Country Reports - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

South America report: Evolution & tradition in Chile

Published: 26 April, 2024

Chile’s fresh, terroir-focused ‘alternative’ styles are helping refocus attention on its finest wines too, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

South America report: Argentina

Published: 24 April, 2024

Prices and volumes from Argentina dipped in 2023, although that followed several years of strong growth for export market-leading Malbec and with the proviso that prices per bottle have held firm. Overall production dipped significantly in 2023 for all varieties, with prices paid per quintal (approx 46kg) of Malbec in the main production area, Mendoza, shooting up (see chart), according to the Argentinian Viticulture Observatory.

South America report: Chile by the numbers

Published: 24 April, 2024

There’s no escaping that Chile had a tough year in its export markets in 2023, with bottled wines falling 21% below 2022 levels. And, while the average price remained steady, at US$29.3 per 9-litre case, the US$1,234m-generating 42.2 million boxes shipped globally fell back to volume export levels last seen 15 years ago (Asociación de Vinos de Chile figs).

Trumpeting change in the USA

Published: 17 April, 2024

Andrew Catchpole considers how an ongoing shift in style is reshaping perception of US wines across The Pond.

In praise of Zweigelt

Published: 28 February, 2024

A campaign to promote Neusiedlersee as Austria’s leading producer of this red wine is starting to pay dividends. James Bayley reports.

How the world opened to Austria

Published: 26 February, 2024

Justin Keay talks to the cutting-edge producers taking Austria away from a somewhat checkered past and into the future.

The lighter side of kiwi wines

Published: 23 February, 2024

Moving past the Sauvignon haze, which accounts for 80% of the country’s production, New Zealand-based writer and winemaker Oliver Styles looks beyond the heavy-hitting whites and reds led by Pinot Noir, to those new and interesting varieties coming up behind.

Portugal: Big moves

Published: 31 January, 2024

Portugal has moved from a niche proposition to a wine for everyday drinking as its diverse portfolio lines up with modern tastes, writes Jo Gilbert.

Australia: Looking up

Published: 29 January, 2024

With Australia seeking a premium boost, Andrew Catchpole asks if its classic or contemporary styles are best positioned to deliver an ‘Oz reset’ in the UK.

The rising tide of Nova Scotia

Published: 03 January, 2024

Canada’s smallest region it may be, but Nova Scotia has big ambitions to climb on to the world stage. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Round table: In association with DO Penedes

Published: 21 November, 2023

At this Catalan DO’s first London outing, Harpers convened a panel to debate the region’s indigenous appeal.

Georgia’s Natural Progression

Published: 14 November, 2023

It’s been a decade since Georgian wine hit UK lists. Michael Karam charts the hype, the reality and the what next?

Spain Report: Rioja Q&A

Published: 08 November, 2023

James Bayley speaks to a handful of key producers driving Rioja in export markets and what initiatives they have to take this forward…

Spain report: Extremes roundtable with Ramón Bilbao

Published: 06 November, 2023

Andrew Catchpole gathered a specialist panel to explore the evolution and boundary pushing across Spain.

Spain Report: Owen Morgan on Sherry

Published: 03 November, 2023

Founder of the award-winning 44 Group of tapas restaurants, bars and a hotel, self-confessed sherry fanatic Owen Morgan gives his pointers on how to take the category forward.

Spain Report: Cava rides youthful wave

Published: 01 November, 2023

As Cava enjoys a boost in popularity with a younger generation, James Bayley learns how explaining the nuances of the Spanish fizz could broaden its appeal further.

Headline Heroes: Wines with altitude

Published: 30 October, 2023

Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s biggest triumphs – a fine wine icon in the making. The Castilla y León region has been pivotal throughout the country’s rich history. Vines here have been supplying the Spanish court with superlative red wines for many centuries, and it is also the birthplace of El Cid! Yet when the Ribera del Duero DO (appellation) was created in 1982, there were just nine wineries in this arid corner of north-western Spain.

Spain Report: Reinvigorating Ribera

Published: 27 October, 2023

Sustainability, low intervention and fresh expressions are the new face of this evolving region. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Spanish wine has potential in diversity

Published: 23 October, 2023

Spain is seen as exciting and in evolution by those in the know. But the wider industry and consumers still stick to Rioja. How can Spain’s multiplicity infiltrate the UK mainstream? James Bayley reports.