Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Cape's stylistic breadth shines

Published: 20 November, 2024

South African wine is reaching new heights as quality and affordability combine to deliver premium sales. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Headline Heroes: Vermouth holds it all together

Published: 18 November, 2024

David Kermode looks at the origins of vermouth and discovers a diverse cocktail ingredient as well as a strong standalone player.

From its origins as a medicinal tincture for bilious conditions to bartender favourite, vermouth has come a long way. Aromatic, beguilingly bittersweet and fascinating in its complexity, it is delicious on its own, poured over ice, but it is more widely celebrated for a form of liquid alchemy, bringing together the different components of a cocktail to ensure the completed serve is greater than the sum of its parts.

Skirting a possible Scotch loch

Published: 15 November, 2024

With demand for higher-end whisky flat or declining in mature markets, producers should be looking to foster new demand. Tom Bruce-Gardyne reports.

Headline Heroes: Champagne’s sustainability revolution

Published: 13 November, 2024

Maison Perrier-Jouët is among key Champagne houses committed to introducing practices that will help meet climate objectives. James Lawrence reports.

Tech: Clarify and collaborate

Published: 11 November, 2024

Sustainability has without a doubt become a cornerstone of the modern wine industry. In just a few short years, this unifying topic has seen disparate parts of the supply chain seemingly reach a consensus that the upward march of change must occur in all parts of the sector – and fast. How to achieve this, however, is less clear.

Multiples: Staying ahead of the curve

Published: 07 November, 2024

James Bayley takes a look through Waitrose’s ambitious autumn drinks portfolio and finds sustainability front of mind.

Analysis: Making history with old vines

Published: 06 November, 2024

Jo Gilbert reports from the latest gathering of old vine aficionados in Italy.

Analysis: Trade expresses disappointment over Budget

Published: 04 November, 2024

Failure to tackle some of their most pressing concerns have left trade bodies and operators frustrated. James Bayley rounds up their thoughts.

On-trade: All points east for natural wines

Published: 01 November, 2024

James Bayley investigates the natural wine bars of east London to find they embrace informality and welcome all.

Indies: Venturing into the unknown

Published: 30 October, 2024

Jo Gilbert catches up with some of the UK’s most innovative indie merchants to identify the best up-and-coming regions – and the potential hurdles along the road.

Spain Report: Talking sherry and terroir

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.

Spain Report: Winning with whites

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.

Headline Heroes: Rioja and a return to roots

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.

Spain Report: Evolution and discovery

Published: 21 October, 2024

Andrew Catchpole speaks to champions of Rioja about the opportunities and challenges presented by such a diverse and dynamic region.

Spain Report: Sun shines on Spanish wines

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.

Beyond Mendoza

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.

Champagne: Gold blends

Published: 15 October, 2024

The art of assemblage is being mined for new opportunities by Champagne houses looking to premiumise in a tough trading environment. Jo Gilbert reports.