Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sud de France flags up extended Occitanie reach at 10th anniversary tasting

Published: 06 October, 2016

Marketing brand Sud de France used its annual London tasting to communicate and clarify its extended Occitanie reach

National Champagne Week a welcome boost for struggling category

Published: 06 October, 2016

The UK has been popping bubbly this week for National Champagne Week - a much needed boost for the category which has seen a slow down in growth over the past year.

Tim Atkin MW: What will happen to brand Brangelina?

Published: 30 September, 2016

You can always rely on the wine trade to show a sense of perspective. As Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie prepare to eviscerate one another in the divorce courts, no doubt damaging the lives of their six children in the process, the question on everyone's lips is: what's going to happen to Château Miraval?

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

Published: 30 September, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Q&A: Armelle Cruse, the vice president of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc

Published: 29 September, 2016

At a tasting of the 2014 Official Selection of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc, Justin Keay spoke with Armelle Cruse, the vice president of Crus Bourgeois du Medoc about the organisation's ambitious new classification plans.

Unprecedented weather has had "major impact" on Champagne economy

Published: 28 September, 2016

Frost, mildew and scalding weather in 2016 has had a "major impact" on Champagne, accounting for as much as 80% crop losses in one area before the harvest even began.

English sparkling wine had its best summer yet, says Vivino

Published: 22 September, 2016

English sparkling wine hit an all time high in the UK this summer, according to wine app, Vivino.

National Champagne Week aiming to improve Champagne's approachability

Published: 22 September, 2016

National Champagne Week returns for the fourth time next month, aiming to bring the ever popular French fizz to a new audience.

Rising stars to appear at first Sud de France tasting since Occitanie extension

Published: 21 September, 2016

The body which overseas an promotes premium wines from the southern France, is due to hold its first annual tasting since the Occitanie region was extended to include both the Languedoc-Roussillon and the Sud Ouest.

Vins de Bordeaux launches promo campaign with leading restaurant group

Published: 16 September, 2016

The Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) is running a promotional campaign with six brands within one of the UK's leading restaurant and pub companies.

UK Indian Summer and frost in Champagne spells success for English wines

Published: 16 September, 2016

Winemakers at Naked Wines are predicting a top vintage for English Sparkling wine thanks to a September heat wave and low rainfall.

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

Published: 16 September, 2016

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have put together a review of the top online news, Q&As, and opinion stories.

French microalgae may be the answer to key vine diseases

Published: 15 September, 2016

A microalgae found in the sea off Brittany's coastline can wipe-out key vine diseases with new scientific tests in France showing 100% efficiency in destroying Downey Mildew. The major scientific breakthrough could provide natural alternatives to the use of pesticides on vineyards.

How young Bordeaux winemakers are leading the charge for accessibility and affordability

Published: 12 September, 2016

Organic Bordeaux producer and educator Laetitia Ouspointour is one of a generation young, dynamic winemakers who have made it their mission to debunk some of the most persistent Bordeaux myths.

Bordeaux producers encourage wine students

Published: 09 September, 2016

The official selection of Cru Bourgeois wines for the 2014 vintage will be unveiled this month by new president of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Olivier Cuvelier.

Analysis: Exploring the Loire

Published: 08 September, 2016

Happily for the adventurous among us the Loire Valley is brimming with epicurean opportunity. If you need an acid-fresh white or two on the list, there are plenty less familiar names than the ubiquitous Sancerre to turn to. In the hunt for alternatives, let's start with some of the more obvious choices.