PORTUGAL: Russian Standard's Gancia teams with Sogrape in Portugal

Gancia Wine has secured distribution for its wine brands in Portugal through Sogrape Distribuição.

The Italian wine producer, which is majority-owned by Russian Standard, said late yesterday (3 October) that the Portuguese company, part of the Sogrape Vinhos wine group, started distribution of its brands in the country this week. It was not immediately clear if the move represented a change for distributor for Gancia or the company's entry into Portugal.

No-one was available at either Russian Standard or Sogrape when contacted by just-drinks today.

Sogrape will handle four of Gancia's sparkling wine varietals, Asti, Prosecco, Asti 24 Months and Valdobbiadene Prosecco.

“Gancia has significant growth opportunities in our market and we are looking forward to taking the brand to new levels of success in Portugal,” said Manuel Sousa Pinto, MD of Sogrape Distribuição.

Russian Standard, which is best known for its namesake vodka brand, initially bought a majority stake in Gancia in late-2011. The Russian company upped its holding to 94.1% with a further stake buy in August this year.