The hard work put in by the German wine industry to revive its fortunes in the UK is beginning to pay off. The steep declines of the '90s have been arrested. Last year the sector in the UK grew 1% by volume, although its share of the total UK white wine market declined, largely as a result of the phenomenal growth of New World styles. The brands have been performing well, and not just the emerging New World styles such as Bend in the River (Reh Kendermann) and Devil's Rock (St Ursula). German wine is still led by two key brands, Blue Nun from Ehrmanns and Black Tower, handled in the UK by Matthew Clark. Both sold over 200,000 9 litre cases last year and both have boosted their support with price promotions, advertising in the multiples' magazines and consumer competitions. Both are also introducing a red style. Blue Nun has sourced a Merlot from the south of France. This and a new three litre bag-in-box will be launched at the London International Wine Fair in May. Black Tower's owner Reh Kendermann has selected a German Dornfelder Pinot Noir wine. It is also introducing a 25cl bottle for the white wine. Black Tower white is priced at £3.99, promoted down to £2.99. The red Black Tower will retail at £4.49. John Mills, md of Matthew Clark's wine division Grants of St James's said: "Black Tower has not had a price increase in seven years, which means that in the mid 1990s it was overpriced. It has to be able to compete." {{DRINKS }}

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