Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

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.

Tech: Wine industry could do more to benefit from tech

Published: 14 October, 2024

Jo Gilbert reflects on a new Prowein business report and online discussion looking at digitalisation in the wine sector.

The Portman Group’s alcohol guidelines: A quiet revolution in the UK alcohol sector

Published: 11 October, 2024

James Bayley finds the UK alcohol industry is, more than ever, taking the Portman Group’s guidelines on board when it comes to drinks labelling.

Multiples: Co-op’s balancing act pays off

Published: 10 October, 2024

James Bayley finds the Co-op’s new wine range delivers across the board with traditional favourites and new finds.

Analysing Spain

Published: 09 October, 2024

Andrew Catchpole reports back from the insightful Spain Food Nation Summit session on Spanish wines.

Analysis: Blurring boundaries

Published: 07 October, 2024

Crossover products are challenging the traditional roles of drinks, offering producers opportunities to attract new consumers. James Bayley reports.

On-trade: The psychology of wine lists

Published: 02 October, 2024

James Bayley digs deep into what makes a wine list tick.

Indie collaboration

Published: 02 October, 2024

With costs up and margins squeezed, Andrew Catchpole assesses the pros and cons of sharing on smaller shipments of wine.

Australia reborn

Published: 27 September, 2024

Winemakers have entered a new era, with creativity and dynamism to the fore. But UK perceptions of the country’s wines need to catch up if consumers are to benefit. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Tech: New age-old problem

Published: 25 September, 2024

Jo Gilbert looks at how the biggest alcohol brands and social media platforms are banding together to tackle the rapidly developing world of online age-assurance systems.