Successful wine-tasting events in Dublin, Cork and Galway marked the start of a collaboration between the Italian winery and distillery Bottega and Irish company Gilbeys with Bibendum, part of C&C Gleeson.

 

The C&C Group, a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of premium branded cider, beer, wine and soft drinks, recently bought out Conviviality brands Matthew Clark and Bibendum which already distribute Bottega products in UK.

The main distribution channels will be through the on-trade and specialist outlets and the focus will be on the assortment of premium Italian sparkling wines available.

These include Bottega Gold – “Prosecco DOC in the iconic gilded bottle”; Bottega Rose Gold – “a refined rosé from Pinot Nero grapes”; ‘Il Vino dei Poeti’ Rosé Venezia DOC – “an enticing rosé from Pinot Nero and indigenous Raboso Piave grapes” and the ‘Il Vino dei Poeti’ Prosecco DOC Frizzante.

In addition Gilbeys with Bibendum will represent Bottega’s quintessentially Italian spirits Limoncino (organic lemon-infused liqueur) and Gin Bacûr (produced in Italy using botanicals like Juniper berries, Sage and Lemon zest and pure water coming from the Alps).

“Bottega is a fundamental player in the partnership with Bibendum,” comments Gerry Conlon, Trade Marketing Manager at Gilbeys with Bibendum, “These great wines will complement the existing portfolio and will give our customers the chance to offer a more varied choice to their consumers”.

Pier Paolo Galet, UK and Ireland Area Manager at Bottega, adds, “So far, Bottega products were only partially distributed in Ireland. We feel that collaborating with C&C, which will be the exclusive importer in Ireland and Northern Ireland, will effectively enhance the quality and quantity of the availability of our products.”