Moët Hennessy launches sparkling wine brand

Moët Hennessy is launching a sparkling Argentinean wine in the UK.  Called Chandon, it will be positioned in the Estates and Wines division of the company, with availability from May 1st. 

There will be two wines produced under the Chandon label: Brut, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and a Rosé, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Malbec. Both wines are produced using the méthode traditionelle with a dosage of 6g/l, bottled and labelled in Argintina. The winemaking team behind Chandon includes chef de cave, Onofre Arcos and senior winemaker, Gustavo Sanchez.

A wine from Argentina was chosen because this was Moët & Chandon’s first vineyard holding outside France. The company says it recognised both the potential of Argentina to produce world class sparkling wine, as well as the burgeoning demand for sparkling wine in key markets back in 1959 when Chandon Argentina was first established. 

“The sparkling wine category in the UK is reaching an all-time high in terms of volume, with premium sparkling wine growing at the fastest rate within this category. As the sparkling wine category is currently country–led, there is an opportunity to create a premium sparkling wine brand more commonly found in other premium categories.

“Moët Hennessy is committed to creating a leading brand in the UK for the premium sparkling category.  For year one (2014), consumer marketing will focus on conveying the lifestyle of the brand, which fits with the image of a vibrant, youthful Argentine social season: outdoors, chic and relaxed.”   

UK listings for Chandon are already in place: in the off-trade Chandon will be listed at Majestic and leading independent retailers. On-trade, listings include Gaucho, through its 19 restaurants, and the new Mitchells and Butlers 125 premium country pubs. RRPs are £14.99 for the Brut and £15.99 for the Rosé.

So far there are no plans for travel retail.

Branded flutes

To go with the launch of this summer wine, Dapy has produced a set of colourful flutes in seven bright and festive colours. The flutes are injected moulded in food grade polystyrene in response to the ban on the use of glass at outdoor events. The Chandon logo is screen-printed on two sides of the light and elegant flutes.

24 March 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor