UK launch for Brancott Estate sparkling Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough producer Brancott Estate launched a sparkling Sauvignon Blanc last week at the New Zealand Annual Trade Tasting at Lord’s cricket ground.

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Brut will be available to both the on- and off-trades from September this year – to coincide with the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand – with an RRP of £12.99.

Drawing on 30 years of experience in producing both Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and premium sparkling wine, the new release comprises a blend of fruit from both sides of the Wairau Valley and Brancott’s best vineyards.

“It’s an exciting move for us. We are very much pioneers of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough and have lead New Zealand and the industry with sparkling wine, so why not combine those two knowledge pools and come up with a unique style”, chief winemaker Patrick Materman told the drinks business.

“We’ve been playing around with it for a while trying to drive this new style. We wanted a wine that still very much told the story of Sauvignon Blanc with freshness and vibrancy, but to then have the C02 to lift it on the palate”, Materman added.

“This new wine will allow retailers to tap into profitable and prominent areas of category growth – premium New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the UK’s ongoing appreciation of sparkling wine”, said Pernod Ricard UK wine development director Adrian Atkinson.

Brancott was the first commercial vineyard to be planted in 1973. In September last year Montana changed its name to Brancott Estate to reflect its heritage.

Watch our video interview with Patrick Materman here

Lucy Shaw 17.01.2011