Liberty Wines bolsters NZ with Marlborough addition

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 04 January, 2018

Liberty Wines is bolstering its already strong New Zealand collection in order to keep in step with the continued popularity of Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

Framingham Wines from Marlborough’s Wairau Valley joins the London-based supplier from previous distributor Les Caves de Pyrene.

As of January 1, Framingham’s sauvignon blancs now sit alongside those from Greywacke, Tinpot Hut, Blank Canvas and Kim Crawford in Liberty’s portfolio.

The winery also brings value with its Rieslings - Framingham’s Riesling vines, planted in 1981, are among the oldest in Marlborough.

David Gleave MW, managing director of Liberty Wines, said: “Given the continued growth in sales of Marlborough sauvignon blanc in the premium on- and off-trade in the UK, it is paramount that we are able to offer our customers a diverse range of wine styles and price points to encourage consumers to experiment within the region.”

“Also, their expertise in Riesling offers an exciting further dimension to our offering,” he added.

Framingham’s managing director Tom Trolove thanked natural wine specialist Les Caves de Pyrene for “establishing a strong platform for Framingham in the UK” and is now looking to Liberty’s “broad customer base” to increase distribution.

The move for Framingham comes just a two weeks before the annual Flavours of New Zealand trade tasting at Westminster Bridge’s County Hall, on January 15.

The event is the largest wine trade tasting for New Zealand in Europe with 450 wines being presented spanning Waiheke Island, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Nelson, Gisborne and Central Otago.

Visitors will also have the chance to meet with the wineries, distributors and attend a range of masterclasses helmed by the likes of Peter McCombie, MW and Rebecca Gibb.

Liberty’s annual portfolio tasting is scheduled for January 16 at the Oval Cricket Ground, London from 10am to 5.30pm.

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