Champagne and Sparkling - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Simpsons' Wine Estate unveils major expansion

Published: 09 May, 2022

The burgeoning niche market for English still wines received another boost earlier this month, after Simpsons' Wine Estate expanded its vineyard holdings.

Moët teases permanent Harrods Champagne bar

Published: 06 May, 2022

Moët & Chandon has announced it will be opening its largest stand-alone Champagne bar in Europe at Harrods in Knightsbridge on July 7.

The rise and rise of sparkling wines

Published: 04 May, 2022

Sparkling wine has been stealing a march for some time. Established in quality terms long ago by the Champenois and rocketed into the mainstream via Prosecco’s global volume domination during the 2010s, the way is increasingly widening to allow alternative bubbles to rise to the top of the glass. This has certainly been the case over the past year. Following years of predictions that Crémant could carve out a niche in the ‘in-between’ price segment, it and others have seen tangible change after many years of waiting in the wings.

Simpsons’ toasts 10th anniversary with launch of non-vintage Chalklands

Published: 03 May, 2022

Simpsons Wine Estate in Kent has reached a major milestone with the release of its first non-vintage Chalklands Classic Cuvée English sparkling wine.

Champagne has cause to celebrate

Published: 21 April, 2022

With sales exceeding all expectations, the drink for good times is back on top form, finds James Bayley.

New UK campaign for 2022 for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Published: 07 April, 2022

The Consorzio of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is continuing its investment in the UK market with a new activity programme for 2022, managed by Swirl Wine Group.

Global thirst for Champagne drives staggering new price highs

Published: 06 April, 2022

Champagne sales surpassed pre-pandemic levels last year, with over 320 million bottles shipped worldwide and the US overtaking the UK as Champagne’s top export market by volume.

Dermot Sugrue steps down as head winemaker at Wiston Estate

Published: 18 March, 2022

It is the end of an era at Wiston Estate following the announcement that Dermot Sugrue will be stepping down as head winemaker after 16 years with the estate.

Champagne's Supernova

Published: 17 March, 2022

While there was little to celebrate in 2020, Champagne was back with a bang last year, which seemed to take everyone – including the Champenois – by surprise.

Accolade Wines launches new format with Jack Rabbit 20cl Prosecco

Published: 14 March, 2022

Jack Rabbit, the leading on-trade wine brand from Accolade Wines, is launching a new 20cl, single-serve version of its increasingly popular Prosecco 75cl format.

Dom Pérignon and Golden Vines announce new Scholarships

Published: 10 March, 2022

Champagne brand Dom Pérignon has teamed up with the Golden Vines Awards to introduce new Master of Wine & Master Sommelier Scholarships supporting diversity and inclusivity within the industry.

C&C signs exclusive partnership with Moët Hennessy in Scotland

Published: 07 March, 2022

C&C Group has announced a new sales and distribution agreement with Moët Hennessy in Scotland, making them the primary distributor for the wine and spirits division of the LVMH group north of the border.

Highest volumes of Champagne produced for 10 years

Published: 16 February, 2022

Since March 2020 the Champagne market has been on ice, with little cause for celebration during a global pandemic that has reduced so many gatherings and engagements to a Zoom call.

Nyetimber announces record year as estate leads the way for English sparkling

Published: 14 February, 2022

The UK’s leading English sparkling wine brand, Nyetimber, enjoyed a record year in 2021 in both sales and production. Following its largest ever harvest, Nyetimber’s UK sales increased by 55% on the previous year. Situated in the south of England, the 30-year-old winemakers saw sales in Europe grow by a whopping 89%.

English sparkling wine brand achieves 'B Corporation' certification

Published: 06 January, 2022

A niche sparkling wine brand, The Uncommon, has become the first UK wine business to be certified as B Corp.

Sparkling wine delivered bumper Christmas sales

Published: 06 January, 2022

The sparkling wine category was the clear winner of the Christmas retail bonanza, with both merchants and analysts reporting bumper sales.

New Generation adds Champagne Carbon to its portfolio

Published: 04 January, 2022

Wine importer and wholesaler New Generation has become the exclusive agents of Champagne Carbon, a niche brand created by Alexandre Méa.

Freixenet delivers record Cava sales

Published: 21 December, 2021

Spanish giant Freixenet has posted record Cava sales in 2021, retailing more than 100 million bottles worldwide for the first time ever in the firm's 150-year history.

Chapel Down makes changes to executive leadership team

Published: 01 December, 2021

Chapel Down, the Kent-based English wine producer, has announced further changes to its senior team which it said would make further strides towards its vision to be the “number one and most celebrated English winemaker”.

Friday read: Prosecco DOC Rosé's future prospects

Published: 26 November, 2021

After years of intense lobbying by producers, the Prosecco Consortium finally allowed blended sparkling wine styles to be bottled under the 'Prosecco DOC Rosé' designation in 2020. Exports began in November last year, although there have been reports of a Pinot Noir shortage in 2021. Nevertheless, the category has got off to a flying start, with buoyant sales and an enthusiastic consumer reception. But how sustainable is this growth, and will it affect sales of 'ordinary' Prosecco?