Majestic launches red sparkler

British wine retailer Majestic has listed a new sparkling red from Loire producer Bouvet Ladubay.

Bouvet Rubis is made using only Cabernet Franc – a first for the house, which is the largest in the Saumur area.

Made using the traditional method, the Demi-Sec sparkler is non-vintage with 12.5% abv.

The new listing comes after Bouvet Ladubay was recently reacquired by the Monmousseau family from Diageo.

The Monmousseaus have continuously managed the producer since 1932, but it was sold to Champagne Taittinger in 1974 and has since been owned by India’s USL and Diageo.

The family now posses a 100% shareholding after Diageo’s recent decision to divest its wine interests.

“We are thrilled that Bouvet Rubis is launching in the UK and so far we have seen a very positive response from consumers in Majestic,”  said Juliette Monmousseau, CEO of Bouvet Ladubay.

“Following the reacquisition of Bouvet Ladubay, our main aim is to ensure the continued development of our business.

Bouvet Rubis is a perfect example of our aim to inject innovation and surprise into our wine range.”

The wine is described as having a dark purple hue, creamy bubbles, and red fruit flavours such as cherries, blackcurrants strawberries and raspberries.

The wine’s “fine tannins” are balanced by its sparkle and dosage, the producer said.