The Grape Escape

This summer Aniston Bay moves to screw cap and a new contemporary style

Summer is on the way and that means crisp, fresh, fruity and served chilled for most consumers. Here’s a sample of what’s on offer from Ireland’s top suppliers

Brand Central

18 May 2009

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At a glance: WINE

This summer Aniston Bay moves to screw cap and a new contemporary style, which will be marked with
a striking on-pack consumer offer
In 2008 Sutter Home White Zinfandel was named number one pink wine in USA
Mateus is enjoying a popular resurgence with sales last year up 40%
This summer both varieties of Jacob’s Creek Sparkling wines are available in a 200ml snipe
Point Break Zinfandel Rosé is available in a two for €15 promotion
Tortoiseshell Bay offers premium quality Australian wines at affordable price points
United Wine Merchants has launched Lambrini Light with ABV of just 5.5%
and only 40 calories per 125ml serve
Blossom Hill has become the number one selling wine brand in Ireland (Nielsen February 09-Quarter versus
February 08)
Exclusively from Cassidy Wines, Marqués de Cáceres Rioja wines have gained an international reputation for outstanding complexity, finesse and elegance
Available from Comans, Undurraga celebrates its 10th year as a leading Chilean wine brand in Ireland
Trapiche is the most exported bottled wine brand from Argentina
Peter Lehmann was named Australian Producer of the Year for the third time at the International Wine & Spirit Competition last year
Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay is reputed as one of the best value-for-money wines available
Wolf Blass has received over 4,000 awards and accolades at international wine shows since 1966

FINDLATER WINE & SPIRIT GROUP

The taste of summer

This year sees Arniston Bay wines move to a modern, contemporary style

with the introduction of new varietals, a new screw cap closure and an evolving label design to reflect a more premium position for the brand.

The company is confident furthermore, that the new 2008 blends, Chenin Blanc Chardonnay, Pinotage Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, will succeed in driving consumer demand and trial this summer.

New screw cap packaging replaces the existing flange packaging as research shows that consumers prefer them for a variety of reasons: convenience, freshness, resealability and because they eliminate the risk of cork taint and oxidation, which has become an issue for the industry in recent years.

This summer will also see the roll-out of a strong on pack consumer offer for the brand. Free wine charms which help identity consumers’ individual wine glasses will be available with every purchase of Aniston Bay, with a choice of six charms available. This promotion will have strong shelf standout with the help of strongly branded point of sale materials; it is a unique offer to encourage the consumer to try the wines and is destined to increase sales.

Also set to move this summer, Arniston Bay convenient pouches, which are light, convenient, easy to carry, and easy to pour packaging formats, are sure to be a hit with consumers who are on the go. These light weight pouches are ideal for picnics, music festivals and many other outdoor activities.

Rosemary Lyster, marketing manager at Findlater Wine & Spirit Group comments: “With new packaging and strong marketing support, we are confident that these changes will be successful in driving sales and attracting new customers to the brand in 2009. Arniston Bay is one of the best-selling international brands in the United Kingdom, the Far East and parts of Europe, and has proved very successful on the Irish market.”

For further information or to order phone Customer Care 1850 404 569.

Sutter Home teams up with Peter Mark once again this year, with a promotion to run throughout the key summer months

Hair today, win tomorrow

Following the success of 2008’s promotion, Sutter Home is once again teaming up with Peter Mark, Ireland’s largest and best known chain of hair salons, to offer consumers the chance to win a €100 Peter Mark voucher everyday for 100 days, from May to 31 August, during the key summer months. This daily prize is coupled with additional an prize for the first 1,000 entrants, who will also receive a €10 off voucher for any Peter Mark salon services.

The highly prized value added promotion will be run in-store through an off shelf display unit, neck collars and a text to win mechanic which has proved extremely popular with young consumers. The promotion will support the entire Sutter Home Range; the ideal choice of wines for the summer months, light, refreshingly and surprisingly enjoyable. The promotion will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign, which includes a national radio campaign, online media and consumer trade coverage.

Rosemary Lyster comments: “We are delighted to be teaming up again with Peter Mark for this stylish promotion which directly appeals to both of our target audiences. Sutter Home and Peter Mark is a great match as both provide style and quality at a good price. Last year we received a great upsurge in sales and we hope to match that success again this year.”

In 2008, the Trinchero Family Estate, home to Sutter Home, was the overall winner of the USA Wine Producer of the year, with Sutter Home White Zinfandel named the number one pink wine in the USA.

For further information or to order phone Customer Care 1850 404 777.

Mateus has been enjoying a resurgence, with sales last year up 40%. This summer Mateus Rosé Sparkling will be available in Ireland for the first time

New screw cap closure for Mateus

This summer Findlater Wine & Spirits Group is launching a convenient new screw top format for the Mateus range. An iconic global wine brand in over 125 countries and in Ireland, Mateus is enjoying a popular resurgence with sales last year up 40%. The number one Portuguese wine brand is driving the popularity of Portuguese wines, which has seen strong demand over the last year.

The new screw cap closure for Mateus Rosé will launch this July, eliminating for the future the possibility of cork taint, and ensuring that the product’s fruity, slightly fizzy characteristics will be fully retained for maximum consumer enjoyment. It also provides the convenience of easy opening and re-sealing for customers. This new cap opening will be neck-collared to communicate these benefits to consumers.

Sales of rosé climb significantly during the warm weather, so Findlater Wine & Spirit Group expects strong growth this summer for one of Ireland’s favorite rosé wines. Mateus Rosé Sparkling will also be available to Irish consumers for the first time this summer and is certain to have popular appeal among a wide audience.

“Mateus Rosé has been a huge success in Ireland with the polar bear television commercial proving to be a huge hit, recruiting young Irish consumers to the brand, and we anticipate a similar upsurge in sales growth in summer 2009,” says marketing manager, Rosemary Lyster.

IRISH DISTILLERS PERNOD RICARD

Small is beautiful

The perfect summer drink, Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir and Sparkling Rosé are now available in both a 750ml bottle and 200ml snipe.

Renowned Aussie winemakers, Jacob’s Creek says its sparkling range captures both “the proud history” of the their wine operation since 1847, and “the essence of what Jacob’s Creek stands for;” namely, “quality, bottle-fermented sparkling wines showing true varietal expression, consistent quality, great value, and an easy-drinking, approachable style.”

Designed for enjoyment while out with friends, entertaining at home, celebratory occasions, or simply for an indulgent treat, Jacob’s Creek Sparking wines offer consumers a great value, high quality product to enjoy, on any occasion.

GILBEYS

Blossoming on top

Gilbeys was delighted to announce earlier this year that Blossom Hill has moved into the number one spot among wine brands in Ireland (Nielsen February 09-Quarter versus February 08), and to celebrate this tremendous achievement Gilbeys is launching ‘The Blossom Hill Summer Season’. Blossom Hill will be the official wine of Wimbledon and closer to home, the official sponsor of Ladies Day at the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show in August.

To celebrate these events, Blossom Hill is offering a neck-collar promotion which will give consumers the chance to glam it up for ‘The Blossom Hill Summer Season’, by winning a ‘Pure Indulgence Day’ at House of Fraser, Dundrum worth €1000. The prize includes a personal shopping experience with a €500 gift card, a make-over with the make-up brand of the winner’s choice, pampering treatments in the Clarins Skin Spa, and a luxurious Clarins hamper. To top it all off, the lucky lady will enjoy a delicious cool glass of Blossom Hill.

Neck-collars will feature on Blossom Hill Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and a Wimbledon ‘Special Edition’ White Zinfandel, which will feature an image of a tennis ball. This promotion will also be supported with price activity, available from June.

Blossom Hill will also be rolling out the new International Range to trade in June, which will be formally introduced at the press launch of Ladies Day in July. This new range of wines is from countries around the world and includes a Shiraz from South Africa and a Pinot Grigio from Italy, at RRP of €9.99.

As with the Classic range, the international styles are made from a single grape variety, and are all about pure, intense fruit aromas. The winemaker selects only the highest quality fruit so as to give the fullest and finest expression of each varietal. The above neck collar promotion will also be made available to these lines and will be supported with price activity, available from June.

Point Break Zinfandel Rosé, which carries an RRP of €8.99, is available in a two for €15 promotion

UNITED WINE MERCHANTS

Californian making waves

Following its launch and great reviews from the California Wine Fair at Dublin Castle earlier this year, Point Break has started to make “big waves” in the trade. To bolster its success, the fun and vibrant brand will be well supported during the summer, with advertising, PR, quality point-of-sale material, and regular promotions throughout the whole of Ireland.

The exciting new range of fresh and flavoursome wines includes three fruity varietals; crisp and fruity Zinfandel Rosé, fresh and lively un-oaked Chardonnay, and a smooth medium-bodied Merlot.

Point Break Zinfandel Rosé, which carries an RRP of €8.99, is available in a two for €15 promotion. Equally enjoyable with or without food, served chilled it promises the perfect fresh fruity tipple for relaxing this summer.

Premium quality at affordable prices

Tortoiseshell Bay’s range of outstanding wines from South Eastern Australia, offers premium styles at exceptionally affordable price points. The wines are sourced from a selection of premium vineyards across the region of South Eastern Australia, chosen for their suitability for each grape variety, whether crisp, zesty whites or rounded, textured reds. The extensive varietal range includes Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and Rosé.

With eye-catching packaging including contemporary labels and screw caps to preserve quality, Tortoiseshell Bay is a must stock this summer. The brand is also well supported with quality point-of-sale material and regular promotions.

Tortoiseshell Bay Pinot Grigio has clean melon and pineapple fruit flavours, attractive floral notes and a touch of honey. With medium body, balancing acidity and a soft finish, it is great on its own, or partners well with salads, white meat and fish dishes. All at RRP €9.99.

Light sparkles for a guilt-free treat

United Wine Merchants is also proud to announce the addition of Lambrini Light to its extensive portfolio. The brand has been reformulated to deliver a light, clean, crisp taste with an ABV of just 5.5%. Available in a stylish 75cl bottle, the label on the reverse of the packaging contains details of the number of alcoholic units as well as nutritional and calorie content information.
This reformulation means Lambrini Light delivers only 40 calories per serving based on a typical serving of 125ml and offers a lighter low calorie alternative to many light wines. United Wine Merchants believes the combination of low ABV and low calorie content will appeal to image conscious women in the 18 to 30 age range.

According to United Wine Merchants marketing manager, Melanie Talbot: “This is the latest in a series of new product innovations for the Lambrini brand. We have recognised that a growing number of Lambrini consumers are looking for a lighter alternative to wines and the combination of a lower ABV coupled with an extremely low calorie delivery when compared to other wines will have a strong appeal with our core female audience.”

Lambrini Light joins the brand’s other two varients in the range, Lambrini Bubbly and Lambrini Pink Bubbly, which all offer a low ABV wine option.

For further information on these brands or others within the United Merchants portfolio phone 048 3831 6555 or email melanie@unitedwines.co.uk.

CASSIDY WINES

Viva Rioja

Founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner, in Cenicero in the heart of La Rioja, Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres has today become a reputed brand of international renown. From the beginning the winery has always been an innovator with the one constant goal of creating high quality wines with great personality.

By selecting the best vineyard sites in Rioja Alta, working closely with the growers and installing the very best equipment to ensure the meticulous vinification and ageing of its wines, Marqués de Cáceres has developed a range of wines that are outstanding in their complexity, finesse and elegance.

Today Marqués de Cáceres is still a family run company and the family motto ‘wine means everything to us’ explains why it has remained a top ambassador for the wines from Rioja around the rest of the world. Marqués de Cáceres is now available exclusively through Cassidy Wines.

The Candido range is available exclusively through Cassidy Wines

Italian stallion

La Carta Salice Salentino has been a firm favourite with Irish consumers for more than 10 years and its popularity has helped establish Candido as one of the most well known names in Italian wine, both in Ireland and around the world.

Indeed from the moment they produced their first wine in 1929, the Candido family have effectively become the world’s wine ambassador for the Salento area, in the peninsula region of Puglia. For Candido it is the vines themselves that are at the heart of the production process and represent a heritage which the company studies, preserves and upholds.

The Mediterranean climate in Puglia is ideal for making quality wines and ripening takes place slowly due to the striking contrast between day and night time temperatures. The resulting wines are rich, ripe and concentrated. The Candido range is now available exclusively through Cassidy Wines.

COMANS

Leading the charge from Chile

One of Chile’s foremost producers of top quality varietals, Undurraga was first introduced in Ireland in 1998, and is now celebrating its 10th year as one of Ireland’s leading Chilean wine brands.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are just some of the excellent grape varieties produced in the various wine regions of Chile including Maipo Valley and Rapel, some fine examples of which make up Undurraga’s extensive range.

Undurraga is available at price points from €6.99 up to €29.99 through Comans Wholesale.

Well known Argentine brand Trapiche

The height of Argentine quality

From the heights of Mendoza in the foothills of the Argentine Andes, Trapiche was established in 1883, and has become one of the most widely recognized Argentinean wine producers in the world. The winery has some of the most extensive landholdings in the area, with over 2,500 acres of its own vineyards.

Trapiche is perhaps the most known Argentine brand worldwide, and is the most exported bottled wine brand from Argentina. Comans Wholesale is pleased to present its excellent wines from each price bracket.

Aussie producer of the year

Peter Lehmann Wines is one of Australia’s most respected and innovative winemakers, creating wines that have become popular with real wine lovers around the world. Winemaking operations are carried out at a single site located near Tanunda, in the heart of the internationally famous Barossa Valley, South Australia.

Good wine can only be made from good grapes and Peter Lehmann’s friendship with his growers is reflected in the quality of the fruit delivered to the Weighbridge each vintage. This attention to fruit quality has ensured that the purity and intensity of varietal and regional character is always present in a Peter Lehmann wine.

EDWARD DILLON

Bang for your buck

Internationally recognised as one of the best value-for-money wines available throughout the world, Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay is renowned for consistency and quality. Lindemans was founded in 1843 when Dr Henry Lindeman planted his first vines at Cawarra in the Hunter Valley, and his passion for wines is maintained today, in the winery and in the wines themselves.

The generous flavours and contemporary, easy-drinking style of Lindemans Bin range combines easily with food and most social occasions to deliver maximum enjoyment from the first glass to the last. The range includes Bin 65 Chardonnay, Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc, Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bin 50 Shiraz and Bin 35 Rosé.

Lindemans Bin range will be on promotion in store this summer with up to 25% off the RSP of €10.99.

Launched last year, Lindemans is pioneering the low-alcohol wine sector in Ireland with the introduction of Lindemans Early Harvest Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Rosé, at just 9% alcohol. With the wine being 25% lighter in alcohol and calories, it delivers crisp, light, easy drinking, and fresh fruit flavours in a delicate style.

At just five points per bottle compared to seven points for a standard bottle of wine, Lindemans Early Harvest is working with Weightwatchers to give consumers a great alternative that does not compromise on taste and delivers the trusted quality and enjoyment consumers know and expect from a Lindemans wine.

Australian icon

As an icon of Australian winemaking, Wolf Blass continues to evolve. Beginning in 1961 with a tin shed in the Barossa Valley and an immigrant’s dream for a better life, Wolf Blass has grown to become one of the world’s greatest wine producers.
Wolf Blass has received over 4,000 awards and accolades at international wine shows since 1966, including winning the ‘Jimmy Watson’ Trophy – Australia’s most prestigious wine award – an unprecedented four times. In 2008, Wolf Blass was honoured with the acclaimed International Red Winemaker of the Year award at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London.

The Wolf Blass Yellow Label wines are premium single varietal wines from South Australia epitomising quality, character and consistency. The Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sauvignon Blanc is new to Ireland and provides a refreshing alternative to the ever-popular Yellow Label Chardonnay.

Burgundy makes €12m Irish sales

Burgundy maintained its wine exports to Ireland in 2008 despite the economic downturn. Ireland was the 11th biggest importer of Burgundy wines last year, with sales over €12 million, up 1.6% on 2007, with 2.33 million bottles sold (-0.4% on 2007). The performance is deemed impressive given that Irish imports of wine generally declined by 43% during 2008, a trend that has strongly affected new world wines, which are down between 60% and 80%. According to the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), the region has benefited from the strong reputation of certain appellations such as Chablis and Pouilly-Fuissé.

Burgundy wines are exported to 146 countries, generating a turnover of €635 million in 2008, a decrease of 11.7% compared with 2007, which was a record year for the region. However 2008 remains the second best year for Burgundy exports by turnover, with an increase of more than €40 million in comparison to 2006. The number of bottles exported reached 93 million and, although this is a decrease of 15.5% compared with 2007, it is a satisfying result, especially given the gloomy economic environment and unfavourable exchange rates, reports BIVB.

The weaker results for Burgundy exports are largely explained by the decrease in sales during the last quarter of the year (-28% in volume), an important period for the region; 30% of the exports during 2007 occurred during the last quarter. The effects were most strongly felt in two of Burgundy’s main export markets, the UK and the US, which receive 45% of Burgundy’s exports between them.

In spite of the gloomy and uncertain global environment, the economic outlook for Burgundy wines remains healthy, says BIVB. Wine merchants’ stock of Burgundy wines were reduced by 4.5% during the 2007/2008 campaign, reaching their lowest level. Neither the poor harvest of 2007 nor the commercialisation of the 2007 vintage, already well under way, will greatly influence stock levels.

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