Kingsland Drinks is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Lidl GB, introducing the first wines from Bolgrad Winery to UK consumers this month. The Duo white wine and Saperavi, hailing from the Southern Ukrainian region of Odesa, are now available for purchase, but only for a limited time.
This seasonal listing caters to the growing consumer interest in wines from emerging regions and represents a significant milestone: it is the first time a Ukrainian wine has secured a spot on supermarket shelves in the UK.
Both wines fall under the Bolgrad Select brand and originate from the 2023 vintage. The Duo white wine is an elegant blend of Chardonnay and the native Ukrainian Sukholimansky grape, resulting in a well-balanced dry white. The indigenous grape contributes aromatic notes on the nose, along with a delightful palate that features hints of white meadow blossom and dried apricot, complementing the ripe citrus flavors of Chardonnay. The Bolgrad Select Saperavi, which shares its roots with Georgia, offers a medium-bodied, fruity red that will appeal to Malbec lovers. Notably, both bottles are adorned with the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag, enhanced by a distinctive tree illustration, which adds significant shelf appeal and ignites curiosity at the point of purchase.
Since 2023, Kingsland Drinks has collaborated closely with the winery to overcome challenges in harvesting, producing, bottling, and ensuring the logistics for importing these wines into the UK market. This Lidl GB listing is a result of a dedicated effort by the distributor to encourage retailers to expand their wine aisles with a broader selection of producers and varietals.
Bolgrad stands as the leading brand for still wines in Ukraine, with Odesa emerging as a notable region in Eastern Europe. This area boasts unique terroirs, a diverse array of grapes, favorable growing conditions, microclimates, and the potential for high-quality wines.
Kathryn Glass, buying manager at Kingsland Drinks, expresses pride in seeing Bolgrad wines on Lidl GB shelves. “These two first listings are both of a high quality and bring a combination of native and international grape varieties to the drinks aisle,” Glass states. “We know British consumers will welcome the wines, enjoy the unique styles, and show their support for the Bolgrad range.”
Glass further emphasizes, “Kingsland Drinks has long been a champion of producers of new and interesting varietals from up-and-coming wine regions, and this latest listing for Bolgrad in Lidl GB marks a major achievement in placing Ukrainian wines into the mainstream. We urge retailers to follow suit and bring a wider selection of Bolgrad wines onto shelves, offering consumers the chance to experiment and explore the potential of Ukrainian wines.”
The recommended retail price (RRP) for the Duo white and Saperavi at Lidl GB is £7.99.
