The week that was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week (and a bit of last week due to the long weekend) on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

UK most difficult market for top end sparkling wine outside Champagne

The UK is the most difficult market for top end sparkling wine outside of Champagne, according to the head of Franciacorta's trade body in Italy.

Champagne industry must face up to negative impact of global warming

One of the biggest challenges facing the Champagne industry is how to manage the negative effects of global warming, according to Krug's senior viticulturist, Romain Le Guillou.

Nicolas Feuillatte joins in the Gumball Rally's celebrations in London

London's Regent Street is set to be closed on Sunday, June 8 to make way for 120 Super Cars competing in the Gumball 3000 rally which sees motoring enthusiasts cross 3,000 miles across the United States and Europe between June 5-11. Nicolas Feuillatte is not only the official Champagne for the race, but has two branded cars competing in the rally.

Co-op's major wine revamp yields strong results

The Co-operative has seen sparkling wine, smaller serve bottles and Argentinian wine sales soar since it revamped its range in recent months.

Own-label Champagne sales lose their fizz says Lanson research

Retailer and own-label Champagne brands have plummeted 16% by value according to the latest category report from Champagne house Lanson.

Champagne Veuve Clicquot to debut at London Wine Fair

Champagne Veuve Clicquot is taking its own stand - a vintage yellow Airstream trailer - for the first time at London Wine Fair in June.

Formula One drivers can now celebrate with limited edition Champagne GH Mumm

As Formula One drivers spend so much time throwing around quality Champagne, official sponsors, Champagne GH Mumm, has produced a special limited edition bottle unique for Formula One.

France tops medal chart at the International Wine Challenge 2014

France has topped the medal chart at the International Wine Challenge for the 31^st year running, taking 1987 medals, including 113 golds.

Nick Mantella steps down as UK managing director of Codorniu

Nick Mantella has stepped down as managing director of sparkling wine company Codorniu UK after 12 years at the firm.

Grower champagnes are riding a wave, says Anne Krebiehl

Growers' Champagnes are riding a wave: while Bordelais tasting rooms remained sluggish and empty during this year's en primeur campaign, Champagne had no trouble attracting visitors, says Anne Krebiehl.

LVMH wine and spirits fall short of Q1 expectations

LVMH's wine and spirits business group posted a decline of 8% in the first quarter compared to the previous year.

Champagne exports to UK plummet by 5.1%

The UK remains Champagne's biggest export market, despite imports falling to €447.2 million last year, a decline of 5.1% by volume and 3.8% by value.

Ruinart: 2013 was good year in Champagne

Ruinart's cellar master says despite bad news elsewhere in France, 2013 was a good year in Champagne, and the house will make a 2013 vintage.

González Byass sees rapid growth in on-trade

González Byass is growing rapidly in the UK on-trade since taking on distribution for Champagne Deutz five months ago.

Moet Hennessey launches sparkling Argentinian wine in UK

Moet Hennessey is hoping to persuade UK consumers to trade up from standard and premium sparkling wine, and down from entry level champagne with the forthcoming launch of its premium sparkling wine brand, Chandon.

Douglas Blyde hears history, gains insight and tastes wines at Fells first summit

Combine one part history lesson with another part insight into the runnings of five family businesses, with a final part of tutored wine tastings, and the first Fells wine forum would result.

Moët UK Sommelier of the Year contest now open

ProWein ups Champagne focus

ProWein is ramping up its Champagne focus in 2014, with double the focus on the sparkling wine compared to last year.

Q&A with ?Moët & Chandon's chief winemaker Benoît Gouez

Moët & Chandon launches the 2006 vintage of Moët Grand Vintage and Giles Fallowfield talks to chief winemaker Beno&icirct Gouez about the wine, the vintage and his philosophy on vintage Champagne at Moët.