Liv-ex predicts ‘off’ vintage for Bordeaux 2021

A wet and cool 2021 is likely to result in “heterogenous vintage” for Bordeaux, with large gaps in quality between appellations and estates predicted to result in significant numbers of “indifferent wines”.

Displaced Chinese exports look for new home at ATT

A slew of Australian producers which have been forced to reorient themselves following China’s government-imposed trade tariffs were on show at Australia Trade Tasting (ATT) on Thursday, where a renewed ‘buyer-only’ mentality aimed to find new homes for wineries left with major holes in distribution.

Arribaes: The New frontier of Iberian fine wines

It is known as Arribes del Duero in Spanish, and Arribas Do Douro in Portuguese, but now Iberian producers in this cross-frontier wine region have joined forces to create Arribaes, a new brand of low-intervention fine wines.

Tim Atkin MW: Rising from the ashes

New oak can “pollute” Italian varieties, says Tenuta di Ghizzano

Tuscan winegrowers are increasingly eschewing new oak for alternatives like amphora, older barrels and maturation in stainless/concrete, according to a leading estate in the region.

Full steam ahead for Harpers Loire Valley competition

Merchants across the UK continue to sign up to the Loire Valley Wines competition, organised in collaboration with Harpers and the region’s promotional body.

Depleted yields create ‘tension’ following a stellar year for Burgundy exports

Burgundy is struggling to keep up with rising demand, as a record revenue-producing year in 2021 now puts pressure on winemakers to make the most of depleted stocks.

All change at Bodegas Cosme Palacio

Leading Rioja winery Cosme Palacio has announced a series of important changes at the firm, including new personnel, the launch of a white wine, and a label shakeup.

Vinitaly Academy launches Buyer Program in the UK

Vinitaly International Academy, the educational arm of the Verona show which aims to showcase the breath and diversity of the Italian peninsula, is launching a brand new focus in the UK.

Trade celebrates achievements while tackling bias via International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is shining a spotlight on the top female talent working in the industry today, with initiatives like Whisky Investment Partners’ Break The Bias campaign also raising awareness of the continuing battle for many to achieve gender parity in the workplace.

Beefed up buying power clinches Gérard Bertrand exclusivity at Bibendum

Bibendum Wines has won the exclusive rights to distribute the wines of Southern French pioneer Gérard Bertrand in the UK, Harpers can reveal.

World wakes up to Austrian wine quality

From Wachau to Neusiedlersee, David Kermode takes a trip through Austria’s must-know regions.

Hallgarten & Novum expands its South African portfolio

Specialist wine importer, Hallgarten & Novum has announced new additions to its South African portfolio, introducing Lomond Wines and Elgin Valley’s Spioenkop, which achieved a first growth classification in Tim Atkin’s South Africa 2021 Special Report.

Aldi launches nationwide competition for new suppliers

Aldi is continuing its commitment to British suppliers with the announcement of ‘Grow With Aldi’, a nationwide competition that will see the supermarket uncover and ultimately stock exciting new products from the UK’s best small and medium food and drink businesses – propelling them into the big time.

Woodwinters expands Italian portfolio

Leading importer Woodwinters has become the exclusive UK distributor for Sordo wines.

New campaign to reinvigorate sherry's image in UK

Promotional body Sherry from Spain has launched a new promotional drive in the UK market, designed to build awareness and transform sherry's image across both the on-trade and direct-to-consumer channels.

D’Yquem puts the emphasis on young and old with new Lighthouse series

Chateau d’Yquem is encouraging consumers to try their sweet wines young as part of a global by-the-glass initiatives with key on-trade players, while also allowing more time for the wines to age at the winery before being bottled and released to market.

Taste of southern France at Socca

Socca

Freixenet Copestick picks up Wither Hills

Marlborough-based winery Wither Hills has joined the expanding family of Freixenet Copestick agencies, after the firm entered into a partnership with brand owner Lion New Zealand.

Atkin unveils latest Rioja Report

Harpers columnist Tim Atkin MW has launched the 2022 edition of his Rioja Report – the seventh in-depth study, published via Atkin's website.