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The week that was

From Budget to Brexit: Much of our coverage focused on the B word this week. Not that one – the other B word.

The Budget turned out to offer windfalls for many, including the beers and spirits industries, which received freezes, while wine was left out Philip Hammond’s speech, meaning that alcohol duty will automatically rise with inflation in 2019.

As Adam Lechmere, general manager at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), pointed out this morning, as net exporters, spirits and beer are thought of as “inherently British industries”, while the British wine industry “doesn’t get viewed in the same way given its position as a net importer”.

Such is the struggle that the wine industry faces – and is not surprising therefore, that the UK is now the fourth most expensive place in the EU in which to buy alcohol.

Of course the other B word, Brexit is fast approaching, throwing up yet more challenges for our industry.

More on how the industry is looking to adjust and prepare on the links below.

• As Brexit looms, is this the worst-timed duty rise in history? 
• Missed opportunity: What a rise with inflation means for the UK wine trade
• Duty frozen for spirits, cider and beer, but wine will rise with inflation
• UK the fourth most expensive EU country to buy alcohol and tobacco in

Don’t Miss: Elsewhere, this week our top stories include new developments at Manchester-based indie stalwart Hanging Ditch and a new appointment for Macallan maker Edrington-Beam Suntory.

• Hanging Ditch founder sets out to challenge ‘normal wine merchant model’ with new venture
• Edrington-Beam Suntory appoints Temperley GM for London
• Diageo promotes Richard Larkin to head of Reserve
• Accolade sparkling head and wine icon Ed Carr on launching Tasmanian fizz onto the world stage

Analysis and Insights: As France looks to revitalise its reputation, Lisa Riley met the growers introducing greener methods and pursuing organic certification.

Elsewhere we looked at just what kind of impact delivery aggregator services like Just Eat and Deliveroo are having on UK restaurants.

And Natasha Hughes advocated a braver approach to classic Christmas pairings this year.

Loire or South Africa Chenin Blanc with oysters and Cinsault with turkey or fish? Yum.

• Rejuvenating Beaujolais
• Not delivering the goods
• All the trimmings: alternatives to pair with Christmas

People and Opinion: This week Tim Atkin MW turned to Burgundy and the "potential catastrophe" of climate change making it more and more difficult to achieve elegant styles.

And we caught up with the youngest of Rick and Jill’s three sons about business, family and keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive with west London merchant Vintners, which now supplies around three-quarters of the Stein list.

• Tim Atkin MW: It’s heating up in Burgundy
• Big interview: Charlie Stein, wine buyer, The Vintner and Rick Stein Restaurants