Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Headline Hero: Jaime de la Barra, Santa Rita Estates

Published: 31 March, 2021

Jaime de la Barra, director of winegrowing, Santa Rita Estates (covering Chile and Argentina)

Basset foundation releases first Golden Vines Hall of Fame nominees

Published: 09 March, 2021

Liquid Icons, the fine wine research and content production company founded by Gerard Basset OBE MW MS and his friend Lewis Chester, has announced the nominees for The Golden Vines Hall of Fame Award and The Golden Vines Innovation Award.

Atkin Rioja Report awards first-ever 100 point score to a white

Published: 15 February, 2021

Tim Atkin MW has revealed a perfect score for a wine for Rioja for the first time – and it’s a white.

Chateau de Berne joins Bibendum

Published: 16 November, 2020

Bibendum Wine has become the exclusive UK distributor for Chateau de Berne, also taking on the other three wines in the Provence-driven MDCV portfolio.

Bancroft bolsters Beaujolais with three new estates

Published: 29 September, 2020

Bancroft Wines has added Domaine Chignard, Alexandre Burgaud and Domaine de la Rocaillère to its portfolio.

De Bortoli supports Oz reforestation with new range

Published: 08 September, 2020

Family-owned Australian winery De Bortoli Wines has launched a new range to help support the reforestation of the Australian landscape, devastated by the extensive bushfires.

Jolie-Pitts debut rosé Champagne

Published: 01 September, 2020

The march of celebrity backed wine brands into mainstream consciousness continues with the launch of Fleur de Miraval, a new collaboration with former Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and the Péters family in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

Pernod Ricard takes mezcal super premium

Published: 17 July, 2020

French giant Pernod Ricard has grown its stake in the “fast-growing” mezcal segment via Ojo de Tigre, a small-batch spirit made from sustainable agave.

Right Bank under threat as adaptability of Merlot cools

Published: 06 July, 2020

The traditional Merlot-dominant blends of Bordeaux’s Right Bank are being threatened by global warming, according to leading winemakers in the region.

Bollinger adds first cuvée in over a decade with Bollinger PN

Published: 06 July, 2020

Champagne Bollinger has added its first permanent cuvée in 12 years with the launch of Bollinger PN, the first of an intended series focusing on the house’s flagship grape.

Loire Valley sparklers herald UK uplift

Published: 02 July, 2020

Loire Valley fizz has enjoyed a surge in exports to the UK, with Crémant de Loire having jumped just shy of 50%.

Halliday to auction iconic DRC collection

Published: 01 June, 2020

Legendary Australian wine critic James Halliday is to auction 250 bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from his private cellar.

New senior appointments at Santa Rita

Published: 01 June, 2020

Leading Chilean and Argentinian wine producer Santa Rita Estates has reshuffled its senior management team.

Tim Atkin MW: Taking wine to the limit

Published: 10 January, 2020

The life jacket seemed like a good idea, given the size of the launch and the strength of the wind barreling down the jetty. Nervously, I climbed on board and prepared for the final leg of a journey that had started more than 1,000km away in Santiago with a flight to Puerto Montt. From there, I’d taken a ferry to the Isla Grande de Chiloé and driven to Quicavi on its eastern coast. Now it was time to visit the tiny island of Añihué, home to one of the most remote and unusual vineyards in the world.

Major renovation at Ducasse ramps up CA Grands Crus overhaul

Published: 02 December, 2019

CA Grands Crus has revealed plans to expand its Grand Puy Ducasse winery with the aim of micro-vinifying plots from their Pauillac estate.

Gymkhana star takes home Sud de France UK Sommelier gong

Published: 03 October, 2019

A new winner has been crowned the Sud de France UK Sommelier of the Year after finalists went head-to-head to put their skills and knowledge to the test under the eyes of the judges.

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.

Anjou investors chase drier styles as sweet sales dwindle

Published: 16 July, 2019

The renaissance of dry Chenin wines, together with dwindling sales of sweet wines, have driven investors in Quarts-de–Chaumes – the Loire’s only Grand Cru appellation – to switch production from sweet to dry wines.

Tim Atkin MW: Why wines from Tenerife are special

Published: 06 June, 2019

“You’re joking,” said María Hontoria, the oenologist from the governing Cabildo de Tenerife. “I thought everyone from the UK had been here.” Her surprise was justified. Nearly six million tourists visit each year and more than a third are Brits. Tenerife is package-tour central, served by dozens of airlines bringing holidaymakers to resorts such as Playa de los Américas, but it’s also much more: a beautiful island with an intriguing history, stunning landscapes and some of Spain’s most exciting wines.

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.