The recent recognition of umami as the fifth taste has stimulated further research into the range and sensitivity of the human palate. So how exactly are people's wine tasting capabilities determined by the complex interaction of tongue, nose and brain? Jamie Goode takes a trip through the human tasting zone
Read more...Embroiled in economic turmoil, winemakers in Argentina are dealing with ever-increasing problems of supply, labour, distribution and revenue. So are they choosing to slash their output, prices or marketing budget, or is there a confidence and determination to battle through the crisis? Tim Atkin travels to Argentina to find out
Read more...The 21st London International Wine & Spirits Fair is almost upon us, and this year it's all change, as the fair heads east to take up residence at ExCeL in London's Docklands. Jack Hibberd looks at the reasons behind the move and its chance of success, while David Williams previews the producers and wines on show
Read more...From mother's ruin and the stews of Hogarth's London, to Dorothy Parker and style bars, gin has always been a spirit shot through with imagery. But how much substance is there to today's gin market, and are the modern, premium brands outperforming the traditional favourites? Joanne Simon reports
Read more...The usual perception of John Armit is as a provider of beautiful wines to beautiful people. Yet the reality is somewhat more complex, as Margaret Rand discovers.
Read more...The Bulgarians continue to lose shelf space in the UK and other key markets, as the New World walks off with their entry-point sales. But as David Williams reports, a new mood of realism and pragmatism in the country's wine industry is starting to pay dividends, with the long-neglected vineyards now taking priority
Read more...In January and February, a series of seminars and tastings was held to promote Italian wines. Neil Beckett reports from Tuscany on the new-found power of the region's big three consorzi.
Read more...The 2002 Spanish Wine Trade Fair takes place next week at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London. John Radford considers the optimism surrounding this year's event, and profiles the wines, regions and bodegas on show
Read more...Changes in the en primeur market and the increased importance of Internet trading have revolutionised the face of wine broking. So how are traditional merchants and modern dealers adapting, and will private buyers prove a more lucrative market than the trade? Anthony Rose gauges the emphasis of 21st century broking
Read more...Sponsorship of prestigious sporting and social events is now a key fixture on the marketing calendar of many major drinks brands. So what advantages does event sponsorship offer over conventional marketing? John Stimpfig investigates
Read more...Armagnac and Calvados are holding on to their niches despite very little promotion and the fight for shelf space. Jo Burzynska takes a look at what these brandies have to offer and what is being done to raise their profile in the UK
Read more...Internet traders have already run the gamut of business highs and lows in a short lifetime. But as the lightweights exit the fray, the big players are fine-tuning their assault on a market that's proving more durable than many predicted. Tom Cannavan considers the growth prospects of Britain's major wine e-tailers
Read more...The Rhne is rare among European regions in that it is keeping pace with the New World. Neil Beckett considers the key changes in promotion and production which have sustained the Rhne's renaissance
Read more...From Iceland through to Friday the 13th and Black Wednesday, Tim How's marriage to Majestic has never been short on incident. So what gives him so much to smile about these days? Margaret Rand digs beneath the softly sunny exterior of Majestic's CEO.
Read more...Argentina has been plunged into financial and political disarray. With its fifth president in six weeks, the country is in dire need of stability and an economic rescue package. Monty Waldin, who was in Buenos Aires as the crisis escalated, reports on the threat to Argentina's wine industry, at home and abroad
Read more...The Australia Day Tastings 2002, in London and Edinburgh, begin next week. Christian Davis previews the names, wineries and wines on show at the London exhibition
Read more...Last year's hike in the price of Rioja has caused waves of resistance in all markets. Vintage 2000 could be the turning point as Tim Atkin reports
Read more...In the first of two special seasonal reports, Harpers rounds up the 2001 vintage from across the Northern Hemisphere
Read more...The year 2001 was a bumper one for new drinks products. Targeted wines and brands came in bright colours with bold labels, while women drinkers were a more desirable market than ever. But which newcomers made the biggest impact? James Aufenast and David Williams round up the best product launches of the year
Read more...The attacks on America and recent accidents have left the airline industry with a monumental task in restoring passenger confidence. But what effect has the downturn had on airline wine suppliers? Jo Burzynska explores the damage to the airline sector, and asks whether an upturn in trade is a flight of fancy
Read more...
