Cellier de Dauphins moves to Kingsland

Rhône specialist Cellier des Dauphins has signed a new deal with UK distributor Kingsland Drinks, as it looks to build its presence throughout the UK off-trade.

The Irlam-based distributor will be responsible for nominated off-trade customers of the French brand, which is the flagship of Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône, one of the largest producer of Côtes du Rhône wine. The brand was previously distributed in the UK by Dedicated Wines.

Cellier des Dauphins’ brands cover key appellations, including Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages as well as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vinsobres and Cairanne. Its range include Val Soléu, Les Dauphins, the Reserve Côtes du Rhône range, Village, which was launched last year featuring the vignerons who grew the wine’s grape on the front of the label, and Les Cru, but it also has the capacity to supply a wide selection of own-label Rhône wines.

Adam Marshall, buying controller at Kingsland Drink said he was delighted to add Cellier des Dauphins to its portfolio, calling it a brand that was “steeped in history” but “open to innovation and exciting product and brand development”.

“Our research shows that the Cellier des Dauphins brands have, by far, the youngest and most affluent shoppers of the top French brands, presenting a real opportunity to bring something engaging to the French category,” he said.

Cellier des Dauphins’ export director Marin Bourayne said the appointment would build on the brand’s success in the UK market.

“The team at Kingsland Drinks has a significant presence in the UK with long-standing customer relationships and the company’s family values mirror our own, so the partnership is a natural fit,” she said.

Cellier des Dauphins is already listed at Tesco and Majestic among other retailers.