Armit Wines wins rights to grower champagne agency

Published: 27 April, 2016

Armit Wines has become the exclusive UK agent for Champagne Geoffroy, hoping to capitalise on boosted sales of growers' champagne.

Armit Wines, which is based in Notting Hill, has an exclusive deal with the producers of Champagne Geoffroy, a small family domaine from the Vallée de la Marne.

The distributors are hoping to capitalise on the success of the Champagne Gimonnet from the Cote des Blancs, another growers' champagne, which saw business grow by around 50% last year.

Edwina Watson, buyer at Armit Wines, explained: "With Champagne Gimonnet, business grew exponentially last year by around 50% on the previous year. The demand for good quality, growers' champagne - as distinct from the Grande Marques - was clear. It's a category that appeals to connoisseurs but it also represents very good value for money in comparison to the usual big brands. So too for the uninitiated, these champagnes are very attractive."

Champagne Geoffroy is based in Aÿ but most of their 14 hectares are in Cumières, two villages away.

It is owned and run by fifth generation, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy.

With the new addition, Armit Wines will inject variety into their Champagne portfolio in terms of region and grape variety.

Champagne Geoffroy is based in Pinot-country - the Vallee de la Marne - while the well-established Gimonnet is at the heart of Chardonnay-country, the Cote des Blancs.

"Champagne Geoffroy offers a key point of difference to Champagne Gimonnet," Watson added. "Jean Baptiste Geoffroy and Didier Gimonnet are also very close friends, so the chance to work with two growers that have a profound, mutual respect for one another was a very important factor in the decision to take on a new grower.

"We now have two Champagne houses that complement one another very well and there is a real opportunity for us to promote this important category to both our private and trade customers."

Armit Wines adds Champagne Geoffroy as part of its growing portfolio.

Back in February, the distributor announced they would be expanding their Californian offering with four new wineries: Hanzell Vineyards in Sonoma, Stony Hill in Napa Valley, The Hobo Wine Company in Santa Rosa and Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates in Santa Maria.

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