Crown Cellars launches reinvigorated portfolio

The 2024/2025 portfolio from UK supplier Crown Cellars combines old favourites, new additions and brand refreshes.

On-trade wine supplier Crown Cellars is launching its new portfolio, with 500 wines on offer for the UK industry. New for this year, several of Crown Cellars’ most popular brands have received a brand update, while wine buyer Victoria Chapman and Master of Wine Jonathan Pedley have also selected a wide variety of new additions to the range.

The Invenio range is among the three to receive a fresh new look. Its varietal wines come from all over the world, lending weight to its name, which is Latin for ‘I discover’. Crucially for the on-trade, they are available both in 75cl and single-serve formats.

“We wanted to update these popular wines,” explained Chapman, “and make them bright, interesting and aligned with what today’s consumers want to see when they visit the on-trade.”

The other brands to receive a refresh are Gulara, which comprises Australian Shiraz and Chardonnay, and the varietal Jack and Gina range from the USA.

In terms of new wines, a particular focus is in the low- and no-alcohol sector. “It is so important now for our customers to stock a great alcohol-free range,” said Chapman. “They already have a fantastic selection of beers and other products to choose from via Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, but some are still wary when it comes to wine.”

The distributor therefore prioritised quality that the consumer can trust. Chapman stated: “We wanted to boost confidence and help by seeking out whichever wines were best-in-class at the moment, regardless of brand. I can genuinely say we’re delighted with what we found and early customer feedback has been exceptional.”

Three standout bottles

Pedley, who db readers may know as a regular Global Wine Masters judge, agreed that the low- and no-alcohol offering was a standout element. He highlighted the Hardy’s Zero Chardonnay – which, he said, “always stands out with its vibrant fruit and proper vinous character” – as a noteworthy addition.

Pedley singled out another new wine for its “intense and opulent” character on both the nose and palate. “If you are convinced that Italian white wine goes no further than Pinot Grigio,” he commented, “you must try the Boccantino Fiano Appassito from the Salento Peninsula.”

If those are too unfamiliar, he suggested the new Château Vieux Cardinal Lafaurie, a Merlot-led blend from Lalande de Pomerol. According to Pedley: “With its garnet colour, spicy dried fruit nose and touch of tannic grip on the palate you are in safe hands.”

Offering an understated nod of “chapeau” to the team who put it togther, Pedley summarised the new brochure as comprehensive, informative and visually stunning.

As for his part, he indicated that buying can be one of the better parts of the job. “Victoria and I had great fun selecting the range,” said Pedley. “We hope that you have as much fun selling the wines and hopefully tasting a few of them along the way.”

Click here to find out more about Crown Cellars – world wines from CMBC.