Decanter reports that South African Cap Classique producer Graham Beck has released its first traditional-method English sparkling wine, the limited Graham Beck Artisan Collection English Sparkling 2018. The wine is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown in Hampshire and West Sussex, will be released in the UK this summer at £45 RRP, and marks a final collaboration involving former cellar master Pieter Ferreira before his retirement.
Sparkling
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EU Defends Champagne and Prosecco Names in Trade Deals
The Drinks Business reports that the EU is treating wine as a red-line issue in trade negotiations, even while offering limited concessions on agricultural imports such as beef and sheep meat. According to its summary of Euronews reporting, Brussels continues to insist on strong protection for geographical indications such as Champagne and Prosecco, with partner countries often required to restrict or phase out those names in export markets. The broader takeaway is that the EU sees wine names tied to origin as strategic commercial assets, not just labelling details.
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US Tariffs Push Restaurants to Rework Wine Lists
Reuters reports that US restaurants, bars and retailers are increasingly swapping out imported Champagne, crémant and other European wines as tariffs bite harder, with one New York buyer seeing some bottles rise by about $3 to $5 and other suppliers warning of increases of up to 20 per cent this year. The agency says many firms held prices down in 2025 by shipping stock early or absorbing costs, but wholesalers now expect those tactics to run out. That is pushing more wine lists towards lower-cost and domestic alternatives, and giving some California brands a relative boost.