Majestic Wine, the UK’s leading specialist retailer, has today announced a significant expansion of its English wine range as English Wine Week 2024 begins.
In collaboration with Kent-based Balfour Winery, Majestic is introducing a range of exclusive new still wines under the “1503” label. This exciting new collection includes a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé, showcasing the impressive improvement in the quality of still wines in the UK. Additionally, the range features new and intriguing varieties such as Albariño, and Balfour’s first-ever Ortega; which will be released in the Autumn via Majestic’s Wine Club.
The ‘1503’ range, which is named after the year Balfour’s home – Hush Heath Estate – was founded, has been part of Majestic’s homegrown offering for ten years.
The new 1503 still collection, which launches in Majestic stores this June, represents the retailer’s largest-ever commitment to English wine. It comes at a time when awareness and demand for English wines are at an all-time high – following the record-breaking 2023 harvest and growing interest in the category via events like English Wine Week.
The partnership also includes Balfour’s new Reserve Lager, which will also be available nationwide at Majestic stores and carries Balfour’s new branding to be consistent with the 1503 range.
Balfour’s Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias, believes the new arrivals, alongside the range’s enduring appeal, demonstrate the journey of English wine during that time.
“A decade ago, when Majestic first stocked our 1503 sparkling wines, awareness was much lower. The introduction of these still wines shows just how far we’ve come as a region.
“We’re delighted our brand-new 1503 range has landed on Majestic shelves just in time for the English Wine Week celebrations. It showcases the quality and dynamism of the wines we produce while being hugely accessible. I loved making the Albariño, one of the first-ever English examples, and have a real soft spot for our Pinot Noir, which is a beautiful light, summer red,” adds Elias.
Balfour has seen impressive growth in interest so far in 2024, with sales up 35% compared to the previous period last year. This year will also mark the winery’s first exports to Australia, where the 1503 Classic Cuvee will be launched across Dan Murphy stores nationwide, making it the most widely available English wine in the country.
About Balfour Winery
Co-founders Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn planted their first vineyards in 2002 on the beautiful Hush Heath Estate, and five years later, Balfour Brut Rosé 2004 became the first English wine to win a gold medal and the Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. Since then, the producer has specialised in producing English Rosés.
Now one of the country’s most innovative and highly regarded English Wine producers, our wines are stocked in Tesco, M&S, Co-Op, Majestic, alongside listings in prestigious accounts such as British Airways, SAGA , Coutts and Belmond Trains, alongside one of the UK’s only 3 star Michelin restaurant – Sketch.
For more information, please contact:
Jack Merrylees – Balfour Winery – [email protected]
Chloe Freeman – Majestic Wine – [email protected]
