Graham Norton wine brand hits shelves

Chat show host Graham Norton has launched his own wine brand in the UK, which has been given an exclusive listing at retail chain Majestic Wine.

Graham Norton, left, with Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne of Invivo (Photo: Majestic)

Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc 2015 has been made with the help of New Zealand wine producer Invivo, in which the celebrity has a shareholding.

Invivo has been partnered with the BBC’s flagship chat show The Graham Norton Show since 2011, supplying it with Invivo Awatere Sauvignon Blanc for guests of the programme to drink.

In making the wine, Norton tasted his way through samples with the Invivo team “and blended his ultimate Sauvignon Blanc”, Majestic said.

“After a two hour session, Graham’s preferred blend consisted of equal portions from the Marlborough sub-regions Wairau River and Awatere Valley,” a statement from the retailer said.

Rob Cameron, chief winemaker of Invivo, said: “Our dealings with him showed us he really knows wine. So this year we thought we’d put him in the driver’s seat.”

The 100% Sauvignon Blanc, described as having “tropical fruit” flavours and “a bit of zing”, is retailing for £8.99 per bottle.

In August, Invivo released a promotional video with Graham Norton showing him involved in the blending process.