Unconventional wines from a popular wine region are being introduced to the on-trade via Matthew Clark.
Rare Vineyards comprises a Carignan, Malbec and Pinot Noir, each created using grapes sourced from selected growers in the Languedoc.
"Carignan is usually found as a component in a blend, while Malbec and Pinot Noir are associated with other French wine-producing regions," said Peter Crameri, UK manager for producer Alain Grignon. "We have found parcels of vineyards in the Languedoc producing excellent examples of each of these grapes, and the story of these 'rare vineyards' is told on the front label." [...more]
Recalling the Gallo Pinot fraud of recent weeks, Harpers wine and spirit reports that Scotland Yard has made six arrests in connection with a suspected fine wine investment scam.
Fraud squad officers believe that tens of thousands of pounds have been handed over by investors who were told they were buying premium Australian wines. Reports say the alleged offences had already netted the organisers more than £3 million.
Two women and four men were arrested at addresses in south east London. [...more]
Pernod Ricard UK is launching the campaign this April with television adverts supported by the recent introduction of new packaging across Montana’s Classic and Reserve ranges.
“Montana is committed to continuing to leading development of the New Zealand wine category in 2010. We expect TV advertising to make a million new customers aware of it,” said marketing controller Mathew Bird.
“This marketing campaign will really cement our brand values in the mind of the consumers.” [...more]
E&J Gallo Winery plans to expand its on-trade distribution in the UK this year and its Barefoot brand will be the one to watch, it announced today.
The Californian-based family-owned wine producer restructured its portfolio last year, leaving five core brands for it to focus on in the UK and Europe for 2010: Gallo Family Vineyards, Turning Leaf, Redwood Creek, Carlo Rossi and Barefoot.
"We are looking to expand our route to market and our on-trade presence and we will heavily invest in the on-trade despite difficult market conditions at the moment," said regional sales director UK and Ireland, Mark Tinsley. [...more]
Champagne Moët and Chandon is to sponsor Sky's coverage of the 82nd Oscar Academy Awards for the second consecutive year.
The partnership will incorporate branding on all live broadcast coverage and support programming across broadcast, online and on-demand viewing.
This association is part of Moët's global celebration and cinema platform that was launched in March 2009 with the unveiling of Scarlett Johansson as the face of the brand. This collaboration marked the first Hollywood celebrity ambassador of a champagne brand. [...more]
Two South African winery bosses have teamed up with the founder of restaurant Vivat Bacchus to open a wine restaurant in London's City.
Gary and Kathy Jordan from Stellenbosch-based Jordan Wine Estate have teamed up with ex Vivat Bacchus owner Neleen Strauss to open High Timber, a 70 cover restaurant and 40,000 bottle wine cellar near St Paul's cathedral.
Although wine from the Jordan Estate will feature on the list, including Cobblers Hill, Nine Yards and Mellifera NLH from the Reserve range, Gary said the restaurant is to offer a global variety, not just wine from South Africa. [...more]
Veuve Clicquot has taken the uncertainty out of the process of ageing vintage champagnes with its recently launched Cave Privée Collection.
The February launch is the first of a limited edition range of selected vintages to be released when cellar master Dominique Demarville is happy that they have reached their peak of condition and are ready for drinking.
The inaugural selection consists of a 20 year-old Brut Millésime 1990, the 1980 vintage and rare Rosés from 1989, 1978 and 1975. Each is available in 75cl bottles and larger formats. [...more]
First Cape wine is launching lower-alcohol (5.5% abv) extension of its First Cape brand.
The Café Collection was initially launched three years ago as a 10% abv range, but is being reintroduced in response to research by the supplier which shows a growing demand for lighter, less alcoholic styles from recognised brand names.
Brand owner Brand Phoenix said it had also reduced the Café Collection's alcohol content to give retailers better margins, as less duty paid on lower-gravity wines. [...more]
Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) board of directors has elected a new president.
Bruce Cakebread, CEO of Cakebread Cellars, has been elected to the role. He follows in the footsteps of his father and his brother as board director and takes over from Paula Kornell of Oakville Ranch winery.
Cakebread said: "Now more than ever, the strength of our association is vital to our members' success as we navigate this current, uncertain wine market. Whether it's providing marketing opportunities for wineries to promote their wines or offering them workshops on a variety of subjects, Napa Valley will continue to be a leader based on the unity of our membership." [...more]
Guests and athletes at the German Hospitality House at the Vancouver Olympic Games this month will be toasting any German medal winners with Henkell Trocken.
The sparkling Sekt's producer, market leader Henkell & Söhnlein, has been awarded exclusive pouring rights for fizz at the country's base on the Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre Campus from 11-27 Feb.
Henkell Trocken will also be served at all the German team's international receptions and celebrations in Vancouver and the German Hospitality House's satellite location in Whistler. [...more]
Travel retail concession Motta Internacional has been awarded over 700 square meters of retail space in Bogota airport.
The announcement comes after OPAIN (Operator of the Bogota Airport) decided it was time to enhance the retail environment at the airport and invited various operators to bid for the space. There will be a walk through duty free store with over 555 square meters, after security and immigration, and a second walk through store of 145 square meters located just before the gates. The new spaces will double the retail area in the airport. [...more]
Australian wine company Foster's is investing £2m in a sports-themed campaign for its Wolf Blass brand.
The push, which encompasses television ads, national print ads, outdoor posters, online and in-store activity, will build on the brand's association with major sporting events, which included the nPower Ashes in 2009.
This year's campaign, which coincides with the RBS 6 Nations Championship, is themed around rugby, leveraging the brand's ongoing sponsorship of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
"This is the biggest campaign that Wolf Blass has ever embarked upon," explained Foster's EMEA commercial director UK & Ireland Neil Barker. [...more]
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