Following the acquisition of wholesaler and importer H2Vin last September, the Alliance Autumn Portfolio Tasting set out to highlight the integration of new and old-world wines, with the latter reflecting H2Vin’s traditional expertise.
Centred around three ‘Inspired by’ tables – the Rhône, the Loire and Burgundy – the format paired classic old-world bottles with new-world counterparts to showcase the parallels between them.
At the Inspired by the Rhône table, for example, wines from the region sat alongside non-traditional options such as Enira’s Enira White from Bulgaria, Thistledown’s Walking with Kings Roussanne-Grenache Blanc from South Australia and Wines of Brocha’s Solace from South Africa.
The Loire table featured Iona’s Elgin Highlights Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, Casa Marin’s Sauvignon Blanc from Chile and Guerila’s Cabernet Franc Selection from Slovenia.
Meanwhile, the Burgundy table presented less expected alternatives alongside regional classics, including Paul Hobbs Wines’ Chardonnay from California, Artelium’s Pinot Noir from England and Mount Edward’s Ted Pinot Noir from New Zealand.
“This was our first portfolio with H2Vin fully integrated,” said Kiki Evans, press, content and design manager at Alliance. “That’s why we decided to create our Inspired by tables, including wines from those regions but also others that were inspired by their styles.”
Beyond the themed tables, the tasting also featured a broad selection of sparkling wines, which Evans noted gain traction as winter approaches. Alongside Champagnes, the line-up included Bodegas Sumarroca’s Cava Gran Reserva Organic Brut Nature from Spain, Roebuck Estates Blanc de Noirs from England and Domaine des Baumard’s Crémant de Loire Blanc from France.
In terms of balance, Evans pointed out that the tasting leaned towards reds, reflecting seasonal demand, though several fuller-bodied whites also stood out as strong autumn and winter contenders.
Designed to reflect “where we are now,” the event underscored the fusion of old and new at Alliance, showcasing a refreshed direction for the company.
