Top drinks supplier changes and partnerships: January

Liberty Wines x Piper-Heidsieck and Bodega Garzón 

Liberty Wines announced this month that it is to become UK agent for Champagne Piper-Heidsieck and its Rare label from 1 March this year.

The move will see Piper-Heidsieck and its prestige cuvée expression, called Rare, end a decade-long partnership with William Grant & Sons, former distributors of both Champagnes in the UK.

It will also see Piper join sister house, Charles Heidsieck at Liberty Wines – the UK distributor for the latter brand since 2012.

David Gleave, managing director at Liberty Wines, commented “We are pleased that Piper-Heidsieck and Rare have chosen Liberty Wines to extend their distribution in the UK. We are extremely proud of the work we have done with Charles Heidsieck since 2012 and feel that Piper and Rare complement our current Champagne portfolio, so will greatly strengthen what we can offer our customers.”

Meanwhile, Neil Barker, managing director at William Grant & Sons in the UK, commented: “After a decade of successfully distributing Piper-Heidsieck and Rare in the UK, we decided the time was right to focus our attention on continuing to build our premium spirits portfolio. Having worked in partnership on plans with Damien and his team over the last year, I’m delighted to pass these incredible Champagne brands on in great shape following a strong year of growth in 2018 in the UK.”

Liberty also announced this month that it had bolstered its South American portfolio with the addition of Bodega Garzón from Uruguay.

Christian Wylie, managing director of Bodega Garzón, commented: “We are looking forward to working with Liberty Wines and are confident that their broad customer base will enable us to build on our success to date.”

Waitrose x Sir Ian Botham

Waitrose has announced that from February, it will be stocking an exclusive selection of Sir Ian Botham’s wines from his newly launched collection. Sourced from selected vineyards across Australia, each wine represents is named after moments in Botham’s cricketing career.

Waitrose will be stocking The All-Rounder and The Botham series collections, with prices ranging from £7.99 to £10.99.

The wines include The Botham All-Rounder Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, All-Rounder Chardonnay 2017, 76 Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 and 80 Series Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016,

Alexandra Mawson, Australian wine buyer at Waitrose & Partners commented: “We’re really excited to be stocking Sir Ian’s new range of wines exclusively at Waitrose. Sir Ian has worked alongside well-known winemakers to personally craft these great quality wines and I am sure they will appeal to cricket and non-cricket fans alike.”

Gérard Bertrand x South Glazer’s 

US distributor Southern Glazer’s has expanded its distribution of acclaimed French winemaker Gérard Bertrand’s eponymous brand nationwide, after rolling it into five additional markets across the US.

It is now available in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Utah, and Wyoming, taking its distribution into 33 US markets, which Southern Glazer’s says makes the Languedoc-based producer a “strategic national partner”.

Steve Slater, executive vice president and general manager of Southern Glazer’s wine division said the distributor was excited about the opportunity to share Gérard Bertrand’s fine wines from the South of France with consumers on the west coast of the U.S

“This national alignment enables us to more effectively and efficiently drive growth for Gérard Bertrand’s world-class wine portfolio.”

Mel Dick, senior vice president of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and president of the company’s wine division said Bertrand had been a valued supplier for nearly a decade.

“This expansion further strengthens the relationship between our two family-owned companies, and we look forward to building on this great foundation to help them continue to grow and capture additional opportunities across all retail channels,” he said.

Bertrand said the strategic move would reinforce the company’s footprint in US markets.

“Along with Mel Dick, Steve Slater and the entire Southern Glazer’s family, we share the same vision and ambition for the future. We are all excited about the opportunities to develop the diversity of our portfolio,” he said.

Brooklyn Brewery x Stone Distributing and DBI

Brooklyn Brewery has announced that it will begin distributing its core beers throughout the state of California from 21 January 2019. Its beers are currently available in 30 US states as well as in over 30 countries worldwide.

Brooklyn’s initial launch partners are Stone Distributing in southern California and DBI in northern California.

Brooklyn Brewery founder, Steve Hindy, commented: “At long last, we are beginning to sell our Brooklyn beers in California. California is the Garden of Eden of the craft beer revolution, and we look forward to making new friends with the craft beer community on the left coast.”

Brewmaster Garrett Oliver added: “Californians and transplanted New Yorkers have been asking us when we’d make it to the West Coast for years. I love California beers, and our beers have a unique range of flavours that I’m looking forward to combining with the legendary food that chefs are creating out there. California is the spiritual home of craft beer and modern American cooking. It just makes sense for us to finally be a part of this exciting scene. We’re going to have fun!”

Mondial Wine x Giusti

Italian winery Giusti, based in Montello, is to be represented in the UK by Mondial Wine. Among the wines Mondial will be carrying are Antonio IGT Rosso del Veneto (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Recantina), Augusto Recantina DOC Montello (100% Recantina), Asolo Superiore DOCG Brut Prosecco and Giusti Rosé Spumante Brut, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Abbazia Estate and Recantina from Aria Valentina Estate.

Ermenegildo Giusti, founder and owner of Giusti Wine, commented: “Giusti Wine currently exports almost 90% of its production, especially to Canada and North America, but also to Europe, China and South-East Asia.

“Thanks to this new partnership, our goal is to become ambassadors of the wines made in our territory, the Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG in particular, in a worldwide leading market such as the British one”.

Giusti Wines will be on pour at the Mondial tasting on the 25 February in London.

Waitrose x Mangrove UK

Spirits importer and distributor Mangrove UK has announced that it has secured listings at Waitrose for Fair’s Vodka and Café Liqueur as well as Aluna’s Coconut rum.

The products will be on the shelves and online from 28 January.

Fair Vodka is made using Fair Trade-certified quinoa from a cooperative of 1,200 farmers in the Bolivian Andes. Its café liqueur uses organic Arabica coffee beans harvested through a cooperative of nearly 2,000 producers in Mexico’s Huatusco mountains.

Aluna Coconut rum is made using coconut water and virgin sugar cane honey.

John Vine, spirits buyer at Waitrose, commented: “Our consumers demand the best from us. Flavour and quality are paramount, which is why we’ve selected these three brands for our stores, over and above their competitors.

“It’s got to taste great. But, we want to offer this quality and taste combined with ethical sourcing and sustainable production methods.”

Joseph Phelps x La Place de Bordeaux

Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps has become the latest international addition to La Place de Bordeaux, appointing several négociants to help distribute its wines more widely.

The American winery has followed in the footsteps of Francis Ford Coppla’s Inglenook property and appointed CVBG, Duclot (owned by the Moueix family) and Maison Joanne (owned by the Castéja family) to represent it outside of the Americas.

Inglenook and Argentine winery Catena Zapata announced they would use La Place for international distribution last year, joining the likes of Opus One, Masseto, Seña and Almaviva.

Mike McEvoy, vice president, director of sales at the winery, said: “We are delighted to partner with these three internationally-renowned négociants and we are confident that they will further expand global distribution of Insignia and Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

“As we enter our 47th year of winemaking excellence, we look forward to working with CVBG, DUCLOT and JOANNE to increase our international exposure.”

The négociants added in a joint statement: “Joseph Phelps was one of the great visionaries of the Napa Valley and the Phelps family has largely contributed in making the Napa Valley one of the most prestigious wine regions.

“Insignia and Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon have known an extremely large success in the US market where they are recognised by critics, professionals and consumers as leaders. We want to extend this success outside the US. Our three companies, CVBG, Duclot, and Joanne, feel honoured and privileged to take the international presence and reputation of these legendary names further.”

Armit Wines x Terroir Sense Fronteres

Armit Wines has signed Terroir Sense Fronteres from Montsant in Spain. It will begin by listing three wines from the 2017 vintage – a skin-contact white made from Grenache Blanc and Macabeo (Armit’s first orange wine), a red which is a blend of Grenache and Carignan and a 100% Grenache made from old vines.

Terroir Sense Fronteres was established three years ago by winemaker of Dominik Huber, known for his Priorat-based Terroir al Limit, which he co-founded with Eben Sadie in 2001.

Commenting on the arrangement, Huber said: “I am thrilled to be launching my new project Terroir Sense Fronteres in the United Kingdom in collaboration with Armit Wines. These wines are the very first to be released from our incredible vineyards in the Montsant region. We aim for wines of infinite elegance and freshness. Wine of balance and harmony and wines that carry their Mediterranean heart and soul with pride.

“I think we are only just scratching the surface of what is possible with this first vintage. I am extremely excited about our Montsant project and pleased to join forces with Armit to give these wines a great home in the UK.”

Susan Harper, sales director at Armit Wines, added: “We are very proud to welcome Terroir Sense Fronteres to our portfolio. Knowing Dominik’s wines from Priorat, the opportunity to work with his new releases from Monsant was not one to miss. His Grenache wines are very energetic, refined, and elegant. Whole bunches, altitude, precise viticulture and winemaking are key to the quality of his range and his style, which is very on trend.”’

Hallgarten & Novum Wines x Lismore Estate

Wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines announced the addition of South African producer Lismore’s Estate Reserve range to its portfolio in the UK off- and on-trade this month.

The range is priced between £39.99 and £42.99.

Samantha O’Keefe, owner and winemaker at Lismore Estate commented: “Having pioneered a new extreme cool-climate region in South Africa, I chose to release an Estate Reserve range to tell a very clear story of what the vineyards are capable of.

“The wines, from very low-yielding vineyards, taste like no others grown in South Africa, which is exciting. I wanted to draw attention to the diversity that is possible in South African terroir. These barrel selections are my showcase of this very special place on earth.”

Hallgarten & Novum Wines portfolio director, Jim Wilson, commented: “The Reserve wines from Lismore are unbelievable and we are thrilled to have them as part of our South African portfolio.

“We have seen first-hand the development of Sam’s wines and the awards she receives are testament to her hard work, knowledge and winemaking skill, and the Reserve range is a culmination of years of commitment to her vineyards. We can’t wait for what she has in store for us next!”

North South Wines x Azienda Agricola Cortese

North South Wines has announced that it will be listing six wines from Sicilian estate Azienda Agricola Cortese in the UK. The wines are produced organically and from indigenous grape varieties.

Winemaker Stefano Girelli uses techniques such as fermentation on the skins in terracotta and keeps wine on its fine lees for at least nine months.

The wines are divided into two tiers: the Nostru which are priced at £11.99 and the Selezione priced between £17.99 and £20.99.

Commenting on the deal, Girelli said: “2016 was really an experimental vintage, which had some great results, and now at the beginning of 2019, we are happy to say that Cortese is delivering the quality that we want in wines which are a true reflection of the personality of the Cortese estate.

“The aim is simple and carries on the ethos of the estate. To produce wines as naturally as possible, using organic grapes and making interesting, typical, quality wines following ancient Sicilian traditions, which are further improved by modern methods.”

Tito’s Vodka x Hardenberg-Wilthen and Martins Brands

Texan vodka brand Tito’s has secured distribution partnerships in Spain and Germany as the brand seeks to increase its presence in the European market.

Spain’s Martins Brands will target the on-trade sector in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the club scene in the Canary Islands.

Martins Brands’ commercial director, Akim Simsek commented: “Craft is an emerging market in Spain and we are delighted to take on Tito’s, the pioneer of American craft. It is a great fit, complementing our existing portfolio perfectly and we look forward to quickly building on its presence in Spain.”

Meanwhile in Germany, Hardenberg-Wilthen will focus on educating the bartending community and boosting the brand’s presence in key on-trade channels.

Hardenberg-Wilthen’s CSO and CMO, Nicolaus Fehling added: “We are delighted to take on Tito’s, a golden opportunity to develop this star of an international brand in the German market.”

Tito’s managing director of international business, John McDonnell said: “Tito’s continues to grow strongly in the US and is now available in over 140 international markets globally. We believe these two dynamic distributors are the perfect fit in their respective markets and look forward to seeing Tito’s flourish under their stewardship.”

Naked Wines x Garçon Wines

Subscribers to UK online wine merchant Naked Wines can now have a bottle of wine posted through any letterbox thanks to a partnership with Garçon Wines, which last year launched an innovative flat wine bottle.

Garçon Wines was launched by 29-year-old entrepreneur Joe Revell in partnership with Santiago Navarro in 2017, and claims to be the first wine packaging solution capable of being posted through a customers’ letterbox.

The slimline screwtop bottles have the same 750ml volume of a conventional glass wine bottle but have been flattened and made longer so they can fit through a letterbox.

The bottle itself is 32cm in length – about 2cm taller than a regular wine bottle – and is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and is also fully recyclable.

Naked Wines has selected and is making available a Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere blend from Chile, packaged in its own branding in flat bottles to its ‘Angels’ only.

If successful, more wines will be made available in the flat-bottled format.

Laura Rosenberger, Naked Wines’ chief operating officer, said: “We are excited to partner with Garçon Wines. With Garçon’s letterbox-friendly bottles, we can now offer our customers a new way to send gifts and introduce their friends to Naked with a bottle direct to their doormat.”

InVivo Wine x Château Maris

InVivo Wine and biodynamic, Languedoc-based producer Château Maris have signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement starting this month. 

Robert Eden co-owner and winemaker of Château Maris, said: “The partnership with InVivo is really exciting. It will allow us to focus more on our farming methods and continue to produce delicious wines with respect for life around us

Frédéric Noyère, CEO of InVivo Wine and Bruno Kessler, chief winemaker, added: We are delighted by the confidence that Robert Eden has in us. By relying on his expertise, we will be able to accelerate our organic development, promote sustainable viticulture and build a structured offer in the premium organic segment.”

James Clay x Cigar City Brewing

UK craft beer distributor James Clay has announced a partnership with US brewery Cigar City Brewing (CCB) which will see CCB’s ale and lager offers be made available in the UK.

James Clay will also use its industry connections and experience to help the brewery grow a strong UK presence among bar owners and beer drinkers alike.

Kegs and twelve-ounce cans of Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA, Invasion Tropical Pale Ale, Maduro Brown Ale, Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale and its newest year-round offering, Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, will be available across the UK as of November 2019.

Matthew Eyre says, head of sales at James Clay, said: “Cigar City is a shining beacon in the global beer scene epitomising the energy, creativity and quality that US craft beer scene provides. We are taking great care to ensure UK beer lovers can appreciate Cigar City’s phenomenal Jai Alai IPA in perfect condition through a cold shipping and storage chain. With such a huge array of beers available in the UK market, we know only the world’s finest beers will stand out and we are delighted that through our partnership with Cigar City we can offer UK lovers just this.”

Neil Callaghan, CCB’s El Lector, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring our Florida-inspired beers to the craft beer lovers of the UK. British beer has always found a wonderful balance between innovation and tradition, and we’ve been inspired by the British beer community since our inception.

“After collaborating with some fantastic breweries in the UK and participating in UK beer festivals for years, we’re finally able to deliver Cigar City Brewing’s dynamic beers to Britons full-time, thanks to the help of the team at James Clay. Nobody knows the UK beer market better than them, so we know we’re in good hands.”

Cuvaison Estate Wines x Frederick Wildman and Sons

Cuvaison Estate Wines, which comprises Napa Valley’s Cuvaison winery in Los Carneros, and Brandlin Vineyard on Mount Veeder, has entered into a sales partnership with Frederick Wildman and Sons.

Effective from the start of this month, Frederick Wildman will provide sales services for the Cuvaison Estate Wines portfolio throughout the United States.

Founded in 1934, Frederick Wildman’s portfolio includes Gruppo Italiano Vini, Champagne Pol Roger, Famille Hugel, Domaine Olivier Leflaive, Jean-Jacques Vincent/Château Fuissé and Domaine Pascal Jolivet.

Cuvaison Estate Wines president and CEO Dan Zepponi said: “We are excited to be working with Frederick Wildman and Sons, and honoured to be a part of their renowned portfolio of wines.

“Like Wildman, we are a historic American wine company that has stayed relevant and dynamic because of our absolute focus on quality. While this focus hasn’t changed, the way in which wines are marketed and sold throughout the United States has. As Cuvaison celebrates its 50^th anniversary throughout 2019, this partnership will help to ensure that our next fifty years are as successful as our first fifty.”

As part of the partnership, Cuvaison Estate Wines will realign its current distributor network with Wildman’s national network of distributors, which includes Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in more than 30 states.

Wildman President and COO Marc Hirten said: “We are proud to partner with Cuvaison Estate Wines. Not only do they have a rich and storied history, but Cuvaison’s focus on state-grown, vineyard-driven wines helped to shape the modern era of California winemaking.

“In addition, Brandlin Vineyard has long been a leader on Mount Veeder, and is recognised for making exceptional mountain-grown wines. As a company that is dedicated to working with the world’s finest wineries, we are thrilled to welcome both Cuvaison and Brandlin to our portfolio.”

Craftwork x Nordés Gin

Sales, marketing and distribution agency Craftwork has announced a partnership with Spanish gin brand Nordés.

Craftwork will work to widen the Galician gin brand’s presence in the UK on and off-trade, particularly in coastal towns, by playing on its Atlantic links.

Jeremy Rockett, managing director of Craftwork, commented:“We’re thrilled to be working with Nordés – they are a brand after our own heart, valuing relationships with the trade and investing in engagement. Nordés has built a phenomenal presence in Spain and we’ll be looking to transfer some of that passion over to the UK via standout initiatives such as Nordés Atlantic pop-up bars”.

Maarten Van Dam, area sales manager, Osborne said: “This partnership is the natural progression for Nordés gin, it has become intrinsically linked with Spanish culture and we hope to keep this ‘spirit’ alive. It’s an important moment for the brand and the UK is a key market that needs nurturing in a very specific way.

“Craftwork will build on the good work done so far and take Nordés to the next level of engagement both with the trade and to hearts and minds of UK consumers”.

The Wine Society x Johnston Logistics UK

UK wine merchant The Wine Society has appointed an external warehousing firm to store the additional stock it has bought in response to the challenges of Brexit and an increase in its membership.

The Stevenage-based wine mutual, which is owned by its members, has appointed Norfolk’s logistics firm Johnston Logistics UK to handle the additional warehousing it needs to cater for the increase in stock.

Speaking to the drinks business, The Wine Society’s head of buying Pierre Mansour said the company had brought forward an extra 60,000 cases of wines to gives the society “extra breathing room” and to act as a buffer before and after the 29 March Brexit deadline.

“We put in some quite robust preparation plans in October last year, and took the decision we should plan for a hard Brexit. Because our focus as a business is entirely on the experience of our customers, our preparation plans have been put together to maintain the availability of all of our popular wines and maintain all the levels of service to mitigate any disruption that many occur over the March deadline,” he told db.

“We’d still be using Johnston Logistics Brexit-aside, but the amount of capacity we now need is much greater.”

Hatch Mansfield x Gaja family

One of Italy’s leading producers, the Gaja family, has appointed Hatch Mansfield to be the UK importer of its Gaja, Ca’Marcanda and Pieve Santa Restituta estates.

The new partnership will commence on 1 March and sees Gaja join a portfolio which already boasts Champagne Taittinger, Louis Jadot, Viña Errazuriz, Villa Maria and Jean Luc Colombo. Gaja however is the first Italian agency.

Patrick McGrath MW, managing director of Hatch, said: “We are absolutely delighted to represent the Gaja family estates in the UK, our first Italian producer. It is a very exciting time for Hatch Mansfield.

“Gaja has been at the forefront of revolutionising the Italian wine scene for many years and we are very proud to represent them and to continue building their distribution and profile in the UK. Their reputation is exceptional and they are a perfect addition to our portfolio of premium wines made by family owned businesses.”

Angelo Gaja and his daughter Gaia, added: “After over 30 great years of partnership with Armit Wines, over eight years with Vinum Terra and most recently with Bibendum for the Ca’Marcanda estate, we have taken the decision to consolidate the representation of our three estates under one single importer by appointing Hatch Mansfield as our new guardians in the UK. We are very thankful for the precious efforts of our former agents who grew the presence of our wines in Great Britain.”

“We are looking forward to working with Hatch Mansfield, focusing on delivering an always higher and tailored service to the On Trade and the Fine Wine, Prestige and Independent retail arena.”

Drinkaware x Asda

Drinkaware went into a hundred UK Asda stores to educate shoppers about safe drinking as part of a partnership this month.

Ambassadors from the alcohol education charity went into stores on 11 and 18 January to talk to consumers and answer queries about alcohol consumption. It is the third year the two organisations have teamed up, which last year saw Drinkaware ambassadors engaging with almost 7,000 Asda customers.

Drinkaware has also trained Asda community champions, who work with local groups, as a way to take the messages about drinking in moderation into the wider community.

Shoppers visiting the Drinkaware stand in 50 stores filled out alcohol assessment scratch cards designed to present clear information, in a simple, non-judgemental manner, while ambassadors in the other 50 stores helped shoppers to fill in the online Drinkaware DrinkCompare Calculator, which will analyse their current drinking and compare it to others in the same age group.

Chris Lowe, senior director for Corporate Affairs at Asda said that that working with Drinkaware was central to its role as a responsible alcohol retailer of alcohol and the project aimed to provide impartial, evidence-based information and practical resources in a non-judgmental, engaging and fun environment.

“We are pleased to be working with Drinkaware again this year, as part of our role as a responsible retailer, helping them to engage directly with our customers.”

Rommel Moseley, Drinkaware director of business development and partnerships, said, “Working together with Asda for the past three years has enabled Drinkaware to get out into their stores across the country and work with people face-to-face.

“The advice and information that Drinkaware provides is invaluable to the many people looking to make changes to their own or a family member’s drinking habits in January, and we know that the Drinkaware ambassadors in Asda will help many customers to make positive changes and reduce their risk of alcohol harm.”

Berkmann Wine Cellars x Yarra Yering and Domaine Tournon 

Berkmann Wine Cellars has expanded its Australian portfolio, becoming the exclusive UK agent and distributor for Victorian producers Yarra Yering and Domaine Tournon.

The producers join Berkmann’s existing Aussie list which includes Katnook Estate, Langmeil, Woodlands, Lethbridge, Between Five Bells, Unico Zelo, Harvest, Chapel Hill and Deakin Estate.

Alex Hunt MW, purchasing director at Berkmann Wine Cellars, said: “2019 sees Berkmann Wine Cellars double its number of producers from Victoria, taking on distribution of two wineries contrasting in style yet comparable in vision.

“To represent either of these great wineries would be a privilege; to be able to present both simultaneously and champion the exceptional wines of Victoria in this way is a real thrill. We look forward to introducing these icons to our customers at our Portfolio Tastings on 12 and 13 February, and thereafter to many years of successful partnership.”

Clan Denny x Worldwide Libations 

Independent Scotch whisky bottler Douglas McGibbon & Company has appointed Worldwide Libations as its exclusive US importer for Clan Denny.

Worldwide Libations will be responsible for importing Clan Denny’s single malt and single grain whiskies, which comprise single cask bottlings from across Scotland.

Worldwide Libation’s initial import includes 10-year-old single cask whiskies from Islay’s Bunnahabhain, Speyside’s Craigellachie and the Highlands’ Fettercairn. It will also import a 14-year-old single grain from the closed Port Dundas distillery. Each whisky will have an RRP of US$54.99.

Dan Lasner, Worldwide Libations founder and president, said: “These single casks from Clan Denny allow us to offer unique and very limited bottlings that today’s savvy whisky consumers are looking [for]. It is a nice addition to our growing craft spirits portfolio.”

Enotria & Coe x Cruz de Alba

Cruz de Alba, based in Ribera del Duero, has announced that it will be listed by UK distributor Enotria & Coe, joining sister wineries Ramón Bilbao from Rioja and Mar de Frades from Rias Baixas

Part of Spain’s Zamora Company portfolio, Cruz de Alba was established in 2003 and owns 40-hectares of Tempranillo vines at Finca los Hoyales in the Ribera del Duero DO. It is headed up by winemaker Sergio Ávila.

Kirsty Loftus, UK area manager for Zamora Company, commented: “Sergio believes in managing the health of the vines in a holistic way, and that any problems encountered in the vineyard have a solution in that same vineyard.

“For him, nature provides the answer and this approach is totally in tune with increasing consumer demand for products with provenance, and that respect the environment.”