Champagne and Sparkling - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Producer Q&A: Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview Wine Estate

Published: 26 November, 2024

As this Sussex winery heads into its 30th year, Andrew Catchpole catches up with one of the pillars of the modern English wine scene.

Sugrue South Downs partners with Wanderlust on new English sparkling

Published: 11 November, 2024

England's youngest winery, Sugrue South Downs, has unveiled a new collection of single-vineyard cuvées produced in the heart of East Sussex.

Decline in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco yields

Published: 24 October, 2024

The 2024 harvest season for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco has concluded, closing out a year marked by unpredictable weather that led to a slight decline in yields compared to 2023. The harvest, which began in mid-September and finished in early October, was about a week later than the usual schedule. In contrast, 2023 followed a more typical harvest timeline, with activities generally completed by late September.

Armand de Brignac adds first vintage to luxury portfolio

Published: 16 October, 2024

Armand de Brignac Champagne has unveiled its first ever vintage release, a magnum of Blanc de Noirs from 2015 which will sit at the top of the pile as the house’s newest ultra-prestige cuvée.

Moët Hennessy invests in alcohol-free wine producer French Bloom

Published: 03 October, 2024

Moët Hennessy, the wines and spirits division of LVMH, has acquired a minority stake in French Bloom, a leading producer of premium alcohol-free sparkling wines. The investment signals a shared ambition to shape the future of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, catering to the growing demand from consumers seeking high-quality alcohol-free options.

Sweet dreams with the Sugrues at their Sussex winery launch

Published: 24 September, 2024

Winemaking power duo Dermot and Ana Sugrue finally have a permanent home for their Sussex wine project, Sugrue South Downs, with a newly opened winery now sitting at the top of Wivelsfield’s Bee Tree vineyard.

Hallgarten signs deal with Champagne Palmer

Published: 16 September, 2024

Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, is continuing the steady expansion of its French portfolio with the addition of Champagne Palmer. Available immediately to the UK hospitality and retail sectors, the new addition is part of a significant business expansion plans in 2024 to boost Hallgarten’s trade offer, with a host of new additions being announced in recent weeks.

Langham takes its low intervention revolution to Liberty

Published: 12 August, 2024

Dorset’s Langham Wine Estate and distributor Liberty Wines have joined forces in an exclusive partnership which will see the latter distribute the former’s portfolio of low intervention, pro-oxidative wines.

Henkell Freixenet Crémant sales surge beyond global average

Published: 02 August, 2024

Henkell Freixenet has reported a significant rise in Crémant sales this year, outpacing global trends as consumers increasingly turn to alternative sparkling wines.

Ridgeview named official sparkling wine supplier for Goodwood Estate

Published: 25 July, 2024

Ridgeview has been named the Official English Sparkling Wine Supplier for the Goodwood Estate, with wines available at Goodwood Estate properties for the next three years.

Gusbourne explores potential sale

Published: 23 July, 2024

English winemaker Gusbourne may soon have a new owner, as Lord Ashcroft, who holds a 67% stake in the company, announced he is exploring “various strategic options” for his shareholding.

Champagne prepares for upcoming harvest

Published: 22 July, 2024

Champagne winegrowers and houses gathered at the Comité Champagne headquarters in Epernay to determine the conditions for this year's harvest.

Henri Giraud MV19 tasting reveals hidden depths in Champagne

Published: 18 July, 2024

The trade was introduced to the newest vintage release of Henri Giraud this week, with the Aÿ Grand Cru Fût de Chêne MV19 becoming the latest cuvee to be added to the cannon of this little known, yet widely prized, Champagne house.

Jukes inks global distribution agreement with Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Published: 04 July, 2024

The new distribution arm of Champagne Billecart-Salmon is looking to bolster its ranks of zero alcohol drinks in France and beyond by teaming up with Jukes – the premium zero alcohol wine range from wine writer Matthew Jukes.

France Report: The Champagne bubble

Published: 26 June, 2024

David Kermode charts a bumpy ride for France’s favourite fizz

Chapel Down considers sale amid expansion plans

Published: 26 June, 2024

Leading English wine producer Chapel Down has revealed it will undertake a strategic review to explore funding options for its ambitious long-term growth strategy. This plan aims to secure significant investments for new vineyards, a state-of-the-art winery and the enhancement of its brand home in Tenterden.

Beyond Champagne: Bubbling under

Published: 25 June, 2024

Jo Gilbert caught up with leading suppliers to find out how the non-Champagne sparkling parts of their portfolios work in their respective categories.

Franciacorta named sparkling wine partner for Michelin Guide US

Published: 12 June, 2024

Franciacorta has announced its new role as the exclusive Sparkling Wine Partner for the Michelin Guide ceremonies in the United States. The partnership also includes sponsorship of the Sommelier of the Year Awards for the next three years.

Lanson follows Le Black Création with launch of complimentary new rosé

Published: 06 June, 2024

Champagne Lanson has introduced Le Rosé Création 67 to the UK, following in the footsteps of the multi-vintage Le Black Création, unveiled in 2023.

Franco Adami elected president of Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG

Published: 03 June, 2024

The Board of Directors of the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG has elected Franco Adami as its new president. Adami will lead the Italian Consorzio for a three-year term from 2024 to 2026, following his election on 29 May.