BrandsBriefs

Enotria signs with Thornbury

Enotria Winecellars has signed an exclusive on-trade supply deal with New Zealand wine producer Thornbury. The New Zealand company's philosophy is to make varietal wines in regions that are most famed for them: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris from Marlborough; Chardonnay from Gisborne; Pinot Noir from Central Otago, and Merlot from Hawkes Bay.

Wiltshire launches 10th ale

Wiltshire's Hidden Brewery has produced a session beer at 3.4% abv, the lowest-strength ale in its portfolio. Hidden Strength is the brewery's 10th beer since it was established three years ago by Gary Lumber and Michael Woodhouse. The beers are sold in 1,000 pubs and clubs in southern England. Gary Lumber, brewer at the Hidden Brewery said: "It was created so that real ale drinkers who prefer to avoid high alcohol percentages could do so without losing out on taste."

Champagne released

Pernod Ricard UK has released a small parcel of the 1996 vintage of its Champagne brand, GH Mumm, which has been kept back especially for the on-trade. Champagne made that year is widely acknowledged as being of higher quality than usual. GH Mumm cellar master Didier Mariotti said: "This is an intense and complex wine with ripe aromas of yeast, toast, toffee, vanilla and candied apricots. The palate is rich and full,

ending with a lingering blend of sweetness and freshness."

Kick-start for vodka

As part of VK Vodka Kick's on-going

campaign, "The Official Sponsors of the V KEND", the brand is visiting 17 cities to take its message to more consumers. The tour, which launched in Birmingham this month, includes dates in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The events feature branded

vehicles, including the V KEND bus, as well

as VK promotional girls. Each venue chosen to host the event in a city also runs a special "election night" featuring promotional giveaways and prizes and giving consumers the chance to "vote" for a three-day weekend. The VK Vodka Kick campaign trail, complete with placards and loud hailers, will run until May.