Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Piccini introduces rosata to Memoro Vino d'Italia range

Published: 05 April, 2013

The family-owned Italian wine producer Piccini has introduced a third wine, a rosata, to its Memoro Vino d'Italia range.

Italy breaks out from Pinot Grigio's shadow

Published: 15 March, 2013

As a challenging harvest across Italy 'rocks the Pinot Grigio boat', now is the time to look towards the myriad indigenous alternatives, says Anne Krebiehl

Douglas Blyde discusses the world of Prosecco with winemaker Primo Franco of producer Nino Franco

Published: 05 March, 2013

Primo Franco, of Prosecco producer, Nino Franco, marked 30 years since he produced his first vintage by hosting a lunch at Hawksmoor restaurant, Air Street, Mayfair. Franco mentions that his choice of restaurant - the latest in the clubby Hawksmoor quartet, and first to offer dishes devised by celebrity fisherman, Mitch Tonks alongside signature steak - happens to lie close to the recently-refurbished five star, Café Royal. It was in those kitchens during the early 1970s, explains Franco with a wry smile, that he toiled as a kitchen porter. After his first shift, during which he confronted "an endless seeming conveyor of dishes", the disorientated, young navvy found himself spending the bulk of his earnings on the taxi home to Acton.

Exclusive research: indies look to Old World for growth

Published: 15 February, 2013

European wines made from indigenous varieties are providing independent wine merchants with much more scope for growth compared with the New World's offering.

Country reports: Italy

Published: 18 January, 2013

How many consumers have really embraced Italian diversity? And for those that haven't, is it because they find it too complex or....

PLB launches second regional roadshow

Published: 18 January, 2013

PLB is to launch its second UK Regional Roadshow tour with its specialist portfolio and has further announced it will join forces with Hatch Mansfield for the Scottish leg of the tour.

Avignonesi Winery acquires third vineyard in 18 months

Published: 19 December, 2012

The Italian-based biodynamic producer Avignonesi Winery has acquired its third vineyard in 18 months, making it one of the region's largest producers of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Tour de Belfort opens Manchester wine and cookery school

Published: 18 December, 2012

French winemaker Muriel Lismonde, owner of Tour de Belfort, has opened wine and cookery school Le Vin La Table in Hale, which aims to offer variety of wine tastings, cookery classes and workshops.

Trade events November

Published: 26 November, 2012

Wednesday, November 28

Sprizzato - a splash of Italian sunshine

Published: 21 November, 2012

In defiance of the winter weather the new light drink Sprizzatois aiming to bring some Italian sunshine to the UK market.

Sustainable irrigation system aids TWP harvest

Published: 15 November, 2012

A sustainable irrigation system linked to a reservoir, has made a significant difference in this year's harvest, according to winemaker Stefano Girelli.

Harvest news - sustainable irrigation system aids TWP vintage

Published: 15 November, 2012

A sustainable irrigation system linked to a reservoir made a significant difference to this year's harvest, according to winemaker Stefano Girelli.

Italian screwcap decree is a 'crass compromise', says expert

Published: 30 October, 2012

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has agreed to relax laws on wines allowed to be bottled under screwcap, but renowned expert David Gleave MW of Liberty says it hasn't gone far enough.

Douglas Blyde looks in to the wines of Joe Bastianich from Friuli

Published: 30 October, 2012

Rock and roll in appearance, and relaxed in manner, Wayne Young hosted a tasting of the wines of Joe Bastianich's Friuli vineyards this week in London with UK agent Bibendum.

Douglas Blyde on discovering the world of Amarone through Sandro Boscaini and Masi Agricola

Published: 25 October, 2012

Bedecked in stripes, from suit to socks, Sandro Boscaini, president of Masi Agricola, was in town earlier this month to celebrate the launch of a hardback book about arguably the best-known wine from Valpolicella, from where he was born. 'Amarone - The Making of an Italian Wine Phenomenon' is written by British expat, Kate Singleton (who also collaborated on Wines of Sicily and The Golden Book of Chocolate). Six corks, one embossed, grace its cover.

Geoffrey Dean on his discoveries in Piedmont

Published: 19 October, 2012

In contrast to the wettest British summer for a century, Piedmont enjoyed such a dry, sunny growing season that the harvest was completed much earlier than normal.