De Bortoli Wines has revealed three new blends, which have been created after years of experimenting with alternative grape varieties from its King Valley, Yarra Valley and Riverina vineyards. The Down the Lane wines have been created by John Coughlan, De Bortoli’s experimental senior winemaker who is known to favour working with lesser-known grape varieties. He said: “Down The Lane is a terrific opportunity to…

Asda has blended Prosecco with Pinot Grigio in order to cut costs, following warnings this week that the price of Prosecco could see significant price hikes. ‘Progrigio’, which is made by blending the prosecco glera grape with Pinot Grigio, has just gone on sale in Asda stores, priced at £5 per 75cl bottle. The 11% abv wine is said to have a similar taste profile to…

Masi Agricola has released its first sparkling Appassimento wine, Moxxé. The Amarone producer has used the Charmat method combined with Masi Expertise: the drying of the grapes, to create the Moxxé. The wine, which will be available to the UK trade through Berkmann Wine Cellars, is a blend of Pinot Grigio (80%) and Verduzzo (20%) from the Stra’ del Milione vineyards in the Friuli Venezia…

Accolade has reported double-digit growth in market-leading Australian brand Hardys and said the return to prominence of Chardonnay from Down Under will spur even greater progress. Hardys is up 14% in value and 10% in volume over the past 12 months, according to Accolade. Paul Schaafsma, general manager for UK and Ireland, told OLN: “We have had a strong year. We are really pleased with…

Wine Rack has tipped Romania as an upcoming powerhouse in the wine trade after revealing its Romanian Pinot Grigio was selling as well as its Italian version. Chairman Laki Christoforou said: “Romania is the one country that has really taken me by surprise this year, with some unbelievable wines. “They have some unbelievably priced wines coming out of Romania and sales have really surprised me.