French bulk market 'tense' in face of Languedoc shortages

The French bulk wine market is starting to look "very tense", according to one top broker, following major shortages in the Languedoc region.

New firm North South Wines ramps up activity

Newly-created North South Wines is planning to boost its team as it gets ready for a series of product launches in the coming months.

Ferrari's Camilla Lunelli on finding a home for Trentodoc Italian sparkling wine in the UK

It was Giulio Ferrari in Trento, the Alpine north of Italy, who pioneered traditional method sparkling wines, or 'Metodo Classico', in Italy in 1902. With barely 900 hectares dedicated to sparkling wine production, mostly in mountainous vineyards, the wineries of Trentodoc, as the association is known, have carved out prime position at home.

Ex-Ehrmanns directors form new wine distribution company

Three high profile UK wine professionals, including two former Ehrmanns directors, have launched their own distribution company in partnership with three wineries, including De Bortoli wines, which is closing its UK office as a result.

George Workman of Frizzenti on the huge opportunties for wine on-tap

We talk to George Workman, managing director of Frizzenti, the company behind the on-tap serve for Italian sparkling wine about how he sees the Prosecco and sparkling wine market growing and developing in the future.

Pinot Grigio shortage could see consumers opt for other white wines

Pinot Grigio is in short supply on the bulk market around the globe, which is starting to push up prices.

Italy's Franciacorta wines double sales to UK

Sales of Italy's Franciacorta wines in the UK have doubled in the first six months of 2014 thanks to growing market awareness.

Liberty Wines sees sales jump 14% for first half of 2014

Liberty Wines has seen its overall revenues grow 14% in the six months to the end of June 2014, with on-trade sales putting in a particularly strong performance up 18%.

Prosecco producer Bisol reveals plans to launch new Venetian wine

Bisol, the leading Italian Prosecoo producer, is to release a Venissa red in 2014, accroding to Matteo Bisol, the director of the family's Venissa tourism project on the Venetian island of Mazzorbo.

Frescobaldi family to open first UK restaurant

Acclaimed Italian wine family, the Frescobaldis, is to open its first standalone restaurant and wine bar in the UK.

Just what is Boris Becker thinking? Send us your photo captions...

With another Wimbledon title to his name (admittedly in his role as a coach to Novak Djokovic) you would think Boris Becker would be nothing but smiles at the moment. The Claret Pimpernel, however, caught him in a more thoughtful mood at a recent Franciacorta special event at the Italian ambassador's residence in London.

Are classic Italian wines making a comeback?

Many believe that classic Italian styles are poised for a major comeback, but could they be obscuring the depth and breadth of Italian wine?

Bulk Pinot Grigio stocks tighten, says Murphy Wine Company

Italian Franciacorta and Brunello producers link up for first UK specialist tastings

The UK wine trade will get the chance to discover some of the premium wines available from two key Italian wine styles  - Franciacorta and Brundello - at special  masterclass tastings taking place in July.

Franciacorta producers look to include old Italian indigenous variety to production process

Producers of Franciacorta, the premium Italian sparkling wine, may soon have to make it with an old indigenous grape variety if changes to the production process are approved. 

UK most difficult market for top end sparkling wine outside Champagne

The UK is the most difficult market for top end sparkling wine outside of Champagne, according to the head of Franciacorta's trade body in Italy.

Sir Alex Ferguson has mixed success in Christie's fine wine auction

Sir Alex Ferguson bought well when he was at Manchester United and enjoyed some exceptional years in charge. But now after retiring from the club he is enjoying off-loading some of his myriad responsibilities.

Alliance Wine opens London office to grow on-trade sales

Alliance Wine is opening an office in London to boost its sales into the capital's on-trade and south east market.

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France still best performing wine in on-trade

On-trade wine sales fell by 2% during 2013, and stayed flat in the first quarter, according to figures compiled by CGA for the WSTA market report. In the long-term, France still remains best-performing country for wine in the on-trade. It has grown 10% in the 12 months to January 25, 2014 and now holds a 27% share of total wine sales.