Rounding up Roussillon

Andrew Catchpole looks into the innovation and excitement being generated by France’s compact Catalan wine region.

2022 harvest puts Sogevinus ‘to the test’

Leading Port and still wine producer Sogevinus is celebrating making its way through a "very difficult and challenging harvest", which was able to overcome significant viticultural challenges, including heat intensity and the lack of rainfall, particularly when it came to lower altitude vines.

Cramele Recas rolls out PET trial

Romanian winery Cramele Recas has officially launched its Recycled PET Multibarrier Bottles Project, as it tests the waters of alt formats with customers – and with the aim of eventually bringing a full-scale launch to market.

Rioja's white exports grow, but overall market dips

The growth of Rioja’s white wines is paying dividends for the region in the export market, finally making good on a promise that the DO is able to diversify its portfolio abroad. However, things are looking a little less rosy globally in 2022, with uncertainty in various key markets leading exports to take a tumble.

Central Loire harvest delivers volume and ‘fantastic’ quality

Centre-Loire producers are touting the 2022 vintage as “maybe the best in 30 years”, according to Francois Dal of the BIVC’s (Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre) technical arm, SICAVAC.

Tim Atkin MW returns to Ribera del Duero for second 'Special' report

Château de Pommard signs distribution deal with New Generation Wines

Château de Pommard, the longstanding Burgundy estate, has agreed a distribution partnership with New Generation Wines (New Gen) to be its exclusive importer in the UK. 

Staffing the English vineyard boom

All too often in our industry lately, the word ‘staffing’ has been swiftly followed by ‘crisis’ – and for good reason. UK Hospitality estimates there are 170,000 unfilled jobs in hospitality (not including seasonal and casual workers) – a vacancy rate of 10%.

Bourgogne 2022: ‘A generous and promising vintage’

The Bourgogne 2022 harvest report has been released and, “after three years of quality without quantity”, the yields this year are said to be plentiful, thus taking the pressure off sales and allowing stocks to be built back up.

OIV Report: Climate affects 2022 wine production

In 2022, despite the heatwave that touched many regions around the world, global wine production volume is expected to be at a level similar to that of last year. This would be the fourth consecutive year when the global production level can be considered slightly below average.

New Zealand's new release tasting returns after three years

The New Zealand Winegrowers’ New Release Tasting returns next week for the first time in three years and will be held at 67 Pall Mall in London.

Californian Vintners Report High Quality for 2022 Harvest

Wineries across the state are expecting ‘a high-quality vintage for 2022’ according to the Californian Vinters Report.

Ramón Bilbao: Reviving old favourites

In 2024, Ramón Bilbao will celebrate its centenary, 100 years of fine winemaking that has firmly established it as one of the leading producers in Spain and one of the world’s most admired wine brands. However, since the start of the current millennium Ramón Bilbao has become famous for more than just great winemaking. Under head winemaker Rodolfo Bastida, who assumed the reins in 1999, and the ownership of the Zamora Group, the Haro-based producer has been at the forefront of innovation in Rioja Alta and beyond. While pursuing excellence, it has cast aside many of the conventions that led many people to brand Rioja as boring and predictable.

Hundred-day Sicily harvest promises “excellent vintage”

Sicily’s hundred-day harvest concluded at the end of October on Mount Etna following months of “favourable” weather contributing to healthy grapes and ultimately an “excellent vintage”.

New Zealand exports hit new high

The value of New Zealand wine in international markets has reached a record-breaking high, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has revealed, with exports for the past 12 months reaching NZ$2.03 billion.

Ventoux whites look to climb new heights

The Ventoux region – home to the one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Tour de France – is leaning into its white production as it unveils its plans for growth in the UK.

Sandridge Barton estimates 80,000 bottles after bumper harvest

Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, is toasting a bumper harvest after collecting more than 80 tonnes of grapes, enough for approximately 80,000 bottles.

Extreme summer shrinks Cava harvest in 2022

Cava's regulatory council has issued a statement about the difficult growing season this year, characterised by “continuous and above-average high temperatures, along with successive heat waves in late spring and early summer.”

Green light for Vineyards of Alava appellation in Rioja Alavesa

The Basque government has authorised the Vineyards of Alava appellation (PDO) for wine producers in Rioja Alavesa, the Rioja sub-region which forms part of the Basque Country in Northern Spain.

Gran Orden de Caballeros welcomes three new members

At a gala dinner held at the Savoy hotel yesterday (18 October), three ‘leading lights of the Spanish wine industry in the UK’ were invested into the order.