Spicing up Ireland’s wine trade

Santa Rita has won Wine Spectator’s ‘Winery of the Year’ award for the past ten years in a row

Chilean wines have achieved major popularity here in Ireland in recent years, so much so that our number one Sauvignon Blanc actually hails from Chile

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Brand Central

AT A GLANCE: CHILEAN WINES 

• Over 12 months, bottled wine exports from Chile rose 3.1% above the previous fiscal period, to US $1.4 billion (€1.1 billion) and 437 million litres
• The value of Chilean wine industry shipments exceed US $540 million (€429.8 million)
• Ireland is Santa Rita’s second biggest export market after the United States, accounting for 220,000 cases or just under 15% of all Santa Rita wine that is shipped out of Chile each year
• In Chile, Santa Rita wines account for 30% market share and the vineyard and subsidiaries market their products in over 75 countries
• Santa Rita has won Wine Spectator’s ‘Winery of the Year’ award for the past ten years in a row 
• Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc is the biggest selling Sauvignon Blanc in Ireland
• Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère was recently included on the 2012 Sommelier Wine Awards ‘Gold List’
• The McKenna Collection is a commemoration of General Juan McKenna who was born in Ireland in 1771
• Concha y Toro is one of the global leaders in its field
• Concha y Toro’s Casillero del Diablo wines have received more than 125 awards from internationally recognised wine competitions including 13 gold medals and 30 silver medals 

Chile has a long viticultural history for a New World wine region dating to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought Vitis vinifera vines with them as they colonized the region. With a climate that has been described as midway between that of California and France, the most common grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère. 

Recent statistics published by Chile’s Economía y Negocios online magazine and the Wines of Chile association, have revealed positive news for Chile’s lively wine trade.

President of Vinos de Chile (Wines of Chile’s parent organisation) and of Wines of Chile’s International Council René Araneda, said that: “After three consecutive months falling in value and volume, in May the exportations of bottled wine grew again, with rates above 11% in both [value and volume], reaching US $133 million and 4.6 million cases.”

More specifically, the average price per case of wine grew to US $29, with May exports increasing 12% in value and 13% in volume.

Observing the industry over a longer period of time, bottled wine exports decreased 0.3% in value and 1.1% in volume between January and May, while the average price per case increased 0.8%. However the association adds that over 12 months, bottled wine exports rose 3.1% above the previous fiscal period, to US $1.4 billion and 437 million litres.

Dynamic exports

“The positive performance in markets like Brazil, Japan and Holland, plus the recovery of United States – despite its decline in average price during the month – provides better dynamism to the shipment of this product,” added Araneda, “which already exceeds US $540 million in 2012.”

Considering these numbers, Araneda also highlighted that the exportation of bottles valued above US $40 increased 13% in value and volume over 12 months, demonstrating the success of strategic efforts to market quality Chilean wine to the world.

The Chilean wine industry also recently received more music to its ears in the form of a heavyweight compliment from Forbes Magazine. 

It recently featured Chilean wine as an example of economic progress in South America.

Building a solid reputation

“[Chilean wine] has become a metaphor for me about how regional companies can grow into strong global competitors based on the strength of their distinctive repeatable business models,” said Forbes magazine columnist Chris Zook.

Adopting an adaptable business model has enabled Chilean wine producers and exporters to consistently deliver a quality product to international consumers, continuously building a solid reputation and steady fiscal growth. Zook compares this progress to innovative and effective Chilean companies Falabella and LATAM airlines.

By becoming a metaphor for global competition and intelligent business strategy, the Wines of Chile association believes Chile’s wine industry is making an economic impression throughout the world, with a powerful momentum that is carrying Chile to the top of the wine trade.

Santa Rita has won Wine Spectator’s ‘Winery of the Year’ award for the past ten years in a row

Outstanding wines worth treating yourself to

Santa Rita is the leading wine producer and exporter of superior quality wines from South America. In fact, Ireland is the second biggest export market after the United States, accounting for 220,000 cases or just under 15% of all Santa Rita wine that is shipped out of Chile each year. The portfolio includes a variety of exquisite wines, including Medalla Real Gran Reserva and Pehuén plus the world class Casa Real, which was awarded 94 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for the 2011 and 2002 vintages.

 Within the extensive range, Santa Rita 120 is one of the most widely known wines and is the top selling Chilean wine in Ireland. Indeed, Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc is the biggest selling Sauvignon Blanc in Ireland. The classic Santa Rita 120 range is named after the 120 heroes who sheltered in the cellars of Santa Rita during the fight for Chilean independence. 

Whilst Santa Rita 120 is the best-known brand within the stable, Santa Rita also has a great range of Reserva wines in its portfolio. These wines have the complexity, concentration, elegance, and balance that provide a well-rounded, long-lasting expression of the regions in Chile that they are produced from and reflect the characteristic aromas and taste profile of each varietal.

To celebrate this range of wines, Santa Rita has launched a new competition on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/santaritaireland which offers its Facebook fans the chance to win a seat at an exclusive dinner, on 18 January 2013, at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. They will be joined by three of the most highly regarded winemakers from Santa Rita, Carlos Gatica, Andres IIabaca and Cecilia Torres, who are flying in especially for the occasion. With a pair of tickets to give away every week, fans will enjoy a unique wine tasting experience accompanied by gourmet food in the company of the people who grew, nurtured and produced Santa Rita’s outstanding wines. Personalised cases of Santa Rita are also up for grabs. Fans have until December to enter.

In Chile, Santa Rita wines account for 30% market share and the vineyard and subsidiaries market their products in over 75 countries. The fact that Santa Rita has won Wine Spectator’s ‘Winery of the Year’ award for the past ten years in a row is the company says, a testament to the dedication and vision of the entire team at Santa Rita. 

Carmenère is Carmen 

Founded over 160 years ago, Carmen is Chile’s leading winery and one of the best-loved Chilean wines in Ireland. An innovative winery, Carmen is known for the rediscovery of Carmenère; a wine event which it believes is of great importance for the whole world as it has marked a turning point in the wine industry, both nationally and internationally. This rediscovery established Carmen as the main driving force behind the development of Carmenère in Chile. 

The Carmen Gran Reserve range is the best expression of each grape variety from Chile’s leading valleys. Grown in the Colchagua and Apalta valleys, Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère was recently included on the 2012 Sommelier Wine Awards ‘Gold List’ – a unique and highly respected accolade that is testament to the varietal expression, elegance and character of Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère. 

A red wine with an intense, violet-ruby colour, Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère is fruity with strong plum, cherry and mulberry notes. Barrel aged to bring out its spices; Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère exudes soft and smoky notes and black fruit mingled with coffee and chocolate aromas. 

Ideal served with succulent meat dishes such as lamb shank and beef, rich red wine pasta sauces or salami and cured meats; Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère perfectly illustrates what a well-managed Carmenère can achieve. 

Carmen’s chief wine maker, Sebastian Labbé, joined the winemaking team at Carmen in 2005 and he has been instrumental in bringing innovation to the vineyards, where he spends most of his time working. Labbé is a terroir hunter and he has travelled throughout Chile looking for the best terroir for each variety. In Carmen he uses innovative techniques for determining the best moment for harvesting a particular vineyard and it is this research and attention to detail that has resulted in the success of Carmen Gran Reserve Carmenère. 

For further information, log onto www.carmen.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carmenwinesireland. 

A true hero product

The McKenna Collection is a commemoration of General Juan McKenna who was born in Ireland in 1771. Comans with Undurraga chose to honour this man with The McKenna Collection in 2009 as an acknowledgement of his heroics in the Chilean War of Independence

The McKenna Collection grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon have had a great deal of care and attention to ensure excellent quality wine at a value price. Recently The McKenna Collection saw a change of label to increase shelf stand out for consumers. Comans says it is very passionate about these wines which are fast becoming a must stock item within the wine trade.

Diablo wines have also received more than 125 awards from internationally recognised wine competitions

Devilishly good

Concha y Toro is the largest producer of wines from Latin America and is one of the global leaders in its field. Casillero del Diablo is the second key Chilean brand from Concha y Toro. The Casillero del Diablo range recently moved from Irish Distillers/Pernod Ricard to Richmond Marketing. The flagship brand of Concha y Toro is Casillero del Diablo (Cellar of the Devil) a wine that has succeeded well in the Irish market.  Diablo wines have also received more than 125 awards from internationally recognised wine competitions including 13 Gold medals and 30 Silver medals. The winery has come a long way since Don Melchor first planted his vines in the Maipo Valley in 1830. Expect to see an improved performance from this brand in the Irish market in 2012.

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