Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

AI – drawing the line

Published: 11 July, 2024

From NPD to vineyard management, Jo Gilbert asks how AI can benefit the alcohol industry – and when it’s time to stop.

Ventoux whites look to climb new heights

Published: 27 October, 2022

The Ventoux region – home to the one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Tour de France – is leaning into its white production as it unveils its plans for growth in the UK.

Pinot Noir renaissance continues in Alsace

Published: 12 August, 2022

The ratification of Pinot Noir for use in of two Alsace's grand cru is opening up “new possibilities” as well as reviving a key part of the history of the region, an Alsace official has said.

France Report: The Rhône’s great whites

Published: 11 October, 2021

A fresher, technology-driven approach to white wine in the Rhône is helping producers in both the north and south of the region to find an audience, as Simon Woods reports.

Sud de France: Incredible white diversity on display

Published: 13 September, 2021

Tim Atkin MW has paid homage to huge breadth of white wine available across the Languedoc-Roussillon and the South West, even comparing its diversity to a South American wine cousin.

Long read: Ventoux…young blood, cool wines

Published: 15 July, 2021

Known worldwide as the ultimate back-breaker of the Tour de France, Mount Ventoux’s reputation has been growing in other ways in recent years, gradually sprouting a reputation as the place to watch for interesting cool climate wines from the Southern Rhône.

Six new grape varieties approved in Bordeaux

Published: 04 March, 2021

The Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) has formally approved the use of four new red and two new white grape varieties for official use in Bordeaux as the region makes strides to future proof itself against the effects of climate change.

France: Shaking up the south

Published: 31 March, 2020

Off-piste wines from southern climes are increasingly drawing the spotlight, as Jo Gilbert reports.

Côtes du Rhône celebrates Rhône Wine Festival success

Published: 19 February, 2020

The organisers of the Rhône Wine Festival have called for the trade to get involved in this year's event, following the success of 2019.

Bourgogne thriving in tough Hong Kong market

Published: 10 February, 2020

Wines from the Bourgogne region grew last year by both volume and value in the key Hong Kong market – even as French wine exports fell overall.

Burgundy pushes ‘regional plus’ Mâcon and Bourgogne wines

Published: 06 November, 2019

Burgundy’s governing body is promoting the wider use of what it describes as a premium tier within the existing Mâcon and Bourgogne appellations, allowing the addition of the village name to the broader geographical denomination.

New DGC region for Côtes de Provence

Published: 26 September, 2019

The Côtes de Provence AOC has announced its fifth sub-region to achieve DGC national terroir designation status.

CIVB elects Bernard Farges as new president

Published: 16 July, 2019

The Conseil Interprofessionnel Du Vin De Bordeaux (CIVB) has named Bernard Farges as its new president.

Côtes du Rhône targets 30-45 age group for new global campaign

Published: 25 April, 2019

The trade body for France’s Côtes du Rhône has unveiled plans to target consumers in their thirties and forties, with a new logo and marketing strapline that highlights the region’s quality, heritage and provenance.

New CIVL Languedoc president to focus on sustainability

Published: 16 November, 2018

The Languedoc’s interprofessional body has appointed Miren de Lorgeril as its new president, making her currently the only female president of an interprofession in France.

Rhône coops chase cru margins to balance tough market

Published: 22 August, 2018

Rhône Valley cooperatives are on a mission to premiumise their offering, as market pressures mean they can “no longer compete with the New World at £3 a bottle”.

Cognac sets new export record

Published: 14 August, 2018

Cognac exports have achieved their fourth consecutive year of growth, driven by continued thirst for the historic French brandy in the US.

Why the Rhône’s white evolution is gathering pace

Published: 09 August, 2018

The Rhône Valley is not – predominantly – known for its whites.

French wine producers hail anti-hail netting go-ahead

Published: 26 July, 2018

Wine producers have applauded the news that the INAO has officially approved the use of anti-hail netting in French vineyards describing it as a ‘positive development’.

La Châsse producer Gabriel Meffre looks to make its name in the on-trade

Published: 23 May, 2018

Rhône Valley producer Maison Gabriel Meffre is looking to expand its presence in the UK on-trade, growing on the success of its La Châsse brand in Sainsbury’s and Asda.