Country Reports - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

An eye on Ireland

Published: 26 July, 2019

Looking on from the UK, James Lawrence reports on the sobering effects of alcohol legislation reform on the Emerald Isle

The sense of discovery offered by Spain still has some way to run, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

That Spain has been on a roll over the past decade in terms of generating excitement is inarguable. Reworked, emerging and new regions have been pumping out the vinous equivalent of fireworks, delighting and engaging both critics and trade.

The romantics holding on to German Riesling

Published: 19 July, 2019

Seeing as the trade refuses to give up on Riesling, Jo Gilbert caught up with the true believers who are putting the grape front and centre – and are picking up disciples in the process

The new Argentine wine map

Published: 15 July, 2019

Sommelier and wine writer Alejandro Iglesias traces the efforts of winemakers working within the country’s rigid GI system to highlight Argentina’s unique terroirs.

Austral Patagonia: the march to the world's most southerly winery

Published: 08 July, 2019

Argentina used to have the most southern vineyards in the world until Central Otago surpassed them. However today, the cultivation of vine at latitude 45 in Chubut province adds to the Argentina’s viticultural map, representing a new challenge for winemakers working in the mountainous regions and also in the Patagonian plains. Here, Alejandro Iglesias breaks down the new southernmost border of Argentine wine.

Lebanon: Return to roots

Published: 13 June, 2019

Perched on the eastern end of the Mediterranean, yet with vineyards at altitudes of 1,000m and above, Lebanon offers a promising mix of conditions for the production of great wines. Of course, the first wave of Lebanese wines to make their mark internationally were largely blends based on Bordeaux varieties, with some notable successes, gaining a niche but loyal following. However, in tune with the country’s location and viticultural history, a second wave of indigenous and Mediterranean varieties are now emerging as winemakers realise the potential for varieties that carry more of an indigenous signature.

La Dolce Vita

Published: 12 June, 2019

A broadening interest in Italy means the country’s indigenous grape varieties are now packing a punch at the top, writes Jo Gilbert

Bordeaux pushes sustainability agenda

Published: 28 May, 2019

At first glance, it seems inconceivable that a tradition-bound region such as Bordeaux could willingly embrace change. The strict hierarchy of Bordeaux’s classed growths, cemented in 1855, is as intransigent as it was in the 19th century. Bordeaux’s winemakers remain defined by the vines and the soil they inherit.

Sicily channels tourism to boost recognition of diverse DOCs

Published: 13 May, 2019

The 90 Sicilian producers belonging to trade association Assovini are seeking to build upon the ground laid out by the broad Sicilia DOC with greater focus on the 24 DOC that make up the vinous mosaic of Italy’s most extensively planted wine region.

California: Western promise

Published: 13 May, 2019

A recent California Wines tasting convinced many that the Golden State is back on track. Andrew Catchpole reports on its refreshed identity

California rises from the ashes

Published: 08 April, 2019

Northern California’s wine industry continues to recover after the record-breaking wildfires of 2017.

Japan: ready to launch

Published: 13 March, 2019

Thanks to two key trade deals, Japan has increased its reach to a billion people so far in 2019. Jo Gilbert looks at the knock-on effect for the country’s drinkable exports

UK tops value increase for German wine exports

Published: 12 March, 2019

Quality Riesling appears to be on a roll, with the average price paid for exported German wine breaking records in 2018, while UK consumer thirst drove the biggest value increase of any export territory, according to German Wine Institute (DWI) figures.

Where do we go from Grüner?

Published: 25 February, 2019

Food compatibility and top-quality wines have made Austria a secret weapon for sommeliers wanting to impress their guests. Jo Gilbert looks at which varieties, regions and styles head their lists.

Towards a Turkish revival

Published: 18 February, 2019

Turkey’s indigenous varieties offer a wealth of options to explore. Peter McCombie MW takes the country’s temperature

The Aussie-Anglo Alliance

Published: 17 January, 2019

It’s well reported that Australian wine sales into mainland China have been booming, driven by a compelling mix of favourable trade deals, attractiveness of style to Chinese consumers and a firm commitment by the Australian industry to push into that market. Moreover, as with many other territories around the world, the US included, such buyers are prepared to pay a good price for the pleasure of listing the wines.

NZ 200th anniversary focus turns to regionality after bumper UK year

Published: 17 January, 2019

The annual New Zealand trade tasting pushed a new focus on regionality at this year’s London event on 16 January, with the aim of furthering understanding of the country’s diversity of wine styles with restaurants and independent merchants.

New Zealand's evolving vinous landscape

Published: 10 January, 2019

New Zealand’s wine scene has come a long way since its inception in the 1970s. Jamie Goode meets the personalities driving change in leading region Marlborough

Unlocking Rioja’s potential

Published: 13 December, 2018

Rioja’s Viñedos Singulares classification is a major step towards elevating the region’s status, writes Tim Atkin MW.

Rioja’s Consejo Regulador is the oldest in Spain, a body that owes its existence to a Royal Decree, no less, of October 22, 1926. From the start, the Consejo’s mandate included the right to take legal measures against “usurpers and counterfeiters of the Rioja brand”, as well as to issue production seals, demarcate the region and decide on its future direction.

Differing States: US wine regions on the rise

Published: 28 November, 2018

It’s been just over a decade since North Dakota, the final state to host a winery, joined the party, adding to the substantial growth of many states’ wine tourism and consequent direct consumer sales. California’s primacy remains constant, though its share of US production continues to slide from what