Russia launches first sparkling wine in the UK

Russia's first sparkling wine by producer Abrau-Durso has arrived in the UK to be test-marketed via distributor Berkmann Wine Cellars. Entrepreneur Boris Titov's SVL Group has shipped two pallets of its sparkling wine and confirmed the wine's first listing at London's Sketch restaurant. Two wines, a brut and a rose, both under the Cuvee Alexander II label, will retail at around £20 a bottle in shops and be positioned at a premium to Prosecco and Cava in line with high-end New World fizz. The wines are already being exported to Singapore and if the UK trial is a success the winery say they will look to expand into Europe and Asia markets.