Vinarchy, the Australian wine major, has signed a distribution deal for its Jacob’s Creek brand in China.

The company has contracted ASC Fine Wines to represent the brand in the country from 1 January.

Jacob’s Creek wines on sale in China span from the AU888 Series and Winemaker’s Selection, which are available at "accessible" price points through to the "premium" Chosen Rows and Barrel Selection.

Don St. Pierre, the co-chair and CEO of ASC Fine Wines, said: “Welcoming Jacob’s Creek into our portfolio is a strategic masterstroke and a fitting first chapter as we build momentum toward our 30th anniversary.

“Partnering with Vinarchy allows us to leverage our combined strengths to serve the Chinese market with unmatched depth and excellence.”

The Chinese wine distributor’s Australian portfolio already includes wines from De Bortoli, Leeuwin Estate, Yalumba and Henschke.

Jacob’s Creek has previously been present in the Chinese market through imports handled by Pernod Ricard, the brand's former owner.

Vinarchy was created earlier this year through the combination of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard’s wine operations in Australia, New Zealand and Spain. The business reports annual net sales of more than A$1.5bn ($1bn).

Nicholas Hall, general manager for north east Asia at Vinarchy, said: “Under the renewed stewardship of the St. Pierre family, ASC is the ideal partner to write Jacob’s Creek’s next chapter here. Their deep consumer insights, nationwide network, and brand-building expertise are precisely what we need to deepen engagement and drive growth.”

The deal follows a change in ASC’s ownership earlier this year. In April, Suntory Holdings sold ASC Fine Wines back to its founding St. Pierre family.

Founded in 1996 by Don St. Pierre Jr. and his father, Don St. Pierre Sr., ASC Fine Wines has a distribution portfolio of more than 1,200 wine brands from more than 100 wineries worldwide.

Its sales network covers mainland China, Macau on the southern coast of the country and Hong Kong.