Hallgarten creates ‘Ancient World’ portfolio

UK wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has added labels from the ancient winemaking countries of Armenia, Georgia and Greece to its portfolio for the first time.

Each of the three wineries will add a range of unique indigenous varieties from their respective countries.

ArmAs in Armenia produces Voskahat and Karmrahyut at heights of above 700 metres and up to 1,900m above sea level on volcanic soils within sight of Mt Ararat.

Vachnadziani in Georgia is one of the country’s largest producers and makes Rkatsitelli, Krakhuna, Mtsvane, Saperavi and Otskhanuri Sapere across the Kakheti and Imereti regions.

Finally, Hallgarten & Novum will represent one wine from micro-producer Akriotou in central Greece, a Savatiano grown at almost 400 metres above sea level.

Steve Daniel, head of buying at Hallgarten & Novum, said: “The wines from Armenia and Georgia have always fascinated me and I am thrilled to be able to introduce wines from two countries that have so much history.

“Each of the producers we have introduced utilise the country’s indigenous grape varieties, their unique terroir and a combination of modern and ancient winemaking techniques that result in wines of epic proportion.

“In addition to the wines from these two unique countries, I have found what I believe to a missing link in our Greek portfolio. In 2015, Vassiliki Akriotou created her first range of Akriotou wines at a micro-winery in the heart of Greece and now we have the sublime Savatiano, made from 45-year-old vines, in our portfolio.”