian UK wine exports continue premium trend

Published: 25 January, 2017

Australian wine exports to the UK continue to show a strong trend towards premiumisation, according to Wine Australia's latest annual Export Report, due to be released this Friday.

FMV to distribute New Zealand's Kusuda Wines in the UK

Published: 25 January, 2017

Boutique New Zealand winery Kusuda Wines has appointed Fields, Morris & Verdin to distribute its wines to the UK on-trade.

Chapel Down launches in France at Paris Fashion Week

Published: 24 January, 2017

Kent-based winery Chapel Down celebrated its launch in the French market with a high-profile event to open Paris Fashion Week last night.

PGI application to protect 'British' versus imported grapes

Published: 24 January, 2017

The chair of the UKVA has hit back at claims that the purpose of a new PGI application was to coin a popular name for English sparkling wine, but rather to prevent grapes grown outside the UK from being called 'British'.

New Zealand Pinot Noir comes of age

Published: 24 January, 2017

At home in the cooler regions of Wairarapa, Nelson, Marlborough, Waipara and Central Otago, Pinot Noir is New Zealand's most important red variety, representing 70% of all red plantings and 15.4% of New Zealand's total vineyard.

Armit unveils rare vintage release from La Rioja Alta

Published: 23 January, 2017

Armit Wines has announced the release of the 2007 Gran Reserva 904 from La Rioja Alta, which will be available from 25 January.

Gifting and corporate sales leads to better than expected Christmas at Virgin Wines

Published: 20 January, 2017

Gains in its gifting business and expanding it loyalty membership by over a third helped Virgin Wines to pull in bumper sales this Christmas.

A look back at May's Brexit speech: What does it mean for the trade?

Published: 20 January, 2017

As we hurtle towards the hard Brexit scenario outlined by Theresa May in her speech earlier this week, there are two main concerns affecting our industry.

WSTA calls on industry to help prevent wine being "singled out" at next budget

Published: 20 January, 2017

The body which represents the wine and spirits industry is calling on the industry to make sure that wine is looked on favourably at the next budget.

WSTA calls UKVA's application for English fizz PGI a "side-show"

Published: 19 January, 2017

The UK Vineyards Association (UKVA) has revealed plans to apply for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for English sparkling wine, using the term "British Fizz".

Barwell & Jones prepares to re-launch Marqués de Riscal in the UK

Published: 19 January, 2017

Historic Spanish winery Marqués de Riscal will be the focus of a new marketing and sales push to promote its presence in the UK.

New Zealand - pushing the premium

Published: 18 January, 2017

Premiumisation is the trend that is sweeping the world globally, with not just beers, wines and spirits, but also FMCGs like milk and beauty products taking the international market by storm according to Nielsen.

Regionality and terroir: The battle for New Zealand Pinot Noir

Published: 18 January, 2017

Away from its Burgundian origins, Pinot Noir has found a home from home in the cool climates of New Zealand's Marlborough, Nelson and Wairarapa regions.

Cognac sales reach value and volume highs in 2016

Published: 17 January, 2017

Sales of Cognac reached their highest level in terms of volume and value in 2016, the body which oversees the Cognac industry has reported.

The teetotal trend: Beyond Dry January

Published: 16 January, 2017

As we've mentioned elsewhere in Harpers this month, we could be on the verge of the driest January on record. And no, we're not talking about the weather.