SuperValu joins forces again with Graham Norton

SuperValu joins forces again with Graham Norton for Exclusive Wine Offering

Graham returns to his roots in Cork for a special blending of his all new Sauvignon Blanc and soon to be launched Graham Norton Shiraz

Friday 5^th August: Renowned TV host and leading celebrity Graham Norton has teamed up with SuperValu for a second successive year to launch his new blend of Sauvignon Blanc wine which will be available from early September exclusively in SuperValu stores nationwide.  On the success of the award-winning 2015 Sauvignon Blanc wine, Graham will also be launching his new Shiraz wine in early November.  

He’s stomped New Zealand grapes on the set of his famous chat show and blended Marlborough sauvignon blanc into an award-winning wine at his London apartment. This year, though, top talk show host Graham Norton and Kiwi winemakers Invivo headed to Graham’s homeland to work their winemaking magic at Bantry House in County Cork, Ireland. 

Invivo cofounder Tim Lightbourne and winemaker Rob Cameron travelled over 20,000 kilometres to Norton’s summer holiday town– complete with their precious cargo of six distinctive Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc pressings. Then, over a reportedly riotous afternoon blending session the trio created Graham’s 2016 Sauvignon Blanc and new for 2016 a Graham Norton Shiraz. 

Long-time Sauvignon Blanc fan Norton was well pleased with the result, but surprised the Invivo crew by inviting a lucky handful of Co. Cork locals to pass judgement on the blend. Their verdict? “Very drinkable…I could drink a lot of that” and “absolutely lovely.” 

Graham Norton’s Own Sauvignon Blanc has been a great success for the New Zealand winemaker, and production has increased by 50% since 2015 to meet  demand. Last year, the wine sold over 500,000 bottles in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Ireland.  In Ireland, the Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the bestselling white wines in just 12 months, SuperValu’s wine buyer , Kevin O’Callaghan  adds “Consumers are buying it initially for the  celebrity name, but they are returning for the quality. These are great tasting wines and with Graham’s name it adds some fun to any dinner party or social occasion. We are delighted to see Graham adding to his portfolio with this new Sauvignon Blanc blend and new Shiraz which is soon to hit the shelves.” 

With final production expected to yield well near 1 million bottles this year, honorary winemaker (and Invivo shareholder) Norton has plenty of reasons to be chuffed.  Speaking about his new 2016 Sauvignon Blanc “It is easy drinking. It's got all the grassiness and zest you expect from a new world Sauvignon Blanc but I like to think it has a bit of an old world finish. - oh, and it's affordable! “And Norton adds “I’m thrilled!” after blending his new Shiraz. 

Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc will be available exclusively in SuperValu Stores nationwide from early September and Graham Norton Shiraz will be available from early November.