Scottish Success for Stobi
Posted on Mon 13th Jul 2015 at 14:15
Signature's Business Development Manager had a hectic schedule in Scotland last weekend, visiting independent retailers, hotels and restaurants who have invested into the Stobi range of Wines.
Wine Importers Scotland were impressed with the Stobi collection on first tasting and immediately added the range to their wine list as official distributors for the region. This trip gave Signature an excellent opportunity to meet customers, and get their personal feedback on the wines selected. “It was a very exciting few days. Following the immediate arrival of the whites, this was the first time they had been shown in Scotland, and the UK. Everyone was excited to be the first to taste them, and as usual the wines received amazing feedback.” There was a grand tour of Edinburgh on Thursday with Regional Sales Manager Graeme Broom from Wine Importers Scotland. Graeme commented, “We have never experienced a reaction like this before for a new wine. You might find one, or two, in the collection that people like, but all of Stobi's Wines deliver. And, to get such an instant reaction from our customers has been great. I’ve certainly never seen that before from everyone we meet.” Stefan Waldmann, The Head Sommelier for the restaurant, The Plumed Horse, Edinburgh said he was “’I’m amazed by the quality of wine, I never expected them to be so good” and James Wrobel, the owner of Cornelius, an independent wine shop in Edinburgh said “I’m only interested in the indigenous varieties, and I really didn’t want to like the Syrah Barrique, but after tasting it, I knew I had to take it!”. Signature also visited independent wine store Cork and Cask in addition to the Bon Vivant, and Bon Vivant companion, wine shop next door, where Rea Kenkel, the Shop Manager, and India Parry-williams, the Event Manager, said it’s not every day you get to try a new grape, and these are simply wonderful. I want them in my next in–store tasting and on the shelf quickly! [nggallery id=35] Day two of the tour took the team to St. Andrews, a former royal burgh on the East coast, in Fife, and to the famous Seafood Restaurant, on the Bruce embankment overlooking the sea, where he met the Head Sommelier Pieter Krugar, and Manager Joshua Wishart, who commented, “The smell of the wine was amazing.”
Later in the day Signature visited Balgove Larder farm who will also stock a collection of Stobi wines, where Louise McCulloch, Head Wine Buyer said after tasting the range for the first time “I am not really a red wine drinker, but I really like all the reds. Thank you, you have made my afternoon!” They also met, Peter Wood, the owner of St.Andrews Wine Company, owner said “The Syrah punches above the price point, and in my opinion, it is better than Syrah’s from other well-known countries. There is one problem with the wines, and that is I don’t know what to choose!” Back at Wine Importers HQ mid-afternoon, staff were given a training session on the wines. Neil Renton Sales Director from Wine Importers Scotland said, “We have been very impressed with the new whites also. They are a great style, fresh and lively, very refreshing and drinkable”.