Top 10 drinks launches from September
From Provençal rosé in ultra-light bottles to Japanese whisky with a Godzilla twist, this month’s launches span the full spectrum of innovation.
G DE GALOUPET 2024
Provence estate Château Galoupet has released the 2024 vintage of its organic rosé, G de Galoupet, in one of the lightest wine bottles on the market. Weighing only 300g and made from 85% recycled glass, the bottle delivers a 50% reduction in carbon footprint. Owned by Moët Hennessy since 2019, the estate continues its sustainability push with this blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Syrah and Tibouren. Grapefruit and tropical fruit aromas lead into a saline, silky palate. Presented with plastic-free packaging and organic ink, it’s perfectly suited to fresh, Mediterranean-style dishes. RRP: £22.50 Contact: Galoupet, chateaugaloupet.com
SENSI MANDRIANO SPUMANTE
Tuscan producer Sensi has added a new sparkling wine to its portfolio: Mandriano Spumante Brut, made under the Maremma Toscana DOC.
Produced near the Tyrrhenian coast, the wine reflects its maritime terroir with fresh, saline acidity and mineral lift. A blend of local grapes (including Vermentino), it shows citrus, apple and almond notes, with a clean, structured finish. Designed as a versatile all-rounder, it’s pitched as being the ideal match for fish, risotto and white meat dishes. Sparkling wines from Tuscany remain relatively rare, making this a distinctive new option in the growing category of Italian fizz. RRP: £16-£18 Contact: Sensi, sensivini.it
NYETIMBER BLANC DE BLANCS 2017
First produced in the early 1990s, Nyetimber’s Blanc de Blancs was the estate’s first style, marking the start of its pioneering role in English sparkling wine. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay and from a single vintage, it set the tone for Nyetimber’s estate-grown philosophy and unwavering focus on quality. The 2017 vintage reflects the chalk-rich soils of the South Downs. Extended lees ageing of over 60 months has brought finesse and complexity to the wine. The palate follows with fresh citrus, gooseberry, apple crumble and a distinctive flinty minerality. RRP: £58 Contact: Nyetimber Wines, nyetimber.com
QUIMERINO BLANCO 2024
Following the fuller-bodied Quimera white, Achaval Ferrer has released Quimerino Blanco 2024, a lighter, zesty counterpart led by Sauvignon Blanc, with small amounts of Roussanne and Marsanne. Sustainably packaged – from sugarcane corks and 70% recycled, lightweight glass bottles to biodegradable boxes printed with water-based inks – the wine reflects a broader environmental commitment by the estate. Winemaker Gustavo Rearte describes it as “fresh, young and distinctive”. RRP: £23.50 Contact: Achaval Ferrer, achaval-ferrer.com
COVEPOINT PINOT NOIR
Lyme Bay Winery has introduced Covepoint, a new still wine range aimed at making English wine more accessible. The launch includes a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir, both made with fruit from Essex and vinified in Devon. The 2024 Pinot Noir is lightly oaked, showing wild raspberry, cherry fruit and a touch of savoury spice, while the Chardonnay balances citrus-driven acidity with melon and subtle vanilla. With clean, contemporary packaging inspired by the Jurassic Coast, the range is targeted at premium independents, wholesalers and on-trade establishments looking for approachable, foodfriendly English still wines. RRP: £14.49 Contact: Lyme Bay Winery, lymebaywinery.co.uk
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FIELDEN HAZYBOWER
The second instalment in Fielden’s Fieldnotes series, Hazybower is a limited-edition English whisky crafted from heritage rye, wheat and barley grown in wildflower-rich regenerative fields. Matured in reused American oak and finished in a Tokaji wine cask, the spirit captures “the fragrant complexity of the English countryside”, from lemon tart and green herbs to honey, blossom and gentle spice. Limited to 1,000 bottles, Hazybower champions biodiversity in both field and flavour – and speaks to Fielden’s farm-first whisky philosophy. It was also available at London’s Hotel Café Royal Fielden Terrace until 1 September, served in cocktails. RRP: £102.50 Contact: Fielden, fielden.com
KAY SAKE
Positioned as a modern aperitif alternative, Kay Sake is aiming to broaden the appeal of Japan’s national drink. Crafted at Niigata’s historic Aumont Brewery, this Junmai Daiginjo sake is made with local Gohyakumangoku rice, polished to 50%, and the soft, pure water of the Kaji river. The result is a delicate yet complex profile, with melon, green apple and umami notes aplenty. With a sleek bottle designed by Dutch designer and art director Marcel Wanders, it’s a stylish fit perfect for splashing into summer spritzes and cocktails. Gluten-free, additive-free and lower-ABV, it also ticks the mindful drinking box. RRP: £39 Contact: Kay Sake, kaysake.com
LOVE POTION ESPRESSO MARTINI
The latest addition to the growing ready-to-drink cocktail category comes from reality television alumnus Justin Glaze, who having appeared on The Bachelorette has launched Love Potion. The debut product is a canned espresso martini, nitro-infused to deliver a smooth foam head and bar-like texture. Made with real La Colombe espresso, American corn-based vodka and natural flavourings such as Madagascan vanilla and citrus oils, it’s been developed over three years and 50 iterations. With no artificial sweeteners or dairy, the result is a cocktail designed for quality-conscious consumers on the move. RRP: US$22.99 (four pack) Contact: Love Potion, drinklovepotion.com
UMIKI GODZILLA WHISKY
In a crossover that brings together Japanese whisky and pop culture, Umiki has released a special edition Godzilla blended whisky. Produced in Osaka, Umiki is known for its ocean-aged whiskies. The blend includes grain whisky aged in Japanese pine barrels and ocean-side-matured malt whiskies, giving a sweet, slightly smoky profile with hints of sea breeze and umami. The bottle and box feature a Godzilla design, marking the 70th anniversary of the iconic monster. A niche but collectible release aimed squarely at fans of both film and fine spirits. RRP: US$295 Contact: Umiki Whisky, umikiwhisky.com
PRIME TIME ZERO
Prime Time has launched Prime Time Zero, an alcohol-free beer infused with magnesium and vitamin B12 – claimed as the first of its kind in the UK. Designed for modern, health-conscious drinkers, Prime Time Zero delivers the taste of a full-strength lager while offering functional benefits to support energy, focus and recovery. At 0.5% ABV, the launch comes as the UK’s noand low-alcohol category continues to expand, with IWSR data showing that non-alcoholic beer grew by 20% in 2023. RRP: £23 (12x330ml cans) Contact: Prime Time, primetimebeers.com
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