Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Achaval Ferrer launches Fincas 2021

Published: 23 April, 2025

As part of the release of its Fincas 2021 vintage, Argentinian winery Achaval Ferrer has added to its existing trio of wines with the launch of Nazarenas Malbec.

2024 sees Domaine Bousquet cut carbon footprint by 20%

Published: 23 April, 2025

Argentinian estate Domaine Bousquet has released its 2025 sustainability report, highlighting encouraging progress made at the organic wine producer during 2024. The Mendoza winery, a long-time advocate of organic and biodynamic viticulture, has redoubled its sustainability efforts in recent years.

South America Report: UK importers have their say

Published: 07 April, 2025

Importers face a fine balancing act heading into 2025, continuing to present a diverse, well-priced portfolio offer while being beset by the cost shocks of duty rises, EPR and National Insurance rises, to name just a few. For specialist importers of South American wine navigating this puzzle can feel notably headache-inducing, particularly because naturally high-abv wines such as Argentinian Malbecs will be harder hit by duty changes. This is a challenge as these wines’ very taste and style can rely upon this higher alcohol content.

South America Report: Uncovering Malbec’s terroir expressions

Published: 02 April, 2025

“I always get asked ‘What comes after Malbec?’ and my response is always: ‘More Malbec!’”. Santiago Achával’s quip has become a familiar refrain in Argentina’s wine circles, and many other winemakers share a similar sentiment. While Argentina produces a wide array of grape varieties, Malbec remains its undisputed flagship, both in vineyard plantings and global reputation.

South America Report: How wine is faring in Milei’s Argentina

Published: 31 March, 2025

Argentina’s economic situation often presents a challenge for those producing and exporting wine – and the current climate, following yet more twists and turns, remains as complex and convoluted as ever. Following the marked devaluation of the peso in December 2023 as the new far-right president Javier Milei swept to power on a ticket of dramatic economic reform, a turbulent year was followed by the re-election of Trump in Argentina’s biggest export market, which may now help rather than hinder the industry.

South America Report: Argentine and Chilean exports in numbers

Published: 28 March, 2025

Argentina: Premium ambitions

Argentine adventure: Condor tasting highlights diversity of expressions

Published: 10 March, 2025

At the Amanda Barnes MW hosted Condor Wines Argentinian Extremes virtual tasting, two winemakers, Elías López Montero from the Patagonian Alto Valle de Río Negro and Pancho Lavaque from the northern Salta region, highlighted the tasting diversity afforded by Argentina's diverse climate and geography.

Friday Read: SITT and Boutinot tastings show innovation is alive and kicking

Published: 28 February, 2025

At this year’s SITT London, there was a great sense of importers continuing to push the envelope, showing that despite the headwinds thrown at it, the trade can adapt, and confidently. The same impression was derived from Boutinot’s independents portfolio tasting, where collaboration showed itself to be as important as ever.

IWCA announces new climate impact calculator for Latin America

Published: 25 February, 2025

International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), in collaboration with a number of leading Chilean and Argentinian wineries, has announced the launch of the first greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator for the Latin America wine industry.

Boutinot partners with Uco Valley winery for new joint venture

Published: 13 February, 2025

Greater Manchester importer Boutinot is partnering with Uco Valley estate and winery Bodega Urqo, in a wine-making joint venture called Azul y Blanco (AyB).

Bodega Argento unveils new partnership with Fulham FC

Published: 25 November, 2024

Bodega Argento has become an Official Argentinian Wine Partner of the Premier League football club, in addition to supplying the new Fulham Pier venue.

Hispamerchants adds Funckenhausen Wines to portfolio

Published: 01 November, 2024

UK-based wine importer Hispamerchants has introduced three wines from Mendoza’s Funckenhausen winery to its growing collection, marking the agency’s first entry from the San Rafael sub-region, specifically the area of 25 De Mayo.

Condor leans into new-wave Argentina with Falasco Wines

Published: 28 October, 2024

Specialist South American importer Condor Wines has expanded its premium portfolio with new listings from fourth generation family winery Falasco Wines.

Domaine Bousquet ramps up sustainability achievements in report update

Published: 16 October, 2024

Sustainability leader Domaine Bousquet has released a half-year update to its inaugural sustainability impact report, detailing a significant increase in the production of lightweight bottles and recycled waste.

Multiples: Co-op’s balancing act pays off

Published: 10 October, 2024

James Bayley finds the Co-op’s new wine range delivers across the board with traditional favourites and new finds.

Carménère hits its stride

Published: 16 September, 2024

Chile’s ‘could-be’ flagship is coming of age, but debate still surrounds its role in the country’s wider portfolio. Andrew Catchpole dips in.

Bousquet impact report aims to ‘move the sustainability needle’ in South America

Published: 09 May, 2024

Domaine Bousquet has released a seminal Sustainability Impact Report which outlines the achievements and future direction for wineries in South America.

Five minutes with Andrew Maidment, Zacal

Published: 30 April, 2024

Andrew Catchpole catches up with an ex-Wines of Argentina marketing director now launching his own mezcal to the UK, Zacal.

Producer Q&A: Jaime de la Barra, Santa Rita Estates

Published: 25 April, 2024

This leading producer, with labels spanning Chile and Argentina, has been harnessing innovation and sustainability to drive forward its already premium positioning in South America’s wine world. Andrew Catchpole discovers more with Jaime de la Barra, winegrowing director at Santa Rita Estates.