French wine group Les Grands Chais de France (GCF) has made its first acquisition outside of Europe as it continues its international expansion. GCF said this week that it has acquired Viña Las Niñas in the Apalta region of Chile, though the deal took place in 2021. In addition to GCF’s 68 properties in France, the business has already extended its footprint in Europe with…

Wine and spirits agency Vindependents has created a France-based warehouse and distribution company as it looks to tackle increased shipping times, paperwork and costs associated with Brexit. The French company, called Groupage Europe, works with a French haulier who collects pallets from all over Europe and delivers to Vindependents’ bonded warehouse in South-West France. Vindependents said goods from Europe had been taking “up to six…

Roussillon producer Domaine Lafage is launching a sparkling rosé made using beer yeast in the fermentation process. La Triple Rosé (rsp: £17.50) is aimed at independent wine merchants and the premium on-trade sectors, and it is available to the UK market via Bibendum Wine. The innovative wine, a debut for the estate and the first of its kind to be exported out of the Roussillon,…

Steven Spurrier, wine expert, educator, taster and writer, has passed away. Spurrier’s career in wine spanned many years, during which time he wrote many columns and features for Decanter magazine, as well as a substantial involvement in the creation of the Decanter World Wine Awards. He began his career in wine in 1964 as a trainee with London wine merchant, Christopher and Co. He later…

In the latest glimpse at Majestic Wine’s 2020 range review for the Autumn months, DRN caught up with Beth Pearce MW to find out more about the new additions from Regional France. The most important element of this part of the review is that it is no longer just about Southern France, according to Pearce. Majestic’s Regional French range now encompasses more of the breadth…

Awin Barratt Siegel has launched a new volcanic wine Le Tracteur Vert, from the Côtes d’Auvergne region of France. Aimed at independent retailers this 100% Gamay wine is grown on the ash, lava and basalt deposits of the volcanic Puy mountain chain. To help promote Le Tracteur Vert, ABS along with producers Desprat Saint Verny is launching a UK wide promotion for this new line.

Kylie Minogue has launched a wine brand, which is available in the UK via Tesco stores. The supermarket chain is selling Kylie Minogue Rosé Wine for £9 a bottle, and early trial listings have proved to be popular, according to reports. The launch has been timed to coincide with the Australian celebrity’s 51st birthday. The Provence-style wine is a blend of 80% Carignan and 20%…