Kingsland Drinks has announced a new partnership with The Iconic Estate, the second largest and one of the most awarded Romanian wine producers.
The Salford-based wine importer and distributor will add a comprehensive Romanian range to the portfolio at three price points – entry, mid and premium – available to UK independent and convenience retailers under clearly defined brands.
From the end of this month, Kingsland Drinks will be importing and distributing four entry level wines from the Rhea range (Feteasca Neagra blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir) – the name is inspired by the mother of Zeus, who personified the earth. These will be available from £7.99 RRP.
In the mid-range varietal tier, the Prahova Valley collection joins the portfolio displaying Dealu Mare regionality – along with Blanc, Rosé and Rosso as tri-varietal blends from the Byzantium branded range.
The Hyperion range enters at the higher end of the price bracket. This collection is expected to foster interest from consumers and help to prove Romanian wine’s credentials especially at the top end of the wine fixture. The Hyperion Feteasca Neagra won the Grand Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2021.
The Iconic Estate is already familiar with the UK market due to historic links with Halewood. Under the new partnership with Kingsland Drinks, The Iconic Estate will share its know-how and passion for Romanian wine production.
The winery, now owned by the Alexandrion Group, has proven technical expertise and excellence and holds the BRC accreditation. Kingsland Drinks said it is keen to build on these standards, providing UK shopper insights, taste preferences and flavour profiles in demand, commercial information and the all-important buyer relationships.
“We’re thrilled to be working with The Iconic Estate to bring their quality and accessible wines to the UK market. Their wines are authentic, distinctive, credible, well made and really demonstrate the breadth of wines available from Romania at various price points, using native grapes and globally recognised varietals,” Kathryn Glass, wine buyer and educator at Kingsland Drinks, said.
Eastern European wines are becoming much more prevalent in the UK, and Romania comes in fifth position for areas under vine in the EU, after Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.
“This part of the world is often overlooked when it comes to wine production but huge strides have been made among winemakers striving to elevate the quality credentials of their wines and become internationally recognised, appreciated and celebrated. Wines from The Iconic Estate have achieved international status, won awards and accolades globally, offer a great price to quality ratio and we know there’s a real appetite for these wines right now,” Glass added.
Dragos Plopeanu, regional export director Europe, CIS and China at The Iconic Estate, said: “We’re excited to embark on this new partnership with Kingsland Drinks and it marks a real shift in our global strategy. Kathryn and the team really got under the skin of our wine portfolio and identified the optimal range for the UK market with wines such as our Feteasca Neagra standing alongside world renowned grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
“We work hard to ensure every wine we produce is the best possible quality it can be, at a price point that suits today’s pockets – whether for a mid-week easy drinker, or a more premium purchase for the weekend. We’re confident Kingsland Drinks will take our wines and bring them to the UK mainstream and soon Romanian wine will be the drink on everyone’s lips.”
