Latest industry figures confirm that branded wines are driving major sales growth in the UK off-trade. So, with the Old World preparing to take the New World on at its own game, the branded sector itself looks set for considerable expansion. James Aufenast considers the implications for the market and for the consumer
Read more...Increased use of screwcap closures has highlighted the problems of reduction in wines. But is reductive winemaking always a bad thing? Jamie Goode explains both sides of this complex topic and argues that more research could paint a different picture of terroir-driven wines
Read more...Few personalities could survive a public removal' from Domaine de la Romane-Conti and bounce back with a biodynamic rival. But then, few French producers are as resolute and philosophical as Lalou Bize-Leroy. Monty Waldin meets the woman conducting the cosmic elements at Domaine Leroy.
Read more...Having jettisoned the arrogance of Apartheid-era South African winemaking, Cape producers have made significant inroads into the lower price points in the UK market. Now, key exporters are targeting the higher price points, with greater emphasis on premium wines. Tim Atkin MW reports on their chances of making the leap
Read more...The days are getting longer, we have already had some good weather - it's time to break out the T-shirts, scrape down the barbie and stock up with crisp whites, juicy reds, ross and fizz. Christian Davis considers the stocking equations and in-store promotions at the weather-watching retailers
Read more...As the wine trade's annual get-together settles into the second year at its new home at ExCeL, David Williams talks to organisers Andrew Evans and James Murray of Brintex about what's new for this year, and previews the product launches, events and tastings that will be pulling the punters to Docklands for the 2003 LIWSF
Read more...The following is an edited transcript of the WSET Lecture delivered by Eduardo Chadwick, president of Via Errazuriz, on 3 March
Read more...Like its polar opposite, FABs, organic wine has been one of the drinks industry's biggest growth markets over the past decade. But can the boom survive a recession? David Williams assesses the current and future health of the UK's green wine scene
Read more...It has been a tough year for America, and with the news that grape prices in California have slumped along with demand, it isn't getting any easier. Yet the mainstream UK wine drinker is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the US. Brand California is on a roll, as Christian Davis reports
Read more...Far from being geared merely towards the large-scale production of mediocre wines, Joanne Simon discovers that two Italian co-operatives are driving quality production in two very diverse regions, Trentino and the Marches
Read more...The race for Beaujolais Nouveau may be over, but more serious wines have joined the fight for market share. James Aufenast reportsThe race for Beaujolais Nouveau may be over, but more serious wines have joined the fight for market share. James Aufenast reportsThe race for Beaujolais Nouveau may be over, but more serious wines have joined the fight for market share. James Aufenast reports
Read more...Europeans often fall into the trap of thinking that Southern Hemisphere summers are as consistent as ours are fickle. But the 2002 vintage confounded that notion, with Australia experiencing its coldest-ever summer in some areas, and the south of Chile one of its wettest. Harpers reviews the mixed harvest in key New World countries
Read more...This week, Harpers concludes its review of The Fifth International Symposium of the Institute of Masters of Wine, held in Vienna between 11-13 July. In sessions and workshops, key speakers debated a range of thorny issues, from GM to RO, brands to corks, and custom-made wines to the spirit of AOC. Neil Beckett and Tim Atkin MW report
Read more...In 2000, the big news for Argentina in the UK was the establishment of a new generic office. A year on, market share has not increased greatly and the country remains in the shadow of its neighbour over the Andes. Charlotte Hey asks the trade what Argentina should do now
Read more...The Definitive Italian Wine Tasting has provided a long-overdue platform for commercially available, mid-priced Italian wines in the UK. Harpers casts an eye over the producers and wines helping to make this year's event the biggest and brightest yet
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...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...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
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