Sparkling addition for Tohu

The world's only Maori-owned wine company has launched its first bubbly offering.

Rewa Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc 2009 is the latest addition to the Tohu range. It went on sale on Friday last week.

Winemaker Bruce Taylor said he was pleased with the outcome of Rewa, made from chardonnay grapes using the methode traditionelle process employed by champagne producers.

Tohu chief executive Mike Brown said this had been a lengthy process.

"It was two years in the making. It takes a while to make a good bubbles."

Time had also been spent on the marketing of the wine and "making it look bling".

Sparkling wine was a celebratory drink and the launch was timed before the upcoming Rugby World Cup to capitalise on this, Mr Brown said.

Rewa had a variety of meanings including "to float" and "to be elevated", both of which had "nice connotations around festivities", he said.

The wine, made from grapes grown in a vineyard in Rapaura has "a complex and richly textured style balanced with fresh, juicy acidity and a toasty dry finish".