Vijay Mallya's UB group launched its range of New Zealand wines in Mumbai yesterday The wines are being imported from well-known wineries including Astrolabe, Hunter's, Ra Nui and Hawkes Bay.

The portfolio of wine launched included Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Sauvignon Blanc from Astrolabe has won a gold medal at an international wine and spirit competition this year.

"Through our partnership with UB, we will be able to supply India with some of the most outstanding varietals. New Zealand is famous for and develops a broad portfolio for the future," Index Distribution-New Zealand Managing Director Jennifer Woods said in Mumbai.

The New Zealand wines have been launched through the 100 percent owned subsidiary, United Vintners.

Astrolabe is an 11 year old winery from Waihopai Valley in Marlborough. Hunter's is also from Marlborough and has won over 100 Gold medals in various international competitions. Ra Nui is a boutique winery in Wairau Valley

Abhay Kewadkar, the wine business head of UB who had visited Turin in Italy last month informed Subhash Arora, President of the Delhi Wine Club that they are looking at adding a few Italian wines as well very soon. 'Our strategy is to work with international brands on a long term basis and help expand the market for imported brands rather than simply trade in wines and try to get a slice of the existing market. '

Last week, UB group launched French wine Bouvet-Ladubay from the Loire Valley winery it acquired last year from Taittinger.

It plans to launch its Zinzi range of entry level Indian wines aimed at young novices very soon. It had hoped to bring out the wine a month ago but it was not ready for release. It also plans to produce a million bottles of Indian sparkling wine from Baramati grapes, using the expertise from its French based Ladubay.