Hot off the press and the international accolades are still flooding in! From London, Man O’ War Dreadnought 2009 and Man O’ War Valhalla 2009 have both won GOLD at the International Wine Challenge 2011 with Man O’ War Ironclad 2009 scooping in SILVER. Man O’ War Gravestone has won SILVER at the Decanter Wine Awards 2011 and Man O’ War Dreadnought 2008 has also won GOLD at the Imbibe Sommelier Awards 2011.
To develop the international market, the Man O’ War team set their sights on key focus markets including UK & Ireland, USA & Canada, Australia, Middle East and Hong Kong & Singapore. Man O’ War wines may now be found in some of the most prestigious places in the world reflecting the quality and high esteem the brand has achieved. As the saying “you can judge a person by the company they keep”
When in London, you will find Man O’ War available in The Savoy, Harrods (Exiled has just been listed as one of their choices of top Pinot Gris from around the world), Chez Bruce and also dining in style with kiwi legends such as Peter Gordon at the Providores and Anna Hansen at Modern Pantry.
A trip to New York and for a break in the shopping you will find Man O’ War in the Waldorf Astoria and Soho Club. "Man O' War consistently over-delivers, vintage after vintage. The Sauvignon Blanc has been a very successful addition to our 'by the glass' program” raves Frank Caiafa, Beverage Manager of Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria.
The expanding Middle East market has Man O’ War in the Dubai Duty Free and luxury hotels such as the Chedi in Muscat, Oman.
International restaurants around the world such as Zuma and Roka will also provide you with some Waiheke Island haven – the most stunning of which just has to be the panoramic city views of Singapore from roof top of the Ku Dé Ta.
Just across the ditch and you’ll find Man O’ War wines listed in Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and the Momo restaurants in Melbourne, Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill, Gazebo Wine Garden Group, Matt Moran’s Aria and the ever famous Opera Bar in Sydney.
Bronwyn Skuse, Man O’ War Sales Manager USA, Canada & Australia, commented, “We launched Man O’ War in North America in the midst of a recession and we have been absolutely embraced by the On Premise trade. To represent a winery that has such a passionate team, a solid portfolio of wines that speak for themselves and a vision to produce nothing but the best – is exceptional”.
But let’s not forget our own back yard; Man O’ War is also growing in success here in New Zealand with a huge following from the on-premise trade with top restaurants such as French Cafe, Clooney, O’Connell Street, Logan Brown, as well as off-premise outlets such as Caros, Fine Wine Delivery Company, The Village Winery and First Glass.
Increasing the ‘value-add’ of the brand, Man O’ War has also teamed up kiwi designer brand WORLD, supporting them at the New Zealand Fashion Week last year and now offering exclusive promotions with the Crowne Plaza Auckland and Intercontinental in Wellington.
Sara Fogarty, Man O’ War Sales & Marketing Manager added, “None of this success could be achieved without the exceptional quality wine produced by our talented vineyard team. In an increasingly competitive environment, it is a challenge to get initial contact and then share of mind from top establishments; however the numerous accolades and awards enable us to be taken as a serious, quality proposition. The wine then sells itself!”
The accolades are attributed from international wine gurus such as Tim Atkin MW, Oz Clarke, Neal Martin, Jamie Goode, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Nick Stock, Bob Campbell MW, Jane Skilton MW and Michael Cooper who have all rated Man O’ War wines highly. One particular gem is the Ponui Island Pinot Gris which in recent weeks has achieved 5 stars & Top 5 – Top Medium Pinot Gris, Cuisine NZ Pinot Gris Tasting 2010, Issue 145, March 2011, 93 POINTS & 5 Stars, Bob Campbell MW, January 2011, 5 Stars Michael Cooper, 2nd April 2011.
It is fair to say that the original vision is well on its way to being achieved with the enormous dedication and passion from the Man O’ War team, creating a worldwide stamp for Waiheke Island wine.