González Byass UK signs first English fizz

English sparkling wine producer Coates & Seely has switched its distribution to González Byass UK.

This move from being one of five English wine brands represented by Liberty Wines sees Coates & Seely join the same UK agency as Quinta do Noval, part of the AXA Millésimes portfolio that is headed by Christian Seely.

Together with his friend Nicholas Coates, Seely set up the Hampshire-based producer, making their first vintage in 2009. Today the Coates & Seely range includes a brut reserve, blanc de blancs and rosé, made from various combinations of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Announcing the change in distribution, Seely commented: “I have much enjoyed working with GBUK’s enthusiastic, friendly and dynamic team on building Noval’s brand over the past few years and am very satisfied with the high quality of distribution we have achieved. I am delighted to begin work with them now on building the Coates & Seely brand in the UK, and I am certain they will do an excellent job.”

Martin Skelton, managing director of González Byass UK, welcomed the “vote of confidence”, hailing Coates & Seely as “a great addition to our international portfolio of premium wines.”

Although Coates & Seely is the only English producer in the González Byass portfolio, it joins a sparkling wine collection that includes Champagne Deutz and Vilarnau Cava. The moves comes in a year when combined sales of English and Welsh wine have been predicted to hit £100 million.