Sizing up Spain

Despite the twin pressures of Covid and Brexit, Spain’s wines have managed to stay in relatively good shape thanks to an uplift in off-trade sales. Andrew Catchpole reports.

LWF: Time to bottle it on glass?

As carbon emissions and the broader topic of sustainability climb back up the agenda, one of the more forward-looking sessions at London Wine Fair (LWF) 2021 cut to the heart of the issue.

Guy Woodward: Why we need underdogs

The European Super League was always doomed to failure. Think about it from a wine perspective. It would be like a region – in France, say – initiating a system whereby its châteaux were ranked purely on the basis of how much their wines cost, maybe put into mini ‘divisions’, and then this classification being set in stone in perpetuity, regardless of any change in quality on the part of either the incumbents’ wines or those of any would-be challengers. Surely it would never last…

IWC announces 2021 winners

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced the winners of its 2021 competition, with a haul of 6,800 medals being claimed across over 40 countries.

Gran Vino de Rueda sets bar high for Verdejo

The launch of new quality tier Gran Vino de Rueda in Spain’s leading white DO aims to elevate visibility of the top wines from the region.

Hallgarten Wines clinches Simpsons for the on-trade

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has become the sole distributor for Simpsons Wine Estate’s range in the on-trade – a move which the distributor said would help them capitalise on “sky-rocketing” consumer interest of English wines.

First CBD-infused wines out of South America land in UK

New CBD-infused wines from South America are to make their debut in the UK this month, adding the first Latin American flavour to this nascent category.

ASDA groups wine by grape rather than region

Asda has unveiled a major change in the setup of its wine aisles by becoming the first major UK supermarket to group all wine by grape instead of by country.

Last chance to register: The Diversity of Argentina webinar

With just one day to go until our The Diversity of Argentina webinar – a must for buyers and those interested in the latest category update – Harpers and Wines of Argentina are inviting final sign ups for this free-to-attend webinar on 27 April at 3pm.

Hawke's Bay hails trio of 'outstanding' vintages

Premium New Zealand wine region Hawke’s Bay has reported a third high quality vintage in a row, following “near perfect growing condition”.

Fine Wine Partners rebrands to Accolade Fine Wines

Accolade Wines' fine wines division has been re-named Accolade Fine Wines by the company in order to facilitate a “customer-centric offering” which will move away from focusing on brands only within Australia.

In tribute to Litmus Wines’ Mike Florence

Friends, family and colleagues have paid tribute today to Mike Florence of Litmus Wines, who has sadly passed away following a long battle with Myeloma.

Historic Inglenook winery renews ties with New Generation Wines

Rutherford’s Inglenook winery has renewed its partnership with UK importer and distributor New Generation Wines as it aims to grow its international appeal.

Bordeaux trading rises on US tariff suspension ahead of 2020 EP campaign

Market sentiment towards Bordeaux is “showing signs of recovery” as this year’s En Primeur campaign swings around, according to the Liv-ex members’ Bordeaux report released today.

California: Challenging French supremacy

The smartly boxed and sleekly designed sample bottles distributed ahead of the recent California Wine Institute’s Essential California at Home series of tastings were eye-catching in other ways too.

Expanded indie-focused campaign follows rise in Georgia imports

Georgia’s national promotional body has teased a number of new initiatives in the UK market after 2020 showed a marked increase in the number of importers, wholesalers and retailers working with Georgian wines.

Ethical winemaking in South America: A new world

James Lawrence looks at the South American wineries championing biodiversity and giving back to the vineyards.

Vineyard tour with Argento's Juan Pablo Murgia

Long Read: Orange wine leads the pack at the newly organic Cramele Recas

Cramele Recas, Romania’s largest winery, has reached a major landmark in its march towards organic winemaking, with its first certificated organic wines now reaching the UK.

Fine wine: The new world of collectables

Fine wine investment enjoyed a growing reputation for resilience during the ups and downs of Covid. Chloe Ashton, COO at Wine Lister, takes a closer look at the evolution of this ever-changing market.