One of New Zealand's oldest family wineries run by the Fredatovich family, Lincoln, have secured one of the largest export orders to the heart of international wine, France.

Managing Director Peter Fredatovich says it is exceptional to be sending such a large volume of wine into France when it is in itself such a large wine producing country and produces the pinnacle of international wines.

The lucrative French order includes Lincoln's Heritage Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 and also Heritage Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008. New Zealand is world renowned for both varietals, and something the French consumer can appreciate against their own style.

"Everybody knows of the success of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and also the emergence of New Zealand Pinot Noir as amongst the finest anywhere, and it shows New Zealand's acceptance into the traditional heartland of wine production."

"To have New Zealand wine's represented across France for the French consumer to discover and enjoy is outstanding."

The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc is from two selected vineyards in the Rapaura and Renwick regions. A superb summer helped create a wine that is elegant and opens up to reveal gooseberry and guava characters with a succulent palate of passion fruit that finishes with a crisp acidity.

The 2008 Pinot Noir comes from Spring creek in Marlborough and was selected from a variety of clones to add complexity to the wines. The wine was matured in French oak and select barrels were blended to create a wine that exhibits classic cassis spice characters with a black cherry finish.

"This is an increased repeat order after the initial success of the wines with the first order from the previous vintage. We are sending 2200 cases to be sold in a premium chain store across France that specializes in French and other Old World wines. The New World section is very small, and it is fantastic that we are now represented and promoted on the shelf across all stores.

"We are thrilled that our wine is being sought by the French as a definitive style of two of New Zealand's most classic varietals. I look forward to continued success in France and across continental Europe to showcase these exciting New Zealand wines" says Peter.

For more information visit www.lincolnwines.co.nz

Or contact:

Peter Fredatovich peter@lincolnwines.co.nz, phone +64 9 838 6944