Premium wines top Matthew Clark list
Wine specialist Matthew Clark has seen a strong performance in premium wine sales over the past year, with still wines up 10.7% on last year.
Sectors that have seen a particularly strong performance are restaurants (up 14.5% on last year) and gastropubs (up 52%).
Sauvignon Blanc accounts for nearly 43% of Matthew Clark's premium still white category, with a growth of 6% on last year.
The company has added more than 30 new boutique producers, both Old World and New World, to its wine list. Among them is Hawke's Bay producer Te Awa, known for its Left Field range, which includes an acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc.
Also new to the list is Maison Sauvion from the Loire, with Matthew Clark stocking Château du Cléray Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie and Château de Fesles Anjou Chenin Blanc, Rose and Cabernet Franc from its winemaker Pierre-Jean Sauvion, who is famous for his Gros-Plant.
Simon Jerrome, purchasing director of Matthew Clark, said: "Our customers are increasingly looking to up their offering of quality wines delivering good value as consumers are not only willing to trade up, but are interested in trying new things.