Crown Cellars reveals new wine portfolio

By Lisa Riley

Published: 02 June, 2017

Crown Cellars, the wine division of Carlsberg UK, has unveiled its 2017/18 wine portfolio, with a focus on Spain and Italy.

In a bid to tap the trend for all drinks sparkling, two Proseccos - Lyric Extra Dry - exclusive to Crown Cellars, and a Terra Serena Brut, have been added to the 2017/18 collection alongside a Spanish Franciacorta Brut.   The latter would help quench consumer thirst for “truly dry (Brut) Prosecco”, said MW Jonathan Pedley.

“Most Prosecco in the UK is labelled ‘extra dry’ but actually has a noticeable amount of sweetness when you taste it - the Terra Serena does not,” he said, adding the Franciacorta Brut from a small appellation in Lombardy provided a “more complex” alternative to Prosecco.

Spain is the country of origin with the most new still wines in the 2017/18 portfolio, followed by Italy, which Crown Cellars said was currently pushing France hard for the spot of biggest wine producer.   “There has been a complete revolution in the Spanish wine industry, such that today Spain probably delivers the best quality: price proposition in the world,” said Pedley.

 More than 200 wines had been “rigorously tasted” by Crown Cellars’ team of experts, added Pedley, before 32 of the best were selected to join the 2017/18 range.

  “The collection of 500 wines is chosen based on the quality credentials of each wine as well as listening to customer feedback and responding to trends in the market and designed to help on-trade operators’ wine lists stand out from the crowd,” said Pedley.  

The portfolio offers 125 wines exclusively available through Crown Cellars to the on-trade that feature “high quality wines” from both the Old and New World, including many “food friendly wines”.

Paul Waller, Director of third party brands at Carlsberg UK, said:

“We are delighted that the positive momentum of Crown Cellars has continued apace in the past year - this strong growth has enabled us to continue to expand our WSET accredited team, so we can continue to deliver market-leading support and expertise to on-trade operators.”

The wine portfolio will be followed by Crown Cellars new spirits portfolio for 2017/18, which will be launched in the next few weeks.

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