Excelsior joins Liberty Wines portfolio

Liberty Wines has announced that it has been appointed the new UK agent for the South African producer Excelsior of Robertson, writes Olivia Bodle.

The de Wet family have farmed at Excelsior, in the Robertson wine valley since 1859. They cleared the land to grow vines, breed horses and also ostriches.

Their 220 hectares of vineyards focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay. The estate holds Wine Industry Ethical Association (WIETA) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) accreditation.

The estate’s owner, Freddie de Wet, has initiated numerous sustainable community “upliftment” projects, stating: “We need our employees as much as they need us.”

Employees are housed on the estate, can farm their cattle on the land and are able to send their children to a school supported by the estate.

“Excelsior has both a prestigious history and great integrity, which is core to the production of their ‘wines of origin’,” said David Gleave, managing director of Liberty Wines. “We were impressed by their commitment to sustainability, exacting vineyard practices, and the ripe fruit intensity that they achieve across their range. The Excelsior wines offer superb value from Robertson and are an exciting addition to our South African portfolio.”

Peter de Wet, son of Freddie, commented: “We are passionate about making individual and exciting varietal wines that express the character of our land, and we have a strong sense of sustainability running throughout our operation.

“We believe that Liberty has the same quality ethos as we do and their expertise in the independent off-trade and on-trade, as well as the strength of their customer base and portfolio of producers, makes them the natural partner for our business.”

Excelsior wines available from Liberty will compromise their Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Merlot 2012, Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 and Shiraz 2011 all priced at £8.99 per bottle.