The Bunch group turns spotlight on wines' provenance

Published: 24 August, 2012

The Bunch, the group of six independents that champions the sector as well as en primeur wines, is upping the focus on wines' provenance.

The group, which includes Adnams, Corney & Barrow, Tanners, Yapp Brothers, Berry Bros & Rudd and Lea & Sandeman, is looking to tighten up the rules in order to protect against counterfeit wines.

Adam Brett-Smith, managing director of Corney & Barrow and current chair of the group, told Harpers it wanted to improve on its code of practice by focusing on provenance to include where a wine has been bought, how it was shipped and whether producers act directly or via intermediaries. In order to reduce the risk of exposure to fake wines, C&B does not source wines from Asia, the US or via auction.

Brett-Smith said there was room for more independents in the group, although newcomers must have a proven track record.

The group meets twice a year, and holds an annual tasting for journalists, with the next one coming up on September 13 at the Groucho Club. It will focus on iconic wines - "not necessarily expensive ones", said Brett-Smith.

"The Bunch is keen to show it can cut it at the less expensive end of the market," although pricier wines will be included. "We're always selecting wines that will never have been seen except through the Bunch. It's about turning them into icon wines," he said.

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