Bordeaux hailstorms disastrous for some but minor impact compared to recent frost

The widely reported hailstorms in Bordeaux during the weekend have been estimated to have hit 3% badly in terms of surface, with a further 3% likely to have been affected on a lesser scale, according to the Bordeaux governing body CIVB.

Côtes du Rhône scam sold 66 million bottles of fake wine

The extent of a large-scale wine fraud in the Côtes du Rhône has been unveiled, amounting to 66.5 million bottles of counterfeit wine.

Louis Latour Agencies signs deal as Castello Banfi distributor

Louis Latour Agencies has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Italian winery Castello Banfi, marking the first European winery from outside France to join the agency.

New Zealand premium exports hit a high note in the US and UK

New Zealand’s reputition as a top producer of quality wines continue to rise in the UK and across the world, as it is named the third biggest wine importer in value to the US.

French organic wine sales grow to a billion euros with UK sales on the rise

War over planting rights erupts in Champagne

A war over planting rights is being waged in France, where Champagne growers want to severely limit new plantings of vines by rival growers in areas surrounding Champagne’s production zone.

New role at GCF puts focus on UK

Major French exporter Les Grands Chais de France (GCF) has appointed a new UK based wine director to oversee the group’s activities outside of France.

Halewood secures distribution deal for French wine brand Bonfils

Halewood Wines & Spirits has secured a deal to distribute French wine brand Bonfils in the UK.

Tim Atkin MW: At the mercy of the elements

It’s squeaky bum time in Chablis. Grape growers the world over consult weather forecasts on a regular basis, but in the Yonne it’s almost an obsession. You can see why the locals are worried: nature has picked them out for some particularly brutal treatment in the past two vintages.

Red Squirrel goes up against larger rivals with £12 in-house blend

Niche wine importer Red Squirrel has released a new range of £12 in-house blended wines through which they hope to compete with the grey squirrels of the wine world.

Gallic Appeal

France is edging its way back into the limelight as a source of adventurous, engaging and innovative wines. Andrew Catchpole reports

TWE aims to subvert French conventions by following “New World sourcing model”

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is threatening to challenge the French status quo with the launch of its newest brand.

Gruppo Campari exits still wine

Gruppo Campari has sold Loire Valley producer Château de Sancerre, and with it, exits from the business of selling still wine.

Famille Helfrich to release first Margaux vintage

Famille Helfrich is to release the first vintage from its Margaux property - Château La Fortune.

Nicolas Feuillatte blames global volume dip on poor UK performance

Nicolas Feuillatte has reported a 4% dip in global volume sales driven by the general UK market decline for Champagne.

Crown Cellars reveals new wine portfolio

Crown Cellars, the wine division of Carlsberg UK, has unveiled its 2017/18 wine portfolio, with a focus on Spain and Italy.

Guy Woodward: A love letter to Bordeaux. No, really…

“Ahh, so you’re the one who hates Bordeaux…” said the late, great Denis Dubourdieu when we were introduced. Bordeaux’s pre-eminent authority on white wines, Dubourdieu was a man used to having his reputation precede him. Me? Less so. As I told the master winemaker, though, I don’t hate Bordeaux. We were drinking white Haut-Brion at the time, after all. But, as I also told him – and put into print as often as I could get away with at Decanter – I do hate its arrogance, its prices, and the nauseating esteem in which it is held by those old enough to know better.

Revamp for Mouton Cadet

After 15 years of deliberation and development, Mouton Cadet has unveiled a new look to mark an upgrading of quality and repositioning of Bordeaux's most prominent volume brand

CIVB invites trade to Dine with Bordeaux

The Bordeaux Wine Board (CIVB) is re-launching two promotional campaigns aimed at promoting the 'versatility' of Bordeaux.

Olivier Dauga reveals project bringing together wines from different châteaux

French winemaking consultant Olivier Dauga has launched a project bringing together wines from a selection of châteaux.