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No UK range is complete without New Zealand, says Buckingham Schenk

Published:  17 May, 2016

Buckingham Schenk is expanding its international portfolio by adding two New Zealand producers to its repertoire.

The leading wine supplier has added Rod McDonald Wines and Rock Ferry to its premium wine range - the first New Zealand wines to be offered by Buckingham Schenk.

With the new additions, the company will be taking a step towards the premiumisation of its range.

Craig Durham, managing director Buckingham Schenk, said the time was right for them to expand their range into the New Zealand category and to increase its premium offering.

He said: "Adding New Zealand producers is something we've been looking to do with the company for many years but we've never really got it right. I think it's a mixture of having the right customer base to fit the wines at the right time and finding these two wineries, which not only make interesting wines but are also interesting people.

"We're changing as a business and our customer base is changing too. Our customers are looking for heritage and premium - for wines which have an interesting story."

Rod McDonald One Off Chardonnay Rod McDonald One Off Chardonnay

The wines are currently available only on Buckingham Schenk's own wine list which is exclusive to the on-trade.

However, they may matriculate to the off-trade channel, which makes up the majority of Buckingham Schenk's business.

Experimental styles such as Grüner Veltliner and Tempranillo will feature.

However, Durham said no New Zealand wine range is complete with Sauvignon Blanc.

"We've got some really interesting varietals including some reds, but you've got to get the Sauvignon Blanc right or you're not going to have a comprehensive New Zealand offering," he added.

"Sauvignon Blanc has always been important to the UK and no UK wine list is really complete without it."

Rod McDonald Wines is located in Hawkes Bay, while Rock Ferry is based in the Marlborough region and is one of New Zealand's leading organic producers.

Both are family-orientated businesses.

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