Moldova is set to make its mark in the wine fixture with the launch of a new range of branded wines from the former Soviet Union enclave.
Firebird Legend has been developed with the wine consultancy Cellarwood specifically for the UK market.
Distributed by Hayman Barwell Jones,the bottles feature a red and gold Firebird along with a display of the grape variety and vintage.
The labelling also features the words Wine of Moldova, which HBJ had identified through focus group research as a positive selling point.
The eight-strong range will include two dual varietals - Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet & Merlot (rsp: £3.99) - and six single varietals. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir will all retail at £4.99, and Cabernet Sauvignon at £5.49.
The first shipments are set to arrive in the UK in a fortnight and the Pinot Grigio and the Cabernet Sauvignon have won a listing in Waitrose and will go on shelves next month.
“We are very confident that the wines are set to deliver on all levels at their price points,” said HBJ marketing manager Miranda Hayman. “The wines were enthusiastically received at the London International Wine & Spirits Fair and we were delighted with the feedback.”
The wines will also be featured at the BBC Good Food Show in November and there is a budget for price promotions and advertising once wider distribution is secured.
Other Moldovan wines available in the UK include Albastrele, which is imported by Laithwaites.