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The UK’s thirst for Italian wine has proven to be an enduring affair, with the category demonstrating a healthy resilience in a tough market. Among the world’s top seven wine countries, Italy is the only one in growth in terms of hectares under vine, with the country now the largest producer of wine ahead of France and Spain, according to the OIV (International Organisation of Vine & Wine), with exports worth €8.1bn last year – an increase of 5.6% on 2023.
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My recent trip to the rolling hills of the famous appellation shows that though Montalcino’s history can be an instructive ally, it does not limit wine producers from adapting to the challenges of the present and innovating for the future.
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Published: 07 April, 2025
Importers face a fine balancing act heading into 2025, continuing to present a diverse, well-priced portfolio offer while being beset by the cost shocks of duty rises, EPR and National Insurance rises, to name just a few. For specialist importers of South American wine navigating this puzzle can feel notably headache-inducing, particularly because naturally high-abv wines such as Argentinian Malbecs will be harder hit by duty changes. This is a challenge as these wines’ very taste and style can rely upon this higher alcohol content.
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Published: 02 April, 2025
“I always get asked ‘What comes after Malbec?’ and my response is always: ‘More Malbec!’”. Santiago Achával’s quip has become a familiar refrain in Argentina’s wine circles, and many other winemakers share a similar sentiment. While Argentina produces a wide array of grape varieties, Malbec remains its undisputed flagship, both in vineyard plantings and global reputation.
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Published: 28 October, 2024
Ellie Scott looks at how sherry’s evolving legislation, style and focus on terroir is impacting category perception in the UK.
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Published: 25 October, 2024
The diversity of the white offering from Spain has led to a vibrant scene which is generating excitement among consumers. Sarah Jane Evans MW reports.
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Published: 23 October, 2024
Despite the still-popular image among consumers of Rioja as a ready-to-drink offer of easygoing charm, born of multi-regional blending and generous American oak, evolution in the region and its style is by no means a new-fangled thing. Finca Allende (the name means ‘further’) was arguably the most powerful precursor of the modern face of Rioja, bringing in single vineyard focus on terroir, coupled with the likes of new French oak and 100% Tempranillo in its top cuvée, as far back as the tail end of the last century.
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Published: 21 October, 2024
Andrew Catchpole speaks to champions of Rioja about the opportunities and challenges presented by such a diverse and dynamic region.
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Published: 17 October, 2024
While not without its challenges, the UK market continues to provide opportunities for the Mediterranean country’s offerings. By James Bayley.
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Published: 16 October, 2024
Amanda Barnes explores how Argentinian wine is evolving past the borders of its biggest-producing region to bear fruit further afield.
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Published: 09 October, 2024
Andrew Catchpole reports back from the insightful Spain Food Nation Summit session on Spanish wines.
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Published: 27 September, 2024
Winemakers have entered a new era, with creativity and dynamism to the fore. But UK perceptions of the country’s wines need to catch up if consumers are to benefit. Andrew Catchpole reports.
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Published: 16 September, 2024
Chile’s ‘could-be’ flagship is coming of age, but debate still surrounds its role in the country’s wider portfolio. Andrew Catchpole dips in.
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Published: 28 August, 2024
Harpers went in search of producers on the frontiers of new and emerging territories.
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Published: 26 August, 2024
Arguably the birthplace of wine, Georgian winemaking is steeped in tradition and, as James Lawrence explains, has much to offer UK consumers.
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Published: 23 August, 2024
With a few importers now taking the plunge, Andrew Catchpole assesses the potential for Chinese wine in the UK.
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Published: 21 August, 2024
Following the success of the inaugural CEE tasting, Justin Keay dives into the multi-faceted diversity of the region, spanning Central Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus.
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Both beguiling and bewildering, Soave’s diversity is being harnessed to push a message of quality. Andrew Catchpole takes a taste.
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James Bayley reports back from Sicilia en Primeur on the strength and resilience of the Sicilian wine industry.
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Justin Keay looks at the changing face of Italian wine and how importers are trying to meet growing demand for off-piste varieties.
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