Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

Round Table: Fermenting Furmint

Published:  22 April, 2024

Hungary’s Furmint has been making waves for both the quality and individuality of the wines, with this spring’s Furmint & Friends tasting at London’s Painters’ Hall featuring the most comprehensive spotlight yet on this grape. Harpers partnered with Wines of Hungary UK to convene a round table to analyse the positioning and potential of this exciting volcanic soil-grown variety, with regional expert Caroline Gilby MW giving an introductory overview. Panellists were also offered a taster of some exemplary styles to frame their discussion.

Read more...

South America report: Argentina

Published:  24 April, 2024

Prices and volumes from Argentina dipped in 2023, although that followed several years of strong growth for export market-leading Malbec and with the proviso that prices per bottle have held firm. Overall production dipped significantly in 2023 for all varieties, with prices paid per quintal (approx 46kg) of Malbec in the main production area, Mendoza, shooting up (see chart), according to the Argentinian Viticulture Observatory. 

Read more...

South America report: Chile by the numbers

Published:  24 April, 2024

There’s no escaping that Chile had a tough year in its export markets in 2023, with bottled wines falling 21% below 2022 levels. And, while the average price remained steady, at US$29.3 per 9-litre case, the US$1,234m-generating 42.2 million boxes shipped globally fell back to volume export levels last seen 15 years ago (Asociación de Vinos de Chile figs).

Read more...

Tonic and mixers: Adapting to thrive

Published:  18 April, 2024

The premium mixers market is showing resilience in the face of the cost of living crisis, finds Nigel Huddleston.

Read more...

Trumpeting change in the USA

Published:  17 April, 2024

Andrew Catchpole considers how an ongoing shift in style is reshaping perception of US wines across The Pond.

Read more...

Trouble for gin

Published:  16 April, 2024

As cost pressures rise and gin distillery closures begin to rack up, Henry Jeffreys takes the temperature of this major category.

Read more...

Tech: An AI-enabled future

Published:  15 April, 2024

AI was the hot topic at this year’s Prowein, with AI-produced cuvées showcasing what is possible. Jo Gilbert reports.

Read more...

Insights: The new big night out

Published:  12 April, 2024

New research has laid bare the state of night-time on-trade businesses operating post-pandemic. James Bayley looks at the new trends shaping the sector.

Read more...

Multiples: Green moves on Aldi wine aisle

Published:  11 April, 2024

James Bayley talks us through Aldi’s new paper wine bottles and how the move could revolutionise supermarket drinks packaging.

Read more...

Analysis: Melding whisky and wine

Published:  10 April, 2024

Attending the launch of a fascinating collaboration between Aberfeldy and Ambrosia, Archie McDiarmid contemplates the growing cross-over in cask maturation.

Read more...

Analysis: PIWIs come of age

Published:  09 April, 2024

A new generation of PIWI varieties are on a roll, pushing deeper into Germany, Italy and France. Jo Gilbert considers the future for these next-gen grapes.

Read more...

Analysis: Burgundy’s alternative sale

Published:  08 April, 2024

The Hospices de Nuits auction has its sights set on international growth. Andrew Catchpole joined BIVB president Laurent Delauney to discover how.

Read more...

On-trade: What’s written in the Michelin stars?

Published:  05 April, 2024

How relevant are Michelin stars today and how does a restaurant’s wine list factor? James Bayley reports.

Read more...

Indies: From north to south

Published:  03 April, 2024

Jo Gilbert caught up with fine wine and Scottish whisky reseller WoodWinters to find out how the business juggles the delicate balance of retailer, supplier and showroom north of the border.

Read more...

Rum: A slow sipping spirit?

Published:  01 April, 2024

With rum pushing a premium image, Andrew Catchpole asks how fast and how far it can go.

Read more...

Indies: Mayfair’s moreish merchant

Published:  29 March, 2024

Andrew Catchpole drops by Hedonism Wines where general manager Julien Le Doaré explains its lasting lustre.

Read more...

Taste Off: Volcanic Wines

Published:  27 March, 2024

Andrew Catchpole gathered together a panel to taste and debate the merits of this fashionable but rather niche category.

Read more...

Making the most of rosé

Published:  25 March, 2024

With premium rosé in the ascendancy, James Lawrence asks why apathy rules regarding its listings.

Read more...

Bulk wine in choppy seas

Published:  22 March, 2024

Jo Gilbert looks at how bulk shippers are trying to calm the storm of global wine supply.

Read more...

Tech: Into the metaverse

Published:  20 March, 2024

The first blockchain-backed fine wine retailer to join the metaverse is opening a window into the future of virtual fine wine collecting, writes Jo Gilbert.

Read more...