Hallgarten signs South Africa's Lismore Estate

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 15 September, 2014

Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines has signed South Africa's Lismore Estate to its portfolio, with the wines now available to the on-trade and independents and the on-trade.

The 12.5 hectare Lismore estate, set up in 2003 by Californian Samantha O'Keefe, is in Greyton in the newly-designated Overberg cool climate region.

The estate is focused on growing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier vines.

Steve Daniel, Hallgarten's head Wine buyer came upon Lismore's wines at 2013's Beautiful South Tasting. "I immediately recognised terroir-driven wines which offer their own style - one that is completely different from other producers in South Africa, and the new world in general!" he enthuses. "This new, emerging winegrowing area perfectly complements our existing South African offering."

Winemaker and owner Samantha O'Keefe added: "The UK market is very important to me as it has a direct relationship with South Africa and appreciates my more 'European' style of winemaking. The Overberg has a pioneering spir,it that has helped it become one of the premier wine regions in South Africa - the people are awesome and work together, which has offered me the unlikely opportunity to push the boundaries and establish a new wine ward within the region."

The Lismore Estate Vineyards Viognier 2012, Chardonnay 2011 and Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2011 have rrps of £19.49, £18.49 and £14.99 respectively.

Hallgarten Druitt was set up 80 years ago - it now turns over in excess of £44 million annually. It lists over 1,000 wines and has a range of premium producers on its books including Gerard Bertrand (Languedoc), Marchesi de' Frescobaldi (Tuscany), Michele Chiarlo (Piedmont), Feudi di San Gregorio (Campania), Saint Clair (New Zealand), Hamilton Russell (South Africa), Quady (California), and Carmen (Chile).

Novum Wines was purchased by Hallgarten Druitt in February 2010.

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