Champagne and Sparkling - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Graham Norton’s latest vintage hits 3 million bottles

Published: 06 August, 2018

Talk show host turned winemaker Graham Norton has siginifcantly ramped up production this year, while also adding his first Prosecco to the mix.

Industry urged to better market English sparkling as poll shows 85% British consumers ‘don’t have a clue’

Published: 03 August, 2018

British consumers are ‘clueless’ when it comes to English sparkling wine, a survey has revealed.

Record-breaking weather means Champagne harvest will begin in August

Published: 27 July, 2018

The 2018 Champagne harvest will become only the fifth vintage in the last 15 years to begin in August, according to the Comité Champagne.

English winemakers experiment with Charmat method

Published: 26 June, 2018

A number of English winemakers are breaking with convention to produce fizz made using a method more often associated with Prosecco.

Bisol puts the spotlight on top tier Prosecco

Published: 22 June, 2018

Leading Italian producer Bisol has announced a portfolio overhaul to enforce its position as the “benchmark” for Prosecco Superiore di Valdobbiadene DOCG – one of the two main DOCGs for Prosecco.

Plumpton College introduces awareness day to highlight ‘light strike’ damage

Published: 20 June, 2018

Plumpton College has, in partnership with Sparkling Wine World Championship (CSWWC) and Nyetimber introduced a ‘light strike’ awareness day coinciding with summer solstice - the longest day of the year.

Italian diversity paving the way for premium Prosecco?

Published: 20 June, 2018

A greater appreciation of Italy’s regions and varietal diversity could be laying the groundwork for the longevity of Prosecco, according to experts.

Dom Pérignon reveals Vincent Chaperon to take over from Richard Geoffroy as Chef de Cave

Published: 18 June, 2018

Dom Pérignon has announced Vincent Chaperon is to take over as Chef de Cave in January succeeding Richard Geoffroy.

Piper-Heidsieck promotes Séverine Frerson to Chef de Cave

Published: 15 June, 2018

Piper-Heidsieck has promoted Séverine Frerson to the role of Chef de Cave.

Exports of Crémant de Loire wine to the UK soar

Published: 06 June, 2018

Exports of Crémant de Loire wine to the UK rose 34.2% in volume in 2017 to 4,255 hl, according to data released by InterLoire - the association for Loire Valley wines.

Prosecco producers kick off UK push for premium fizz

Published: 04 June, 2018

Producers of premium Prosecco that can cost as much per bottle as Champagne have kicked off a campaign to encourage Brits to reappraise Italian fizz.

Big name Champagnes fare best as Brexit hits smaller players

Published: 01 June, 2018

Brexit-related inflation is hitting drinkers of cheaper and less well-known Champagnes hardest in the UK as sales of entry-level bottles continue to fall, while bigger name brands and more expensive cuvées are faring better.

Prosecco phenomenon now lifting all sparkling sales

Published: 25 May, 2018

Rather than cannibalising other sparkling wine sales, Prosecco has been so successful in attracting consumers into the category that it is now acting as a “gateway” to other styles of fizz.

Ridgeview unveils contemporary new look

Published: 24 May, 2018

Ridgeview has given its English wine portfolio a makeover signalling a new direction for the brand.

LWF: Champagne and Burgundy register rare pink Chardonnay Rose variety

Published: 23 May, 2018

Chardonnay Rose, a rare pink grape variety which authorities in France hope could show resistance to global warming, climate change and vine diseases, has been officially registered in France’s national catalogue of wine varieties, Harpers can reveal.

LWF: Lanchester launches Italian duo to challenge conventional packaging

Published: 20 May, 2018

Lanchester Wines unveiled a premium Italian wine duo today at the London Wine Fair (LWF).

Berkmann Wine Cellars brings Canevel to the UK

Published: 10 May, 2018

Berkmann Wine Cellars has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Canevel.

Castelnau launches second Hors Catégorie cuvée as it looks to double sales

Published: 25 April, 2018

Champagne Castelnau last night launched Hors Catégorie cuvée - the second prestige cuvée to be released as part of the premium collection.

Alcohol confirmed the UK’s leading FMCG category worth £16 billion

Published: 05 April, 2018

Innovation in the drinks sector and a reduction in the amount of trade promotions has seen alcohol retain its place as the top selling FMCG category, according to new research.