Drinks distributors, retailers, importers and marketers of the world unite.' It may not be the catchiest call to arms, but the recent International Federation of Wines and Spirits seminar in London sought to inspire the disparate elements of the trade to be more open to new developments - and with each other. Joanne Simon examines the key themes
Read more...Two months ago, Robert Parker and a group of Britain's leading merchants warned the Bordelais that unless en primeur prices came down, the market could collapse. So have prices fallen sufficiently, or are chteau owners now tinkering in the last chance saloon? Neil Beckett reports
Read more...Though the fate of the euro in the UK is still in the balance, it is now a reality in most of the EU. But what impact will it have on the wine trade? That was the question debated by Tim Atkin MW and a panel of experts at last week's London International Wine and Spirits Fair
Read more...It was the ancient Greeks who introduced the Romans to wine. Over two millennia later, some believe that the world is about to experience a Hellenic comeback. Joanne Simon encounters an upbeat mood among producers in the Attica and Peloponnese regions of Greece.
Read more...Garage wines operate outside the mainstream investment market, and while these small-scale Bordeaux wines have enjoyed huge success in the Far East, they have attracted criticism and suspicion closer to home. So how are they currently performing? Margaret Rand gets the inside track from some of the UK's leading importers
Read more...The recent recognition of umami as the fifth taste has stimulated further research into the range and sensitivity of the human palate. So how exactly are people's wine tasting capabilities determined by the complex interaction of tongue, nose and brain? Jamie Goode takes a trip through the human tasting zone
Read more...Embroiled in economic turmoil, winemakers in Argentina are dealing with ever-increasing problems of supply, labour, distribution and revenue. So are they choosing to slash their output, prices or marketing budget, or is there a confidence and determination to battle through the crisis? Tim Atkin travels to Argentina to find out
Read more...The 21st London International Wine & Spirits Fair is almost upon us, and this year it's all change, as the fair heads east to take up residence at ExCeL in London's Docklands. Jack Hibberd looks at the reasons behind the move and its chance of success, while David Williams previews the producers and wines on show
Read more...From mother's ruin and the stews of Hogarth's London, to Dorothy Parker and style bars, gin has always been a spirit shot through with imagery. But how much substance is there to today's gin market, and are the modern, premium brands outperforming the traditional favourites? Joanne Simon reports
Read more...The usual perception of John Armit is as a provider of beautiful wines to beautiful people. Yet the reality is somewhat more complex, as Margaret Rand discovers.
Read more...The Bulgarians continue to lose shelf space in the UK and other key markets, as the New World walks off with their entry-point sales. But as David Williams reports, a new mood of realism and pragmatism in the country's wine industry is starting to pay dividends, with the long-neglected vineyards now taking priority
Read more...In January and February, a series of seminars and tastings was held to promote Italian wines. Neil Beckett reports from Tuscany on the new-found power of the region's big three consorzi.
Read more...The 2002 Spanish Wine Trade Fair takes place next week at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London. John Radford considers the optimism surrounding this year's event, and profiles the wines, regions and bodegas on show
Read more...Changes in the en primeur market and the increased importance of Internet trading have revolutionised the face of wine broking. So how are traditional merchants and modern dealers adapting, and will private buyers prove a more lucrative market than the trade? Anthony Rose gauges the emphasis of 21st century broking
Read more...Sponsorship of prestigious sporting and social events is now a key fixture on the marketing calendar of many major drinks brands. So what advantages does event sponsorship offer over conventional marketing? John Stimpfig investigates
Read more...Armagnac and Calvados are holding on to their niches despite very little promotion and the fight for shelf space. Jo Burzynska takes a look at what these brandies have to offer and what is being done to raise their profile in the UK
Read more...Internet traders have already run the gamut of business highs and lows in a short lifetime. But as the lightweights exit the fray, the big players are fine-tuning their assault on a market that's proving more durable than many predicted. Tom Cannavan considers the growth prospects of Britain's major wine e-tailers
Read more...The Rhne is rare among European regions in that it is keeping pace with the New World. Neil Beckett considers the key changes in promotion and production which have sustained the Rhne's renaissance
Read more...From Iceland through to Friday the 13th and Black Wednesday, Tim How's marriage to Majestic has never been short on incident. So what gives him so much to smile about these days? Margaret Rand digs beneath the softly sunny exterior of Majestic's CEO.
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