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Matthew Clark aims for "storytelling" with portfolio expansion

Published:  30 September, 2016

Leading drinks distributor Matthew Clark has bolstered its premium wine portfolio by taking on a number of producers from 10 different countries, all of which aim to tell a "story" to consumers.

Leading drinks distributor Matthew Clark has bolstered its premium wine portfolio by taking on a number of producers from 10 different countries, all of which aim to tell a "story" to consumers.

With new additions from Spain, Greece, Australia, Argentina and California, the portfolio expansion is part of a push from the buying team to find winemakers with a "deep sense of the history and culture of their countries".

"We always look to bring in great wines, and great wines with stories are even better," Judith Nicholson, Matthew Clark's wine buying co-ordinator, said.

"Stories help a wine sell - they make it more memorable for the consumer, and they make wine more exciting and more personable."

The new additions will be unveiled at its upcoming Autumn Release Tasting on October 11.

From the Old World, Matthew Clark has brought on its first ever Greek wines.

The Moschcofilero-Roditis and Agiorgitiko come from producer Katogi & Strofilia, which focuses on indigenous grape varieties.

The producer was the first company to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Greece.

From elsewhere in Europe, Matthew Clark has taken on Albariño producer Santiago Ruiz, who came to winemaking later in life, and has become an ambassador for regional Galician grapes.

Following a 39% growth in demand for Albariño (Matthew Clark MAT to end of August 2016), the winery was a natural addition for the company.

"Santiago was one of the pioneers of growing Albariño in Rías Baixas," Nicholson said.'

From the Southern Hemisphere, the distributor has brought on Larry Cherubino Wines from the southern half of Western Australia.

Winemaker and owner Larry Cherubino produces small-batch wines, five of which have been added to Matthew Clark's portfolio.

Cherubino works with individual vineyards and develops new sites for future generations.

In response to a 24.9% growth in demand for Argentinian wines, and 36% growth in Malbec, Matthew Clark has taken on organic Argentinian wine producer, Alpasión, from the Uco Valley.

From California, Matthew Clark is bringing on Freemark Abbey, previously distributed by Armit Wines, along with ethical Rutherford Hill winery, Tangley Oaks, Sonoma Coast winery, Wild Ridge and the Federalist Wines, which pay homage to America's founding fathers.

"Choosing a wine with a story can make wine much less intimidating to the customer, especially if they feel a connection to it," Nicholson added.

"Wines with stories from interesting producers around the world have continued boost sales year after year. Storytelling adds a lot of value in the on-trade and the Autumn Release Tasting will be a great chance to meet some of producers and hear the tales behind the brilliant new wines."

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