PLB backs Kiwis in UK

 UK wine distributor PLB will move into 2014 with a re-worked range of New Zealand producers including Babich Wines, Auckland, Misha’s Vineyard from Central Otago and Matahiwi Estate, Wairarapa.
PLB’s buying director Paul Meihuizen says the company has been looking for ‘the right partners’ to push forward with and demonstrate New Zealand’s diversity of wine styles.

“All three are family-owned companies like PLB and share a similar outlook and passion for the business of wine, investing for the long term, and acting responsibly towards the environment.”

Karen Hardwick, head of on-trade for PLB says next year will see Babich Wines’ 25th anniversary in the UK market and PLB is delighted to work with a producer already well-established in the UK.

“Babich have a superb range of regionally different wines. Our core focus will be the Classic and Black Label ranges that retail between £12.99 and £15.99, but we’re also excited about the potential for working with the Family Estate, Reserve, Irongate and Patriarch wines as well with selected customers.”
 
Misha’s Vineyard was established in 2004 by Andy and Misha Wilkinson on the edge of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago. The company has  26 hectares under vine, with the wines crafted by winemaker Olly Masters, who has won the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Pinot Noir Trophy on three occasions.

 PLB’s buying manager Neville Harris says Misha and Andy have built an amazing reputation in a relatively short time, testament to their no-compromise, exacting attention to quality and detail.
“The team at PLB are really looking forward to working with Misha’s Vineyard and their extraordinary and expressive range of pinot noir and aromatic white wines, which we believe are some of the best in the region, if not the whole of New Zealand.”

Located at Opaki in the Wairarapa region, Matahiwi Estate was established in 1998 by Alastair Scott, with a modern winery built to specialise in pinot noir and sauvignon blanc production. Overseen by winemaker Jane Cooper who joined the team in 2002, Matahiwi have created an award winning range of wines under the Mount Hector and Matahiwi Estate labels, crowned by the limited release Holly range.

Mr Scott says the Matahiwi team is excited about joining the PLB family. “They are a well respected team and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

PLB’s Neville Harris says Wairarapa is a wonderful wine region and has had limited exposure in the UK market.
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer these sensational, balanced wines from Matahiwi to a wider audience from 2014.

PLB will be targeting the High Street specialist, online and wine-led grocery sectors of the UK market for Matahiwi, with retail prices between £12.99 and £23.99.