Tim Atkin MW: ‘Fine wine’ is outdated

It was a noble, if ultimately inconclusive exercise. Maybe that’s true of anything that involves an indigestible dose of subjectivity. But you can’t fault Areni Global for attempting to define and “rethink” the fine wine market, no less. In a recent white paper, accompanied by an entertaining panel debate and tasting at Sotheby’s in London, the impressive think tank set out to analyse what its chair, Nicole Rolet, calls the “fine wine ecosystem”. Ambitious, as I said.

Languedoc winegrowers celebrate plentiful harvest

Winemakers in the Languedoc have described the 2022 vintage as “very exciting,” despite the challenging conditions of this year.

Spain embraces a modern approach

Jo Gilbert catches up with top Spanish specialists to identify the leading current and future trends.

2022 harvest to alleviate “rock-bottom” stocks in New Zealand

New Zealand’s latest harvest will help to re-build stocks following a small and disappointing crop in 2021, which has led to a “significant shortage” of wine, New Zealand Winegrowers has said.

World wakes up to Austrian wine quality

From Wachau to Neusiedlersee, David Kermode takes a trip through Austria’s must-know regions.

South Africa anticipates reduced grape harvest in 2022

As vintage 2022 approches, South Africa's winegrowers are expecting a relatively small crop overall, when compared to last year.

ProWein goes full steam ahead for 2022

ProWein, the world’s biggest wine show, is to be held as a physical event in March 2022.

Vinpro interdict hearing to take place Wednesday

Vinpro has confirmed that it is to argue its urgent interim interdict application in the Western Cape High Court tomorrow (Wednesday 21 July).

Advertorial: Western Australia's fine wine regions ‘unearthed’

Western Australia has long staked its reputation on the premium quality, sustainability and diversity of its wines. Although geographically isolated and remote (Sydney is four hours by plane, London 16), this unique location is a magnet for oenophiles from all corners of the globe. They flock to cellar doors, fortifying themselves before hiking across the exquisitely beautiful Karri forest, or perhaps they'll attempt to conquer Western Australia's legendary surf. The summers are reliably warm and dry, moderated (especially in the south) by cool afternoon breezes courtesy of Antarctic currents and a maritime climate – factors vital in maintaining freshness and acidity in the wines.

Barnes publishes ‘most comprehensive’ guide to SA wines

Regional expert Amanda Barnes has published The South America Wine Guide, covering the wines of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

The Diversity of Argentina

James Lawrence reports from the recent Harpers webinar.

Sizing up Spain

Despite the twin pressures of Covid and Brexit, Spain’s wines have managed to stay in relatively good shape thanks to an uplift in off-trade sales. Andrew Catchpole reports.

Hawke's Bay hails trio of 'outstanding' vintages

Premium New Zealand wine region Hawke’s Bay has reported a third high quality vintage in a row, following “near perfect growing condition”.

Concha y Toro brings harvest forward to tackle one of most challenging harvests yet

New Zealand winemakers prep for bicentenary celebrations

Not many wine regions can claim to know exactly when the first vine was planted in their country.

Re-emerging regions

Some of the most enjoyable games of the football World Cup so far have been match-ups featuring lesser-known nations – countries that you know play good football but are not up there with the likes of Brazil, Spain and Germany in the pantheon of soccer greatness.

Europe leads private label premiumisation

The quality of private label wines are on the up – and Europe is leading the pack.

Spain raises the stakes

Spain has long been known as the commercial hub of Europe’s classic winemaking regions – a category that has traditionally seen off-trade sales veer towards its £5-£10 “sweet spot” or lower, to the sub-£5, rather than its top tier of lauded pagos.