UK sommeliers launch online wine retailer

Sommeliers Frank Embleton and Xavier Rousset MS have launched an online wine retailing business called Keizo with an emphasis on grower Champagnes.

Keizo contains around 150 wines from £10 upwards

The new site – which takes its name from a Japanese word meaning “assisting” – contains around 150 wines from £10 upwards, all of which are available by the bottle and are held in stock ready for immediate delivery.

Keizo promises “an unparalleled selection of grower Champagne and rare Madeira” and notes that all its wines are “ready to drink”.

Among the 28 Champagnes featured are grower labels Egly-Ouriet, Ulysse Collin and Agrapart, as well as a handful of grandes marques.

Keizo also offers its members personal sommelier support such as help with restaurant wine lists, and advice on food and wine pairing, while it will arrange vineyard visits and private tastings.

Former Ledbury sommelier Frank Embleton is running the site, while co-founder of Texture and 28-50 restaurants Xavier Rousset MS is acting as consultant, helping to source the wines and advise customers.

Keizo is the latest in a line of personal wine service websites, suggesting there is an increasing demand for expert advice among rich wine collectors.

In 2009 entrepreneur Bertrand Faure Beaulieu enlisted French sommelier Philippe Messy to launch Sarment, a personal wine service website with an office in Hong Kong and a division for yacht owners.

Like Keizo, Sarment promises to guide its members through restaurant wine lists and arrange private tastings or wine tours.