Bancroft boosts Italian and South African portfolio

Bancroft Wine has boosted its Italian and South African portfolio with the addition of a Barolo producer along with a personal project by winemaker Justin Van Wyk.

The London-based distributor, which supplies the on- and off-trade as well as private clients and select national accounts, said the addition of Barolo producer Casa E di Mirafiore would bring “further dynamism and energy” to its Piemontese offering, with buyer Nick Mason noting that “the resurrection of this great Barolo producer is one of the most exciting developments in the region in a while, and is a perfect fit for Bancroft”.

It will also take on the distribution of Van Wyk Family Vineyards, the personal project of Constantia Glen’s winemaker Justin Van Wyk.

Jilly Kinnear, buyer at Bancroft Wines said the “hugely elegant and expressive wines” were the perfect addition to its South African portfolio.

The project focusses one  sourcing grapes from old vines, specifically Chenin Bland and Cinsault, from ‘undiscovered’ vineyards across the Cape, as well as cool climate Syrah from the Elgin Valley, with the aim being to make honest and elegant wines that are expressive of nature, circumstance, and Justin’s passion for the Cape’s heritage grape varieties.. The first vintage was produced in 2016.

Roberto Bruno, general manager of Casa E di Mirafiore, added that Bancroft specialised in representing family-run wineries from around the world, with a focus on sustainability and organic practices. “Since Mirafiore has been the first historical wine estate in Piedmont to get the organic certification, we are sure that Bancroft is perfectly positioned to maximize the image and the potential of our brand with a unique go-to-market strategy,” he said.