Country Reports - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Argentina: Buying into blends

Published: 06 August, 2020

Looking beyond Malbec and to the myriad blends on offer from Argentina is key to unlocking the country’s rich array of grape varieties, writes Chris Wilson.

New Zealand: Working with nature

Published: 03 July, 2020

New Zealand is one of the best-placed wine-producing countries to get the sustainability message across to consumers. Andrew Catchpole reports on how this paragon of environmental friendliness is furthering its green credentials

Chile rising high

Published: 03 June, 2020

Consumers have come to expect value from Chilean wine, says James Lawrence, so how can they be encouraged to trade up?

A Taste of New York: Indie opportunities from the Empire State

Published: 26 May, 2020

With small production and a cool climate, New York State’s leading wine producers are looking to punch above their collective weight on the world stage, with the UK singled out as the ‘shop window’ to showcase its wares.

Hail the mighty Maipo

Published: 11 May, 2020

Andrew Catchpole shines the spotlight on Chile’s most famous region for quality reds

New Zealand report: Blanc page

Published: 27 March, 2020

Enduringly popular and commanding a premium, NZ Sauvignon Blanc is nonetheless evolving with an eye on the future. Andrew Catchpole reports

Argentina report: The beauty of buying in bulk

Published: 26 March, 2020

Argentina is upping its game to become a major player in boutique bulk, as Chris Wilson reports.

Argentina report: The many faces of Malbec

Published: 24 March, 2020

A growing appreciation for Argentina’s GI system is helping Malbec slide towards the premium end of lists here in the UK. Chris Wilson asks where to next?

Argentina report: Country on the rise

Published: 18 March, 2020

In the first of our series on Argentina, James Lawrence reports (pre-coronavirus) on how the 2016 election has helped introduce the country to a new era of wine exports and global trade.

Central Otago: Pinot spotlight

Published: 06 March, 2020

Central Otago is reaching a new maturity, as Andrew Catchpole discovers at its annual Pinot Noir Celebration.

Portugal: step into a world of difference

Published: 05 March, 2020

An ever-closer relationship between the UK and Portugal is having a positive knock-on effect on sales of this European underdog. Charles Metcalfe asks if Brexit will put a stop to progress?

Austria: The view beyond Grüner growth

Published: 02 March, 2020

Austrian producers are looking to reds and rare varieties to emulate the ‘golden period’ built on the success of its flagship grape, as Lisa Riley discovers.

Australia: Reinvention in the New World

Published: 10 February, 2020

Australian winemakers are forging a new identity with a holistic approach to production that’s more in keeping with modern consumer tastes than the country’s original offerings, as Chris Losh reports.

Greece is the word

Published: 11 December, 2019

From Santorini to Naoussa and Nemea, and the thriving shop window that is Athens’ bar scene, Greece’s standout regions are ripe for exploration. Norman Miller delves deep into this fast-rising country of interest

Selling Italy in the off-trade

Published: 09 December, 2019

Justin Keay digs deep into Italy in the off-trade, taking his microscope to the supermarkets’ Italian ranges and discovering what indie customers are demanding from their local merchants.

Washington closes in on six new AVAs as wineries pass 1,000 mark

Published: 19 November, 2019

Washington State has edged closer to its aim of adding six new AVAs to its current roster of 14 as this Pacific North West producer continues on its fast growth trajectory.

Friday read: Latitude, altitude and attitude – the quest for balance and personality in Argentina

Published: 15 November, 2019

Bodega Norton and Viñalba have both played key roles in Argentina’s vinous revolution, helping to establish the country as a beacon of quality and price on the world stage. Through the lens of these two Mendonza wineries in both Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Jo Gilbert charts how the country got to where it is today, and how a new wave of winemakers are heading outwards to explore Argentina’s terroir.

Beyond the Tejo

Published: 16 October, 2019

Jo Gilbert digs deep into the vinous roots of southern Portugal to discover how three decades of investment continues to unearth indigenous gems.

Australia’s search for ‘future icons’

Published: 18 September, 2019

Australia’s new generation of icon wines will reflect a growing confidence in listening to the Aussie palate, drawing on tradition to inform the avant-garde.