Hix and Buck's XO sparkling Chardonnay recognised by Channel Four
(25/01/2010)

Newly-launched wine importer Hix & Buck has had its sparkling Chardonnay with “a cheeky dose of XO cognac” named by Channel Four as No. 4 in its Top Ten Xmas Drinks.

Exclusively imported by Hix & Buck, the Sparkling XO Methode Traditionelle from J&L Charlemagne sells for £11.99. A unique sparkling wine made in the traditional method, from 95% Chardonnay, but with the added ingredient of 5% XO Cognac, lends it the flavour of a very good champagne. The excellent vintage is warm and rounded, with the aroma of rich, buttery Cognac revealed through the bubbles makes it an ideal fizz for Christmas.

The XO is Hix & Buck’s second wine to be recognised by Channel Four. Its Brut Bosé Methode Traditionelle, also from J & L Charlemagne in Angoulême, is currently being served to celebrities and diners in series 5 of the F Word with Gordon Ramsay. The dark salmon pink coloured wine is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot & Chardonnay. The well-balanced sparkling rosé, with hints of roasted hazelnut plum, sells for £10.99

“If it's good enough for Gordon, it's good enough for us,” said a spokesmen for the TV station. “When we launched the company our ambition was to surprise and delight the wine lover with unknown wines, whilst offering them great value,” said Hix & Buck’s Commercial Director Chix, adding, “I also hope that in some small way, it will help these wonderful, dedicated producers to survive and carry on the tradition of wine-making that has been handed down to them through generations.”

Her business partner Operations Director Dan Roebuck commented, “To have received such accolades so early from a largely food and drink led institution like Channel Four is a great reward.”

Hix and Buck was founded in 2009 by Chix Chandaria, a former Bollywood dancer, and Dan Roebuck, a qualified mining engineer, to import exclusive, quality wines from undiscovered vineyards in France. Together, they devised a business model to bring in quality wines from small, unknown vineyards, which do not produce the vast quantities demanded by national supermarket chains and multiple retail outlets.