France - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

France Report: Delivering diversity

Published: 25 June, 2024

Andrew Catchpole samples the trade’s take on France and its ever-enticing offer.

Bordeaux’s 2023 En Primeur campaign: A mixed bag with glimmers of hope

Published: 06 June, 2024

As Bordeaux's 2023 en primeur campaign concludes, the wine community takes stock of its vital signs, and while the vintage falls short of 2022's heights, there are noteworthy successes according to Part II of Wine Lister’s 2024 Bordeaux Study.

Enotria adds new Roussillon partnership

Published: 04 June, 2024

Jean-Marc Lafage, the Roussillon-based wine producer, has announced a partnership with leading UK wine importer Enotria & Coe to distribute his Château Saint Roch brand.

2024 Sud de France Top 100 tasting to showcase best Occitanie wines

Published: 30 May, 2024

The 2024 Top 100 Sud de France tasting event is set to showcase the finest wines from Languedoc, Roussillon and the South-West on 12 June in London. For the first time, attendees will experience a self-pour tasting format, allowing visitors to explore the Top 100 wines at their own pace.

Languedoc report aims to conquer “lazy stereotypes”

Published: 20 May, 2024

“Moving away from lazy stereotypes,” is at the heart of a new endeavour to highlight the potential of the Languedoc and its myriad appellations, wine styles and terroirs to a broad range of consumers.

China to recognise Burgundy AOCs

Published: 08 May, 2024

Burgundy has taken its first step on the road to gaining protection for its appellations in China, with recognition now officially in place for two of its top AOCs.

Roussillon ‘Coup de Coeur’ dozen unveiled

Published: 02 May, 2024

Roussillon may be a tenth the size of its sprawling Languedoc neighbour, but this diverse corner of France has increasingly been pushing its own credentials as a vibrant and innovative source of wines.

Friday read: France embraces dealcoholisation of IGP wines

Published: 19 April, 2024

Set against the march of low & no, Jacopo Mazzeo reports on the first EU member state to approve a low abv threshold, with predictions of a ready uptake.

‘Rare gems’ on show at Keeling Andrew tasting

Published: 17 April, 2024

Keeling Andrew’s trendy portfolio attracted a suitably young and vibrant crowd at its tasting in Holborn yesterday (16 April), where the business took the opportunity to highlight some of its under-the-radar producers while honing in on specialisms in Burgundy and Champagne.

Long Read: Grand Cercle boss on the steps to save Bordeaux

Published: 15 April, 2024

The ‘future’ of Bordeaux was on show in London last week at the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux, as the region continues to weather the storms of climate change and downward pricing pressures.

Calais Vins partners with P&O Ferries to offer ‘free travel’

Published: 12 April, 2024

French wine retailers Calais Vins and Olivier Vins have partnered with P&O Ferries to offer free ferry crossings across the Channel for British consumers.

Five minutes with Ridley Scott, Mas des Infermières

Published: 02 April, 2024

Andrew Catchpole caught up with the film director and Luberon Estate owner at Wine Paris following the UK launch of his wines.

Producer Q&A: Laurent Delaunay, Delaunay Vins & Domaines

Published: 26 March, 2024

As head of the BIVB, with leading wineries in Burgundy and Languedoc, Laurent Delauney talks to Andrew Catchpole about adaptability, evolution and climate change.

The 0% vintage fizz selling for over £100

Published: 20 March, 2024

A new premium blanc de blancs vintage wine retailing in excess of £100 is about to hit the shelves, with a one-month exclusivity agreement with Harrods now in place. So what’s different about this particular premium fizz, with its luxe marketing strategy and hefty price tag? It’s completely alcohol-free.

Bibendum & Campari shake on Champagne partnership

Published: 23 February, 2024

Bibendum and Campari have teamed up to give a fresh boost to Champagne Lallier, with the Campari-owned house now joining the on-trade distribution’s portfolio of premium brands.