Lidl UK Invests £1 Million in Launching its First Ever Premium Wine Range

LONDON, September 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Lidl UK is very proud to launch its first ever premium wine range this winter in response to growing demand for fine wines from affluent but spend-savvy customers. The new wine range, which includes Châteauneuf du Pape, Médoc, and a Sancerre, is due to be delivered to stores in the coming days with each wine being available for customers to purchase from 27^th September.

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Each of the premium wines have been quality tested by the well-known wine consultant and Master of Wine, Richard Bampfield, along with a panel of three fellow Masters of Wine, Ed Adams, Caroline Gilby, and Nancy Gilchrist. In his tasting notes, Richard Bampfield refers to the Prosecco Spumanti di Conegliano with "The best - such as this one - come from the area of Conegliano and have a fresh, gentle fizz with aromas of pear and apple". He notes that the Chablis AOC Premier Cru is "a superior sort of Chablis - dry, fresh, elegant."

The Masters of Wine panel tasted the range and marked each wine according to a 100-point rating system. The tasting notes and the wine scores have formed an integral part of the completely re-vamped 'Wine Cellar' look which can now be seen in every store. The Artwork evokes a warm, rustic feel by bringing together a deep burgundy backdrop with wooden crates forming shelves for the wines. Lidl UK have invested £1 million in refurbishing the wine section of each of their 600 UK stores in time to launch the new premium range to its customers.

Lidl Specialist Wine Category Manager Ben Hulme says, "We believe in offering affordable luxury to everyone, and this Wine Cellar is a true extension of that. We're wanting to offer people the opportunity to enjoy really good wines at prices that aren't ridiculous. Since the recession hit, we've seen a shift in customer spending habits with many people, even those from more affluent backgrounds, finding smart ways to continue enjoying fine wines and good food at home. The Lidl Wine Cellar allows you to do just that."

 
                               Premium Wine Range
 
                                                        Retail
                                                        Price            Alc.
    Name                  Country   Listed/Special Size GBP      Vintage %
    WHITE WINES
    Chablis AOC Premier
    Cru                   France    Special        75cl 9.99     2009    12.5
    Pouilly Fumé AOP      France    Special        75cl 9.99     2011    12.5
    Chardonnay Reserva
    Privada               Chile     Special        75cl 9.99     2010    13.5
    Chablis AOC           France    Listed         75cl 7.69     2011    12.5
    Bourgogne Aligoté AOP France    Listed         75cl 6.99     2011    12
    Sancerre AOP          France    Listed         75cl 9.99     2011    12.5
    Sauvignon Blanc       New
    Marlborough           Zealand   Listed         75cl 5.49     2011    12.5
    RED WINES
    Saint-Emilion Grand
    Cru AOC               France    Special        75cl 9.99     2010    14
    Vacqueyras AOP        France    Special        75cl 9.99     2011    14
    Morellino di Scansano
    DOCG                  Italy     Special        75cl 9.99     2010    13.5
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Gran Reserva          Chile     Special        75cl 9.99     2010    14
    Bordeaux AOP
    Supérieur             France    Listed         75cl 4.99     2011    12.5
    Médoc AOC             France    Listed         75cl 6.99     2008    12.5
    Châteauneuf du Pape
    AOP                   France    Listed         75cl 12.49    2011    14
    Rioja DOCa Reserva    Spain     Listed         75cl 5.99     2008    13.5
    Cabernet Sauvignon
    Reserva Privada       Chile     Listed         75cl 5.99     2010    14
    SPARKLING
    Prosecco Spumante
    Conegliano
    Valdobbiadene DOCG    Italy     Listed         75cl 6.99     2011    11
    Champagne Brut        France    Listed         75cl 12.99    -       12
    FORTIFIED WINE
    10 Year Old Tawny
    Port                  Portugal  Special        75cl 9.99     -       20

About Lidl UK GmbH:

The history of Lidl goes back to the 1930s, when Lidl & Schwarz Grocery Wholesale was founded in Germany. The first Lidl stores were opened in 1973 and by the 1980s Lidl was a household name throughout Germany. During the 1990s Lidl started to open stores outside Germany and today Lidl stores can be found in nearly every country in Europe. Lidl is now well established as a major European food retailer.

Since establishing themselves in the UK in 1994, they have grown consistently and today have more than 590 stores. Lidl takes pride in providing top quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout the country. Besides food they also have twice weekly special offers ranging from Cycling gear to Angling accessories, Computers to BBQ specials. These offers change on a Monday and a Thursday and are subject to availability. For more information and a convenient store locator visit http://www.lidl.co.uk