With speculation still rife as to whether the UK will walk away from the EU with or without a deal, Jo Gilbert sat down with the Wine & Spirit Trade Association’s European & international affairs director, Simon Stannard, to answer some of the pressing questions around the movement of goods.
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The premium mixers category is becoming a crowded market, but is there just too much going on in the way of flavour, asks Kate Hawkings.
Champagne expert Giles Fallowfield took a team of UK buyers to Champagne to find out more about the region and hunt down some new potential suppliers
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Maison Martell has formed a dynamic partnership aimed at preparing its vineyards for climate breakdown, as Alison Reid, of ethical-hedonist.com, reports.
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Vodka has long had an image problem, says Nate Brown, but a new exploration of its natural flavours is helping consumers better understand the spirit
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With Jeroboams’ takeover of Prohibition Wines now complete, Jo Gilbert caught up with the London merchant to find out how it continues to successfully adapt its DNA
The second of Harpers Industry Briefings at London Wine Fair brought together leading independent merchants with our editor Andrew Catchpole to discuss Blurring Boundaries – How Indie Merchants are Opting for a Multifaceted Approach
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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.
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At Harpers’ Industry Briefing at London Wine Fair, Andrew Catchpole invited leading trade figures to assess how best to build value and margin back into the wine category. Here are the highlights from a sometimes impassioned and insightful dicussion.
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A broadening interest in Italy means the country’s indigenous grape varieties are now packing a punch at the top, writes Jo Gilbert
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Andrew Catchpole reports from WBWE in Yantai on the booming bulk market and fast-evolving Chinese taste for wine
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UK drinks have undergone a bona fide revolution in the past 10 years. It’s no coincidence that, since 2007, UK food and drink exports have increased by nearly two-thirds, with exports now worth £22.5 billion (Defra).
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Are all high-street wine shops doomed to go the way of Oddbins and Majestic? Chris Wilson takes the pulse of the independent wine trade
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Checkout-free convenience stores could benefit some indie merchants, writes Andrew Catchpole
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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.
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As the founder of Plumpton College’s wine division prepares to depart for pastures new, Jo Gilbert finds out what the future holds for this rapidly evolving institution.
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A recent California Wines tasting convinced many that the Golden State is back on track. Andrew Catchpole reports on its refreshed identity
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Gavin Quinney delivers his annual insights and scores (see below) on the Bordeaux 2018 vintage for a year he describes as “extraordinary”.
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English and Welsh wines are on a real roll, and not just at home. Exports are expected to rise significantly over the next few years, reports Lisa Riley
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With exhibitor numbers up significantly, LWF 2019 promises to be a better showcase than ever. Lisa Riley breaks down what visitors have to look forward to
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