What is it that this small winery has, that sets it apart?

What is it that this small winery has, that sets it apart from others?

Since launching in 2007, Invivo, with their Zambesi designed label can now be found in ten countries around the world.

What is it that this small winery has that sets it apart from others?

“Hands on marketing, hands on winemaking and a strong belief in the quality of our wine.” says Tim Lightbourne, Invivo Director. “We don’t just send a container of product to our export market. We send ourselves as well. We talk with the principals as well as the consumers at the grass roots end of the market chain. We held wine tastings at Harvey Nichols in the UK and BBQ’s in Tokyo. We are proud that the 55 staff at Sydney’s Helm Bar, Darling Harbour, (official Time Out Magazine Rugby Bar), wore Invivo T shirts as we sponsored Helm Bar to celebrate the rugby over the last 6 weeks.”

“We are also proud of our sponsorship partners.” Says Lightbourne. “Invivo sponsors various artists from music, fashion, to a group of world champion Kiwi graffiti artists (TMD crew). And we set up an Invivo winebar in Venice, Italy for the opening of NZ’s presence at the Venice Biennale, supporting Creative New Zealand in Venice in both 2009 and 2011.”

“Invivo is also the wine of choice supplier to the BBC’s Graham Norton Show having being invited to the show by Graham. On the other side of the Atlantic, America’s Next Top Model judge, Nigel Barker, being its biggest advocate stateside.” Says Lightbourne.

After the SOLD OUT success of their first low alcohol, low calorie, Bella Malborough Sauvignon Blanc vintage last year, Invivo has produced three times more volume Bella known as the ‘skinny Sav’, (approx 62 calories per 100ml glass), for this year. Stock of this season’s vintage has been going into stores this month. Bella has been an immediate success story both here and in Australia, Japan, Bulgaria and UK. After completely selling out of stock on a ‘Bella tasting’ day in May last year, premium UK retailer Harvey Nichols ordered the balance of stock available.

Last month, Invivo competed against the biggest wineries from Marlborough, one of the world’s most respected wine regions. Invivo not only won the Champion Sauvignon Blanc at the inaugural 2011 Marlborough Wine Show but also took out Champion Wine of the Show from over 400 other competing wines. Over the past 12 months, Invivo has also won 4 gold medals including gold at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards. Visitors to New Zealand arriving on Air New Zealand flights or relaxing in Koru Lounges, will have the chance to savour Invivo Sauvignon Blanc, chosen for the second year in a row, after competing against hundreds of wines in a blind tasting by the Air New Zealand expert tasting team. Invivo was also the 2011 winner of the Export New Zealand Emerging Exporter of the Year, along with numerous other national and international awards that Invivo has gathered along its short four year lifespan.

The Invivo 2011 new release wines for the upcoming summer - 2011 Invivo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; 2011 Bella by Invivo, 9% alcohol, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (with fewer calories!) and 2011 Invivo Sophie’s Rosé.

Invivo Sophie’s Rosé – named after Sophie Findlay from NZ fashion icon, Zambesi (Invivo’s label designer), is a unique blend of 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Merlot and 5% Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker Rob Cameron describes the wine as “A beautiful rose petal colour and aromas of crushed strawberries with a hint of tropical fruit and citrus. The palate is vibrant and full in the mouth with pronounced berry and citrus with sweetness only to balance acidity”

Invivo’s 2011 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is their fourth vintage of Sauvignon Blanc. Cameron describes the 2011 vintage as “Tropical aromas, fresh sliced bell peppers and floral lime zest rise from the glass initially. This is well backed up by a vibrant, cutting fresh palate with deceptive power and concentration. Evidence of the lees contact adds a textural dimension to the focused palate and bouncing tropical fruit”

All wines are available nationwide. Tasting notes available on request.

Recommended retail:

2011 Invivo Sauvignon Blanc $19.90
2011 Bella by Invivo 9% alcohol, few calories $21.90
2011 Sophie’s Rosé $21.90

About Invivo

Invivo Wines is a premium New Zealand wine label producing world class wines from both the Marlborough and Central Otago regions. Invivo was founded in 2007 by two New Zealanders, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron (Invivo's winemaker). The Invivo vision is to produce the best of New Zealand wine and bring this to the world in an innovative and contemporary approach.

Invivo released their first wines in 2008 and currently produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Rose. In September 2010, Invivo also released a lower alcohol and lower calorie Sauvignon.

ENDS

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