Robert Nicholson, principal of International Wine Associates, advises on merger & acquisition in the wine industry. Most recently, he was involved in the purchase of Château Lascombes by the Lawrence Family. In this exclusive interview Nicholson frankly considers the likelihood of other US buyers buying French wine businesses.

Reading time: 7m 45s

The latest harvest estimates on 1 October confirmed production of 44.6m hl. Compared to the very small 2021 crop, this means an increase of 18% - close to the 5-year average.

Reading time: 1m 30s

In 2001, Jacques Berthomeau who died this month, shocked the French wine establishment by recommending the creation of a new classification called Vin de France that would enable producers to compete with varietal wines from the New World. Eight years later, his idea became reality. Today, it is a huge success - both for those exports, and - perhaps surprisingly for him - for many of the natural wine producers Berthomeau later wrote about in his blog.

Reading time: 5m 30s

Days before a US jury acquitted Tom Barrack, ex head of Colony Capital, former owners of Château Lascomes, of illegal foreign lobbying charges, the Margaux estate was acquired by another American, Gaylon Lawrence of  Lawrence Wine Estates. This is only the latest episode in the long, checkered history of a 2nd growth chateau that has had many memorable owners, none of whom have kept it for long.

Reading time: 7m 15s

France's harvest forecast is revised upward by 600,000hl.

Reading time: 45s

Pierre Castel, founder of the French Castel Group, has been sentenced to pay back taxes and a fine of the equivalent of €424 mill. in Switzerland. 

Reading time: 1m 45s

The producers of some of France’s most-valued wines also make very affordable négociant wines. Roger Morris updates their progress.

Reading time: 7m 30s

The 2022 harvest in Champagne, which began on 20 August, is over, and grapegrowers and winemakers are looking forward to replenishing the region's empty cellars with plentiful stocks of high quality wine.

Reading time: 1m

The Gigondas appellation has announced that it will also be able to produce white wines with AOC status from the 2023 vintage. The National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) has voted in favour of extending the AOC Gigondas to include white wines. 

Reading time: 1m 15s