English sparkling producer Nyetimber is taking on the biggest names in Champagne by becoming the first English sparkling wine to win distribution throughout Japan – a country that loves its prestige cuvées and grower Champagnes.
Big in Japan: Nyetimber
The West Sussex producer even took the unusual step of unveiling its 2009 Nyetimber Rosé in Japan two weeks before the wine’s UK launch.
From June this year, Tokyo-based distributor Enoteca, which also imports Louis Roederer Champagne, will sell a selection of Nyetimber wines, including the rosé, Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2008 and Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2007.
‘Japan is an extremely sophisticated market for sparkling wine,’ said Christian Holthausen, the company’s marketing and communications manager.
‘It is often noted that Japan imports a higher percentage of “special cuvées” than other markets but, more importantly, 7% of Japan’s imports from the region are “grower Champagnes” or single estate producers.’
Describing Enoteca as ‘the ideal partner’ and ‘our absolute first choice’, Holthausen added, ‘We were particularly impressed with their fine representation of Louis Roederer.’
He said the company had an important role to play in educating the Japanese consumer about Nyetimber, ensuring that people gained a greater appreciation of English sparkling wine.
The news was announced at the Queen’s Birthday Party event in Tokyo, hosted by British ambassador Tim Hitchens, and at which Nyetimber Classic Cuvée was served to 1,000 guests.
Written by Richard Woodard
