Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Multiples: Shoppers to pay price for duty

Published: 07 August, 2023

With wine duty set to increase by 20% and spirits duty by more than 10%, how might supermarkets offset these costs? James Bayley reports.

Advertisement Feature: Boosting Bergerac

Published: 04 August, 2023

Let’s collectively banish the notion that Bergerac is simply a “pleasant alternative” to Bordeaux. Indeed, the delectable wines of the south-west have their own distinct identity, notwithstanding the popularity of Cabernet Sauvignon – and Merlot – in the vineyards of the Dordogne. Yet there are key differences: the climate shows more continental flourishes than the Atlantic-influenced Gironde, for example, and there are well-drained limestone soils on higher ground. The potential to make outstanding wine in the green valleys of Bergerac is unprecedented.

Indies: Vinotopia, from box to barn

Published: 02 August, 2023

Cotswolds indie Vinotopia’s latest ‘luxury’ wine destination is a rather posh barn. Andrew Catchpole takes a peek.

Taste-Off: Coming around to Riesling

Published: 31 July, 2023

The trade returns to the Riesling conundrum time and again, but our Taste Off panel detected signs of change with respect to this consumer-bewildering variety. Andrew Catchpole reports from a lively session at 9 Vines in Hove.

Tech: Innovation on the AI spectrum

Published: 26 July, 2023

In a follow-up piece to last month’s ‘chat’ with Chat GPT, Jo Gilbert dives back into the world of generative AI, to find out more with regard to wine.

On-trade: To somm or not to somm?

Published: 24 July, 2023

Weighing up the worth of a good sommelier, Chris Losh explores the benefits they can deliver.

Low and no: Dry summer

Published: 21 July, 2023

With more people leaning towards moderation when it comes to alcohol, on-trade venues could benefit by improving their low & no options. James Bayley dissects the findings of a new KAM report.

Henry Jeffreys on premium spirits

Published: 19 July, 2023

Henry Jeffreys dives into the growing world of premium spirits and how newly elevated category heroes are creating a halo effect.

Advertisement Feature: The versatility of Rhône

Published: 19 July, 2023

One need only look to the recent La Vie en Rhône rosé tastings to see the diversity of rosés on offer across the region. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Multiples: The rise of low-intervention wine

Published: 17 July, 2023

Interest in organic and natural wine is growing. James Bayley asks why more can’t be found in supermarkets.

Advertisement Feature: Rioja Residency

Published: 14 July, 2023

A selection of age-worthy styles from recent to older decades were on full show at this recent event – a new, unbeatable showing of the region’s best wines.

Garda DOC comes of age

Published: 12 July, 2023

James Bayley investigates the wines of Garda DOC and asks if the region really needs to ride on the coattails of this popular tourist destination.

UK wine rules: Getting the blend right

Published: 10 July, 2023

The government claims its new proposals will “put a rocket” under UK trade by enabling businesses to “blend” and “transform” bulk wine on home turf, though some say it will sound the death knell for wines of provenance. Jo Gilbert wades in.

Sustainability Report: Work in progress

Published: 07 July, 2023

The takeaways from both a Harpers sustainability panel and a joint session with Enotria & Coe at LWF all pointed to the ever-increasing need to act – and act fast – to stay ahead of the curve.

France Report: Life on the edge

Published: 29 June, 2023

Artisanal, individual and appealing, Jura nonetheless faces challenges in global demand. Abbie Bennington reports.

France Report: Premium prospects

Published: 28 June, 2023

Heather Dougherty looks at how far the idea of premium Languedoc has come in recent years, while taking a bird’s eye view of its biggest winners.

France Report: Champagne

Published: 27 June, 2023

With grower Champagnes and the sparkling category in general ascendancy, Lucy Shaw looks at who really wields the power in Champagne.

France Report: Agile approach

Published: 26 June, 2023

Frozen out at the entry level by difficult harvests, and with increasingly eye-watering prices at the top, France is having to be nimble as a category – though its brand equity remains high, writes Jo Gilbert.

Sparkling: Reasons to be cheerful

Published: 23 June, 2023

The sparkling wine market in the UK is changing. While the cost-of-living crisis clearly bites, there are some categories that are still – or should we say finally – full of fizz. Anne Krebiehl MW reports.