Provence rosé hot in Holland, says Cronk

Holland is one of Europe’s “most interesting” markets for Provence rosé, according to the founders of Mirabeau en Provence, which will launch in the country next month.

Stephen and Jeany Cronk founded Mirabeau en Provence in 2009

British couple Stephen and Jeany Cronk founded Mirabeau en Provence in 2009 having left south-west London to pursue their dream of making wine in Provence. From next month, bottles of their Mirabeau rosé will be available at 600 Gall & Gall liquor stores in Holland, its 53rd market.

“Holland is following hot on the heels of the UK with a fantastic Provence rosé growth figure of 26% in 2015, which makes it one of Europe’s most interesting export markets for our region”, said Jeany Cronk, who is also a member of the export commission of the regional marketing body, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence (CIVP).

In comparison, the UK posted an increase in sales of Provence wine of 37% in 2015 compared to the previous year.

“As with Waitrose in the UK, we’re working very closely with Gall & Gall to support the brand and to build the all-important consumer engagement through a combination of digital marketing, PR, events, in-store tastings and promotions”, said Stephen Cronk.

No stranger to the internet, Stephen Cronk is known for his ability to open a bottle of wine with only a shoe. Last year a video of him performing the party trick went viral, attracting more than 10 million views on You Tube.

Looking toward the 2015 vintage, last year the CIVP President Alan Baccino hailed its as a vintage of “superb quality”, also noting “interesting” potential for the region’s red wines.

Check out the results of the drinks business’ Global Rose Masters here.