Wine agency and distributor Brand Phoenix has announced the launch of its New Zealand portfolio of wines. 

In collaboration with New Zealand winemakers Cleighten Cornelius and Andy Hill, the selection of wines will come from both the North and South Islands. 

The distributor said that it wants to focus on a series of under-the-radar Kiwi wines for the UK market, moving beyond traditional options. 

Greg Wilkins, Brand Phoenix co-founder, said: “Working directly with farmers and growers, our ambition is to develop a range of interesting wines to showcase the diversity of just what can be produced throughout the country. 

“Our objective for Cleighten and Andy was always to focus on some of the less widely available styles and varietals. With Cleighten’s knowledge of South Island growers, terroirs, wines and the stocks available, he is the ideal man to find parcels that have a unique profile. 

“Over on the North Island, Andy and his insider knowledge of Hawkes Bay has enabled us to find some truly exceptional wines. Together with the growers, we plan to continue to build our New Zealand portfolio with a range of wines that have an interesting story, and that we know wine consumers will enjoy drinking.” 

The distributor said that the New Zealand project is the latest in its brand expansion, having recently also announced a partnership with McWilliam’s Wines in New South Wales. 

Other brands in the distributor’s wider portfolio include FirstCape, Leopards Leap and Yardstick from South Africa; McWilliam’s from Australia; Dry Lake and The Insider from New Zealand; and Barcelona brands from Spain.