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Signature Wines calls on indies to put Macedonia on their radar

Published:  03 October, 2013

Signature Wines is looking to put Macedonian wine on the map through independent wine merchants in the UK as it builds up a portfolio of exclusive wines from the country.

Signature Wines is a division of the already well-established luxury goods company Signature Global, which offers a growing client base a range of services including chauffeurs and a VIP car-hire service featuring Rolls-Royces and Bentleys.

The Stobi winery is owned by Minco Jordanov who has invested 20 million euros in to the project in Tikve?, Macedonia, and wants to bring top-quality, affordable wines from the 20 grape varieties grown in the area to the UK.

Signature Wines' Craig Duggan said its first hurdle is changing people's perceptions that Macedonia is more than just a good source for bulk wine.

"It is on the same latitude as Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa. It has great growing conditions and good indigenous grape varieties, as well as international ones," he explained.

Stobi wines

Signature Wines has been set up to specifically help market, distribute and sell Stobi's wines in the UK. It first tested the water at Harpers' inaugural Emerging Regions Tasting earlier in the year and, after what Duggan called "wonderful" feedback for its wines there, was at last month's SITT in London.

It is working with eastern European wine consultant Caroline Gilby MW and Westbury Communications to develop a range aimed at UK independents.

"We are looking at the best route to market and whether to go direct to independents or through regional wholesalers. So we are here to get feedback and work out the best approach to take," said Duggan.

For more, email sales@signature-wines.co.uk or visit stobi.co.uk.

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