Nyetimber adds playful twist to rosé launch

English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber is marking the launch of its 2009 rosé with the creation of bespoke garden skittle sets that celebrate aspects of British heritage.

The Nyetimber skittle sets

Available exclusively through luxury department store Fortnum & Mason, just 50 of the beech-carved skittle sets have been created, priced at £250 each.

The sets have been made from beech and feature nine different designs: The Secret Agent, The Master of Fox Hounds, The Racing Car Driver, The Chef, The Punk, The Welsh Guardsmen, The Cricketer, The Highlander and The Judge.

Explaining the initiative, Nyetimber’s marketing & communications manager Christian Holthausen noted: “Lawn Games have a rich British heritage; the activity dates back to medieval times but has an enduring modern relevance, making it a perfect fit for the house of Nyetimber.”

Linking the game of skittles to historic British figures such as Henry VIII, Sir Francis Drake and Samuel Pepys, Holthausen added: “We are incredibly excited to have produced something which embodies our house spirit, which is dedicated to supporting ‘British Originality’ in all its forms.”

Launched earlier this week, the Nyetimber Rosé 2009 is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. With an RRP of £45 a bottle, it is available through Fortnum & Mason, as well as a number of independent retailers, including Lea & Sandeman and Berry Bros & Rudd.