Italy's northeast: A cool and crisp offer for the UK

Industrious, dynamic and diverse, northeast Italy is one of the nation’s viticultural powerhouses. Yet the region has arguably become a victim of its own success: exports to the UK are largely dominated by Prosecco and other internationally renowned styles, such as Amarone and Pinot Grigio. A great deal of excellent wine, very much on-trend in terms of moderate alcohol, has been sidelined. However, with consumers starting to grasp the profusion of what northeast Italy can offer, key stakeholders have a renewed focus on bringing esoteric styles to our indie merchants and restaurants in 2022.

2022 Douro harvest: “We faced some of the greatest challenges that our family has seen”

Following the theme in many European wine-growing regions this year, the 2022 Douro harvest has now been confirmed as the earliest ever recorded in the region.

Casa Real: Thirty years of excellence

Casa Real is a fitting poster child for the agrarian revolution sweeping across Chile today. The nation’s winegrowers, passionate and highly driven, continue to refine their knowledge of local soils, matching the vine variety to the place. “Casa Real represents an apex of terroir expression in the Maipo Valley. Since the wine’s inception in the 1980s, our journey has been a legacy of understanding the environment,” says Santa Rita winemaker Sebastián Labbé. “We are custodians of the soil – nothing less.”

Vranken-Pommery tests the waters of vine density in English ‘trials’

Vranken-Pommery’s English wine ‘trials’ at its Pinglestone Estate in Hampshire could prompt viticulture changes in Champagne, the house has said, with Pinglestone being used as a ‘laboratory’ where findings on lowering vine density could be taken across the Channel.

Ridgeview has high hopes for 2022 harvest

English sparkling wine estate Ridgeview has announced its ambitions for the 2022 harvest, citing the soaring summer temperatures as a significant contributor to excellent growing conditions.

Amarone has an image problem, says leading producer

The Amarone della Valpolicella category needs to embrace change and restore its former global cachet, according to Stefano Cesari, owner of Brigaldara winery in the Veneto region.

English Sparkling Wine pioneer Ridgeview achieves B Corp certification

Ridgeview, the Sussex-based sparkling wine producer, has achieved B Corp accreditation following a rigorous application process.

Fermentation underway in Champagne for “solar” 2022 vintage

Comité Champagne, the trade association representing the interests of Champagne growers and houses, has published an update on its “solar” 2022 vintage.

Bodega Argento adds three new organic listings to on-trade portfolio

Bodega Argento has added a trio of premium organic Argentinian wines to its existing on-trade range with UK distribution partner Bibendum.

The nitty gritty of soil data

When it comes to battling climate change, working closely with the vineyard is a given. Yet, as time goes on – and the climate becomes more unpredictable – the role of technology is growing in tandem with approaches that seek to have minimal interference with the land; and where that interference is necessary, using data to carry out the best possible response.

Jean-Marc Astruc, Southern French vigneron and winemaker, and husband of British winemaker Katie Jones, has died

With sadness, we share the news that Jean-Marc Astruc, vigneron and winemaker, passed away at 61 following a year-long illness.

Sales and temperatures rise in tandem for UK wine industry

Much has been made of the growth of the UK wine sector and how climate change is slowly emerging as a net benefit for vineyards across the country.

Lanchester Wines launches canned wine range

Lanchester Wines has launched its latest range of wine in cans. The new ‘Wallflower’ range of 187ml Spanish wines comprises easy-drinking red, white and rose wines.

Relief for New Zealand's ‘severely depleted’ cellars

New Zealand has reported a healthier harvest and a boost for the country’s inflation-hit supply chain after 2022 delivered in terms of size.

Early harvest in Roussillon after July heatwave

Roussillon is the latest French wine-growing region to announce an early 2022 harvest due to soaring temperatures.

Early Rhône Valley harvest looks promising despite drought

France’s second-largest appellation, Rhône Valley AOC, began its 2022 harvest on Monday, 22 August, eight days earlier than last year.

One of UK’s oldest vineyards hits the market for £2m

Chilford Hall Vineyard and Winery, one of England’s oldest established commercial vineyards, has hit the open market with a guide price of £2 million.

Looking ahead: Anne Bousquet, Domaine Bousquet

Cotswolds Distillery looks to export market after £3m cash injection

Cotswolds Distillery has unveiled plans to ramp up its production of English whisky and gin with the support of Santander UK.

Record-breaking early harvest for Spain

Spain has recorded some of its earliest ever harvests this year, with many parts of the country bringing picking forward in order to mitigate a barrage of wildfires, widespread drought and “constant heat”.