Bibendum PLB takes on Cellier des Princes

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 26 April, 2016

Rhone Valley based Cellier des Princes, has appointed the Bibendum PLB Group to distribute its wines across all channels in the UK.

As of May 1, Cellier des Princes wines will be sold to the on-trade via Bibendum, the off-trade via PLB and independent retailers via Walker & Wodehouse.

Established in 1925, Cellier des Princes is the only cooperative in the Chateauneuf du Pape region.

Pierre Cohen, General Manager of Cellier des Princes said: "Cellier des Princes is one of the leading cooperatives in the Rhone Valley and the only one in Chateauneuf du Pape. It is our aim to work with the leading distributors in each of our key markets to develop the business.

"Bibendum PLB is the leading distributor in the UK, as the only supplier to have equal expertise in the on and off trade. We therefore believe that we have found the best partner for us in the UK."

The cellars are located in the commune of Courthezon with 580 acres of vineyards throughout Chateauneuf du Pape and the Southern Rhone.

In total around 189 growers make up the cooperative.

Each winegrower owns a small vineyard and works for the common interest of the cooperative cellar.

This is designed to ensure the development of each individual vineyard and quality from the harvest to the bottle.

Up to thirteen grape varieties are used in the Chateauneuf du Papes from Cellier des Princes - the principal grapes being Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre - with small amounts of other ancient varieties added for flavour, body and richness.

Cellier des Princes' range includes Chateauneuf du Pape, its flagship appellation, as well as IGP Vaucluse, Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Villages, Vacqueyras and Gigondas.

Alastair Pyatt, France Buyer for the Bibendum PLB Group said: "I'm thrilled to begin our new relationship with Cellier des Princes, one of the leading producers in the Rhone Valley. On top of a fantastic quality versus value proposition, Cellier des Princes has the diversity, flexibility and scale which makes them a perfect fit for Bibendum PLB's requirements for the on and off-trade, and a significant addition to our French range."

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