Thursday 28th January 2016
Fine Wine Importer Maisons Marques et Domaines marked its 30th Anniversary in style with a tasting at the Institute of Directors, London, yesterday. With a record attendance of over 320, guests tasted through the latest releases from the 20 producers, welcoming new additions to the range, such as the Mazzei family’s Castello di Fonterutoli, and the Californian Roederer Estate’s new still wines.
To celebrate the landmark year, producers proudly presented an iconic vintage marking a milestone year for the producer or MMD alongside their range; Louis Roederer poured 1996 Brut Vintage, Domaines Ott* and Chateau Pichon Lalande took guests back to 1986 with their Clos Mireille Blanc and Grand Vin from that year, Marqués de Murrieta showcased the 1991 Castillo Ygay, the year they joined the MMD portfolio, while Ramos Pinto treated guests to a 30 Year Old Tawny Port in Jeroboam to name a few.
Frédéric Rouzaud, CEO of Champagne Louis Roederer, and 7th generation of Roederer to lead the maison, reflected: “We are extremely proud to have created our UK distributor that carries on the work we do – which is to create the most singular wines possible from our outstanding terroir (an undertaking which starts as much in the soul as it does in the soil) – to our final consumers. A philosophy which is shared by all our friends in the MMD portfolio, distributed and marketed by the MMD UK dream team!”
Richard Billett, MD, added: “This year marks a milestone in the company’s history as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary. MMD has come a long way since it was established in 1986 to manage the sales, marketing and distribution of Louis Roederer champagnes. Not only has it grown as the maison has expanded its interests beyond Champagne and as we have welcomed like-minded producers to the portfolio; it has also evolved to meet the ever-changing challenges and opportunities of the UK wine market. What has remained constant, however, is the commitment to serving our principals and our customers, without whom we would not be the company we are today.”
MMD: Established in 1986 as the exclusive distributor of Champagne Louis Roederer, MMD now manages UK distribution for a broad portfolio of 20 high quality, family-owned producers from around the world, all of whom endorse to the Roederer philosophy of excellence and craftsmanship.
Producers: Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate, Ramos Pinto, Château Pichon-Lalande, Château de Pez, Château Haut Beauséjour, Petrus, Château Loudenne, Domaines Ott*, Marquès de Murrieta, Pio Cesare, Domaine Faiveley, Domaines Schlumberger, Pascal Jolivet, Tommasi, Castiglion del Bosco, Marchesi Mazzei, Meerlust Estate, Spring Creek Vintners