Analysis & Insights - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Producers on sustainability in South America

Published: 31 March, 2023

Jo Gilbert catches up with some of South America’s leaders in organic and sustainable winemaking to see where the road goes from here.

Argentina: Taking organic to the next level

Published: 29 March, 2023

Mendoza deserves its reputation as a pioneering force in sustainable viticulture – the region now has 7,300ha of vines under organic management, which represents approximately 11% of all organic viticulture in the world. Moreover, several of the region’s leading wineries are planning to adopt biodynamic viticulture in due course – the logical next step in this important journey.

South America: Beyond the big hitters

Published: 27 March, 2023

Amanda Barnes, author of The South America Wine Guide gives her take on those lesser-known yet infinitely interesting wine-producing nations such as Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, to see what styles are sticking to the wall.

South America: Diversity does the talking

Published: 24 March, 2023

David Kermode goes on a goes on a varietal journey among South America’s big players, looking at what commercial gains have been made in Chile and Argentina.

Lebanon round table: East meets West

Published: 22 March, 2023

Inviting curious trade palates to taste and discuss Lebanese wines for the UK market, co-hosts Andrew Catchpole and Harpers Lebanon Report author Michael Karam unearthed a wealth of enthusiasm for the country’s engaging offer.

Boutique Bulk

Published: 20 March, 2023

Bulk is going boutique and both trade and consumers are the winners. Andrew Catchpole assesses this planet and margin-friendly option.

Languedoc's changing tide in fortunes

Published: 17 March, 2023

The Languedoc AOP continues its journey to bridge the gap between entry level and top tier, premium wines, with a raft of eminently drinkable styles now finding favour with consumers from across its stable of reds, whites – and increasingly – rosés. Jo Gilbert reports from a fascinating roundtable session.

In search of Portugal’s national treasures

Published: 17 March, 2023

Justin Keay looks at the Portuguese regions once passed over by importers.

Managing the flames of Champagne demand

Published: 15 March, 2023

Out of the Covid frying pan into the cost of living fire – having experienced a strong bounce in premium sales, how is Champagne faring as inflationary pressures continue to impact? James Bayley reports.

The added benefits of functional drinks

Published: 14 March, 2023

So-called functional drinks have been on the rise for a while now. Jo Gilbert looks at the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Amazon makes own-label play

Published: 13 March, 2023

Amazon has already moved into the grocery sector but is now upping its game with a range of own-label wines, finds James Bayley.

Antipodean challenger

Published: 10 March, 2023

With Pinot-philes increasingly expanding their horizons, Guy Woodward assesses Australia’s offer at its Pinot Noir Celebration.

On-trade: Not an open and shut case

Published: 08 March, 2023

While the number of venues closing seems scary, there are still new ones opening up. James Bayley talks to George Sandbach about an enigma.

Closures – beyond cork and screwcap

Published: 06 March, 2023

James Lawrence looks at the top closure innovations beyond cork and screwcap, to find out what is improving both quality control and the consumer experience.

Austria: 100 years of Zweigelt

Published: 03 March, 2023

One hundred years on, Zweigelt is a variety that’s in tune with the times, writes David Kermode.

New Zealand: Sauvignon’s next step

Published: 01 March, 2023

Years of research have helped to develop a deeply cultivated understanding of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at home and abroad, with clear messaging and a finely tuned wine style that appeals the world over. Jo Gilbert asks, where does the story go from here?

Britain’s new low & no HQ

Published: 26 February, 2023

Jo Gilbert went along to Club Soda’s permanent bar/shop in Covent Garden to test out an innovative new concept.

Indies: Weighing up the options

Published: 24 February, 2023

With merchants facing unprecedented upward price pressures, Andrew Catchpole assesses what can be done.

Gulliver’s travels

Published: 22 February, 2023

Trevor Gulliver can certainly talk, but then he has much of interest to say. As business partner to Fergus Henderson and his very individual style of cooking, he’s one half of the seminal nose-to-tail restaurant St John, which radically reset the idea of what modern British food could be. To this day, a deceptive simplicity underpins the quality of what is on the plate. Since St John’s first outpost opened its doors in 1994, this Smithfield icon has had a huge influence on the ever-evolving British dining scene. A little like the Delta blues and its influence on modern rock & roll. And one of St John’s biggest disciples, the late Anthony Bourdain, would have likely enjoyed that musical analogy.

Burgundy 2021: A car crash waiting to happen?

Published: 20 February, 2023

Low yields and high quality have caused prices for Burgundy vintage 2021 to soar. James Bayley assesses the outlook in an increasingly febrile market.