Montana focuses on key varieties

Pernod Ricard New Zealand, owner of the Montana brand, is turning its back on buying Chardonnay grapes due to a slump in demand, the company has confirmed.

It now intends to focus its attentions on 'key' grape varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio.

While the country is sitting on a glut of grapes due to record crops from the previous two vintages, Chardonnay has been doubly hit with supply problems and a global decrease in popularity.

Nick Blair wine director for Pernod Ricard UK said: "We are reducing the intake of Chardonnay as sales haven't been near expectations.

"Chardonnay still has a part to play, but we are moving Montana forward by focusing on the strength of key varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio."

Sauvignon Blanc remains the most popular New Zealand wine accounting for 57% of the 2009 vintage.

Exports of New Zealand wine saw a 24% lift in value on the previous year, but Chardonnay has taken a hit and exports levels have fallen.

New Zealand Wine Growers director, UK & Europe, David Cox said: "It is true to say that exports of New Zealand Chardonnay are down slightly on an MAT basis to June 2009 (single digit decline).

"However, the variety still represents the third largest variety exported, only just behind Pinot Noir, and in my view still has a very significant part to play in the spectrum of wines that New Zealand grows and makes extremely well.

"I feel that over the last few years there is little doubt that Sauvignon Blanc has been at the forefront of producer's minds, for reasons that have been well documented. However, at the New Zealand Winegrowers Exporters' Forum in Christchurch last month, I reminded the delegates that perhaps they had 'taken their eye off Chardonnay'."

Cox said that he has urged producers to not to write-off the future of Chardonnay, particularly in the on-premise.

• Sommeliers