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DOUBLE GOLD FOR VON STIEHL
STONEY CREEK BLUSH
Highest Honor to Wisconsin’s Oldest
Winery
Each one of us strives for lifetime accomplishments that define
our work and anchor our legacy. For von Stiehl
winemaker, Aric Schmiling, one of the highest accomplishable
honors has been to skillfully craft a wine to exceed expected enjoyment
levels and bring home an award listed with the highest of honors.
This year’s Tasters Guild competition evaluated
over 1,800 wines from 12 countries and 34 states/provinces using
40 judges from around the country. Judged in the Tasters
Guild “International” Competition, von Stiehl’s
Stoney Creek Blush attracted the extreme honor of a “Double
Gold Medal”. Listed in the “Tasters
Guild Journal” are the following notes:
von Stiehl Stoney Creek 2003 Blush, Wisconsin
Aromas of honey, cherry, rich warm loam and spices. Foch flavors
of cherry and peel extracts. A wisp of fine grappa adds to the entertainment.
Mild, sweet and good, racy fruit acidity. Serve with pork in a sweet
cherry sauce.
The Marechal Foch is a hearty French-hybrid grape known to develop
well in the short growing season of the Midwest. Von Stiehl
has enriched this variety in a cozy 1.5 acre vineyard on the southern
edge of Door County. Schmiling is leading the way in Door County
grape growing by attaining this impressive award.
Tasters Guild showered von Stiehl’s wines in gold with this
competition awarding their Riesling, Oktoberfest,
and Cabernet Sauvignon with Gold Medals. The semi-dry
Riesling is von Stiehl’s most popular wine, receiving this
medal as its eighth Gold. The Oktoberfest, though celebrated more
in the fall, is also a favorite as a semi-sweet white blend of three
grapes: Vignoles, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. Cabernet Sauvignon
is a medium-bodied vinifera with intense fruit and soft, velvety
tannins.
Bringing home a bottle’s weight in medals, von Stiehl
received two bronze awards on its Blueberry and
Robust Red from Tasters Guild. The Oakland
Community College dished out numerous awards to Schmiling’s
wines including silvers to the Crimson Royale and
Wisconsin Cranberry, and bronze medals to the Robust
Red, Fume Blanc and Golden Harvest.
Von Stiehl Winery is located at 115 Navarino Street
in Algoma and is open seven days a week for tours and tasting from
9am to 5pm. For more information, they can be visited on the web
at www.vonstiehl.com, or call 800-955-5208.
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2004 VINTAGE SWISS WINE
LAUNCH
Predictions of a excellent vintage will help Swiss wine producers
regain much of their domestic market and are an opportunity to market
exports of some of the country's more unique white wine varieties,
writes Kim Hunter Gordon.
The Swiss Federal Office of Agriculture has announced
that the 2004 grape harvest is one of the best in recent years.
A warm September made up for bad weather in the spring and the summer,
said the Swiss Federal Office of Agriculture (OFAG).
“The 2004 vintage was one accompanied by many fears,”
explained OFAG’s Philippe Herminjard. He
said that until the end of August, bad weather conditions had been
pointing to a poor year in both quality and quantity compared to
2003. Fortunately, September was warm enough for the grapes to ripen
and be harvested undamaged.
116 million litres of must were collected - 19 million litres more
than in 2003 but still 1.5 million litres lower than the average
over the last ten years.
According to Pierre Devanthéry, head of
the organisation of wine producers in Valais, Switzerland’s
largest wine-producing canton, “the quality is excellent -
in line with that of the vintage of 2000”.
The announcement follows a survey carried out by Swiss Wine
Communication in September which claimed that 70 per cent
of the country now consider Swiss wine to be of high quality, compared
to 55 per cent five years ago, and that the Swiss are becoming more
likely to buy home grown than foreign wine.
Only 1 per cent of Swiss wine is exported. The rest (more than the
entire production of New Zealand) is sold domestically, but this
is still less than the amount imported from other countries. Domestic
producers have been battling with EU and New World wines for territory
since the government reduced import tax by 50 per cent in 2003.
Alongside the reported increase in the perceived quality of Swiss
wine, the last five years has also seen traditional Swiss grape
varieties and techniques being ditched in favour of popular global
styles - mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon reds.
Switzerland has a number of very distinctive white wines, defined
by unusual grape varieties that are adapted to the country’s
climates and terroirs. They include Petite Arvine, Cornalin
and the crossbreed Riesling variety, Muller-Thurgau.
But the most widely known white comes from the Chasselas
(Fendant) grape – which is grown other countries
but only with success, claim the critics, in Switzerland.
Despite a long tradition of white wine production, 2002 saw Swiss
winemakers start producing more red. Since that year, the area under
Chasselas vines has decreased by a total of 325 hectares (6 per
cent). Of these, some 247 hectares have been replaced by red varieties,
which the Swiss Wine Producers’ Asociation (SWA)
says are better adapted to current consumer tastes and trends.
Claude Alain Chollet of the SWA said that Swiss
producers should adapt to changing tastes. “I don’t
think it is that people don’t want white wine, but they want
something fruitier. I think growers who plant Sauvignon or Chardonnay
grapes, rather than the traditional Swiss Chasselas, will find customers.”
But outside of Switzerland, focusing on traditional grape varieties
is more likely to be successful. Speaking to BeverageDaily.com
Robert Steel of Benson, the largest importer
of Swiss wine in the UK, said: “The market is awash with Chardonnay,
it’s not worth competing with. [Swiss Wine] should concentrate
on its strengths, like Geneva Fendant – which
is often better than a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at the same price.”
Yet if Chasselas and other regionally unique vines continue to decrease
there is a danger that the Swiss wine industry could lose out in
the long term. “It’s Switzerland, they’re never
going to be able to emulate global varieties,” argues Steel.
He has been pushing for greater investment in the promotion of unique
Swiss wine varieties in UK. “There are no big companies to
put their marketing power behind it and the country’s wine
bodies are disjointed – there is no money,” he said.
If the 2004 vintage lives up to its expectations then it is likely
to be the one that defines the future for Swiss wine in the domestic
market and, if they can group together, abroad as well.
(c) BeverageDaily.com
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DIAGEO TRUMPS ROTHSCHILD,
CONSTELLATION & QUINTESSA BID FOR CHALONE
Diageo's surpise bid wins Chalone
20/12/2004 - Diageo confirms that it has trumped
the bid that Domaines Barons de Rothschild, Constellation
Brands and Quintessa had submitted to
acquire the Chalone Group, reports Kim
Hunter Gordon.
After a week of speculation surrounding a ”mystery bidder”
which had outbidded Rothschild, Diageo today announced
that it will buy Chalone for around $260 million.
The acquisition will give Diageo a portfolio of premium Californian
wine giving its US operated Chateau & Estate Wines Division,
a platform to rival E&J Gallo, Allied Domecq
and Constellation Brands.
Chalone was to become part of a new wine partnership
project between Lafite Rothschild, Constellation Brands
and the Quintessa Winery in Napa. Constellation
was to pay $52 million in cash and contribute its 280-acre Oakville
vineyard, while the Huneeus family would contribute
its Quintessa Winery and 200-acre vineyard, which
is valued at $86 million.
Rothschild, which currently owns 46 per cent of
Chalone, was to pay the remainder needed to secure
the other 54 per cent. They initially proposed to purchase Chalone
for $9.25 a share in May, but increased the offer to $11.75 in November.
This was accepted by Chalone on the provision that
it could continue receiving offers.
But, Diageo beat the November offer by tendering
$13.75 per share. Lafite Rothschild had until Friday
17th Dec to decide whether to match the offer.
With the Mondavi Corporation, another premium winemaking
group, recently added to its portfolio, it was unlikely that Constellation
would be keen to significantly raise its price for Chalone.
Rothschild, on the other hand, has been involved
in the growth of Chalone for many years, and may
be slightly more disappointed to have lost out. The company was
today not willing to comment on the move. The current weakness of
the dollar has encouraged American consumers to buy Californian
rather than European wine, making a collection of famous Napa estates
a desirable asset. The Chalone Wine Company owns
12 Californian vineyards including upmarket brands Chalone,
Acacia and Provenance. It produces about
700,000 cases a year.
The world’s number one spirits group, Diageo,
has up until now been quieter than its rivals in the wine market.
Allied Domecq, the number two spirits group, has
in recent years bought up many wine assets such as Montana
in New Zealand and Buena Vista in Napa.
Diageo did not, however, bid for the Mondavi
Corporation, recently acquired by Constellation
Group.
Diageo spokesperson, Isabelle Thomas, said “we
have been very cautious with wine. American super-premium wines
have seen good growth and these are young brands that we can add
value to.” She added that ”we are not going on a spending
spree, but when we see something that we think is suitable for us,
and the timing is right – we’ll buy it.”
Diageo will pay Lafite Rothschild a termination
fee of $2.5 million. The transaction, which is subject to both the
approval of Chalone shareholders and the US government,
is expected to go through at the beginning of 2005.
(c) 2004 BeverageDaily.com
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Constellation and Mondavi Sign Definitive Merger Agreement
* Constellation Brands, Inc. to Acquire The Robert
Mondavi Corporation
* $1.36 Billion Transaction Provides Mondavi Shareholders With Superior
Value
* Robert Mondavi Portfolio Remains Intact
FAIRPORT, N.Y., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Constellation
Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR) and The Robert Mondavi Corporation
(Nasdaq: MOND - News) announced today that the two companies
have signed a definitive merger agreement in which Constellation
will acquire all the outstanding shares of Mondavi at
a price of $56.50 per share in cash for Mondavi's Class A common
stock and $65.82 per share in cash for Mondavi's Class B common
stock. The total value of this transaction is approximately $1.36
billion, including approximately $1.03 billion of equity on a fully
diluted basis plus the assumption of approximately $325 million
of Mondavi net debt.
The combination will keep the Robert Mondavi portfolio
intact and expand Constellation's fine wine offerings.
It also brings together complementary wine assets, including vineyards,
production facilities and distribution capabilities that will strengthen
Constellation's portfolio and the Robert
Mondavi brand. Upon completion of the transaction, Constellation
will offer an unmatched wine portfolio.
"This is history in the making," stated Constellation
Brands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sands. "Constellation
and The Robert Mondavi Corporation are two innovative,
energetic, and solidly growing companies with a combined total of
nearly 100 years of wine making experience. This once-in- a-lifetime
combination will preserve and enhance the heritage of both companies
by producing outstanding wine for generations to come. I am particularly
pleased that Robert G. Mondavi has agreed to remain
involved in the business and serve as the brand's ambassador working
out of his office in the Robert Mondavi Winery.
"We believe this is a terrific outcome that best serves
the interests of Constellation and The
Robert Mondavi Corporation employees, customers, shareholders
and consumers. We understand and appreciate the long, rich history
of the Mondavi family, the Robert Mondavi
brand and the contributions of The Robert Mondavi Corporation's
dedicated employees. We fully support the fine wine vision of the
Robert Mondavi Winery and are committed to further
enhancing the prestige of this flagship Winery, as well as giving
the Robert Mondavi brand the recognition it deserves
throughout the world. We fully expect that as part of the Constellation
family the Robert Mondavi name will continue to
be associated with the highest in quality and will remain an industry
leader," concluded Sands.
"After careful consideration of our strategic alternatives,
our Board of Directors concluded that this transaction with Constellation
is in the best interests of The Robert Mondavi Corporation's
shareholders, employees and the Robert Mondavi brand,"
said Ted Hall, chairman of the board for The
Robert Mondavi Corporation. "The Robert Mondavi
Corporation's shareholders are receiving a significant
cash premium for their Mondavi investment. This combination will
create long-term benefits for the Robert Mondavi brand,
as well as for all of the products in the company's portfolio. We
look forward to a rapid completion of this transaction and to working
with Constellation to ensure the smoothest transition possible."
The transaction will be accretive to Constellation's comparable
earnings per share in the first full fiscal year, and it is not
conditioned on financing because Constellation has received commitments
for the financing necessary to complete the transaction.
The merger agreement, which was approved by the Board of Directors
of both companies, is subject to the approval of the holders of
a majority of class A shares (other than holders of class A shares
who are also recordholders of class B shares), as well as conditions
customary to transactions of this type, including governmental and
regulatory approvals. In that regard, holders of a majority of the
outstanding class B shares have agreed to vote in favor of the merger.
In connection with the transaction, The Robert Mondavi Corporation's
board announced that it will no longer seek shareholder approval
for its proposed reincorporation and recapitalization plan, and
intends to postpone its annual meeting of shareholders that had
been scheduled for Nov. 30, 2004. The companies expect to complete
the transaction by the end of 2004 or early 2005.
About The Robert Mondavi Corporation
The Robert Mondavi Corporation produces and markets wines
under the following labels: Woodbridge Winery, Robert Mondavi
Private Selection, Robert Mondavi Winery, La Famiglia, Kirralaa,
Byron Vineyards and Winery, Io, Arrowood Vineyards and Winery and
Grand Archer by Arrowood. The company also produces Opus One, in
partnership with the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Chateau
Mouton Rothschild of Bordeaux, France; Luce, Lucente, Danzante,
and the wines of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, in partnership
with the Marchesi de' Frescobaldi of Tuscany, Italy;
and Sena and Arboleda, in partnership
with the Eduardo Chadwick family of Vina
Errazuriz in Chile. In addition to the partnership wines,
Robert Mondavi Imports represents the wines of
Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, Attems and Caliterra
in the United States. For more information about The Robert
Mondavi Corporation and its products, visit the company's
Web site at http://www.robertmondavi.com.
About Constellation Brands, Inc.
Constellation Brands, Inc. is a leading international producer
and marketer of beverage alcohol brands with a broad portfolio across
the wine, spirits and imported beer categories. Constellation
Brands is also the largest fine wine company in the United
States. Well-known brands in Constellation's beverage alcohol portfolio
include: Corona Extra, Pacifico, St. Pauli Girl, Black Velvet,
Fleischmann's, Mr. Boston, Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy, Franciscan
Oakville Estate, Estancia, Simi, Ravenswood, Blackstone, Banrock
Station, Hardys, Nobilo, Alice White, Vendange, Almaden, Arbor Mist,
Stowells and Blackthorn. For more information
about Constellation Brands and its products, visit
the company's Web site at www.cbrands.com.
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ART LABELS TO SHAKE UP WINE INDUSTRY
A Californian wine producer is to package its products
with labels designed by a contemporary artist as part of its strategy
to change how the US wine industry operates.
Knightsbridge Fine Wines has signed a licensing
agreement to access certain works by internationally acclaimed pop
artist Romero Britto. The firm plans to develop
a portfolio of wines bearing Britto's colorful images on its labels
and promotional merchandise.
"Romero Britto consistently works to reinterpret the meaning
of art and its role in contemporary life," said Joel
Shapiro, Knightsbridge chairman and CEO.
"We look forward to working with him to craft a truly unique
wine experience for today's art and wine lovers."
Britto's imagery was first commissioned in 1989 for Absolut
Vodka's Art Campaign. Subsequent commissions have included
Pepsi Cola.
Knightsbridge’s Britto line continues the
company's Artist Series of Fine Wines, begun under
similar licensing agreements with Guy Buffet and
Andy Warhol. By creating new brands linked to internationally
known artists, Knightsbridge hopes to maximize brand name recognition
at minimal marketing cost.
The innovative packaging concept is part of the company’s
plan to revolutionise how companies operate within the wine industry.
Knightsbridge believes that through careful marketing and brand
presentation, the firm can capitalise on a current oversupply in
the small and mid-sized winery industry.
Knightsbridge believes that too many firms lack effective sales,
marketing and branding strength. This has created an opportunity
for the firm to consolidate and build an efficient operation that
can maximize economies of scale and provide a more streamlined and
effective sales, marketing and distribution group.
By adopting and applying consumer beverage marketing principles
within the wine industry, management believes that it can further
enhance operating results beyond what is currently achieved by many
small and mid-sized wineries creating a competitive advantage for
Knightsbridge.
Knightsbridge has, to date, acquired Bodegas Anguinan Estate
Winery and a majority ownership interest in Dominion
Wines International, an Australian company that owns several
international brands and markets the wines globally. Knightsbridge
says that it is currently negotiating purchase and/or partnership
agreements with several other wine companies.
The company's joint venture subsidiary owns 50 per cent of the Kirkland
Ranch Winery, which is located in the heart of Napa Valley
and is one of the largest contiguous properties in Napa Valley,
California. More than one million cases of wine per year can be
produced in the 56,000-square-foot facility.
(c) 2004 BeverageDaily.com
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LO-CARB BROWN-FOREMAN WINES
BROWN-FOREMAN RELEASES LO-CARB WINES
By Theresa Howard, USA TODAY
Recently, at the chic Mandarin Oriental
hotel here, (Brown-Foreman) unveiled One.6 Chardonnay and
One.9 Merlot, brands named for the grams of carbs per five-ounce
serving. The $9.99 wines, with about half the carbs of regular wines,
are aimed not at wine connoisseurs but at the estimated 59 million
Americans counting carbs.
.A big factor in the decision to
launch the brands was the huge success of low-carb beers, led by
Anheuser-Busch's Michelob Ultra in 2002.
"Ultra changed the paradigm but not just in
the beer industry. It fueled the whole low-carb phenomenon,"
says Benj Steinman, editor of Beer Marketer's Insights.
The wines are part of a continuing stampede of food
and beverage makers to cash in on what's already an estimated $39
billion market in low-carb products
Just this week, for example, Heinz One Carb ketchup
hit stores. It has one gram per serving vs. four for the traditional
variety.
"It's one of those no-brainers. When there
are other (brands) doing exceptionally well, wine should be participating
as strongly," says Andrew Varga, global brand director at Brown-Forman
Wines. B-F, perhaps best known for Jack Daniel's whiskey, owns several
wine brands including Fetzer and Bolla, and markets others including
Korbel and Michel Picard.
The low-carb idea was hatched before last fall's
harvest. Winemaker Cara Morrison crafted the wines
by choosing the right varietals and "fermenting them as dry
as you can" to cut the sugar, Varga says.
The wines — a 2002 Merlot and 2003
Chardonnay — still have a typical alcohol content
of 14.5% by volume. They'll be backed by a $5 million ad campaign
built on the idea that the only thing drinkers are missing is carbs.
The message: "Life is full of compromises. This isn't
one of them."
The marketing plan is "brilliant," says
food and beverage expert Phil Lempert. The "Supermarket
Guru" believes the low-carb craze is already waning
but that this brand could outlive it. "They
are not focusing on low-carb but instead on the number," he
says. "This is simple and smart. It's very smart to name your
product with a number so people instantly get it."
(c) 2004 USA TODAY
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