Gonzalez Byass UK takes on Tokaji estate

Gonzalez Byass UK is to take on the distribution of Tokaji estate Disznókő after more than ten years with on-trade specialists Champagnes & Châteaux, which is owned by Groupe Thiénot.

The move will take place in January, and will see Disznókő Tokaji, which is owned by AXA Millésimes – the wine division of the French insurance company – join the Douro’s Quinta do Noval in the Gonzalez Byass UK portfolio, an estate that is also owed by AXA.

Commenting on the change in distributor, Disznókő director László Mészáros said that the move was prompted by a desire to place the Tokaji brand in retail outlets, as well as restaurants.

“Champagnes & Châteaux helped us to establish ourselves in the UK, particularly in the high profile fine dining sector. After a decade, we feel the time is right to take a fresh look at retail as well as restaurants, and the growing influence of the premium independents. Gonzalez Byass has the enthusiasm and considerable experience in this area, and a proven track record for other properties within the AXA Millésimes portfolio.”

Meanwhile, Mészáros has created a new range of wines exclusively for Champagnes & Châteaux, which come from Tokaj’s south-west facing “first growth” Dorgo vineyard.

The wines will be launched in the UK in January.

“We are delighted to create a specific range for the on-trade, and are confident that – in the hands of Champagnes & Châteaux – the Dorgo wines will find their place on all the top restaurant lists,” commented Mészáros.

Gonzalez Byass UK (GBUK) is a London-based distributor for the Spanish wine and sherry business by the same name, which owns brands such as Tio Pepe fino and Beronia Rioja, although GBUK also handles wines from other companies, such as New Zealand’s Jackson Estate, Chile’s Undurraga and Champagne Deutz.