NEWS Waitrose announces appointment of Barry Dick Waitrose has announced that master of wine Barry Dick has joined the BWS team as Beer, Wine and Spirit Bulk Sourcing Manager. The multiple retailer says the role will focus upon the management of the global importation and UK packing of wines and spirits for the drinks buying team. Barry's move will mean that Waitrose now employs four masters of wine; more than any other retailer. Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Barry's CV includes degrees in food technology, European food marketing and winemaking. Having completed several vintages in California, the Languedoc and Australia, and previously working for a number of retailers and wine brands, Barry is acknowledged as an industry expert in the specialised field of UK packaging. He became a MW in 2013. Pierpaolo head of beers, ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks at Waitrose said: “We are delighted to welcome Barry to our team. This new role is a fantastic opportunity for us to increase our capability to import bulk wines & spirits and package them here in the UK, further building on our sustainability credentials. Barry’s extensive experience and knowledge in packaging, importation of wines and spirits as well as his passion for sustainability will make him an invaluable addition to the team.”
Kiss of Wine is launching two new canned red wines
Kiss of Wine is launching two new canned red wines made with independent producer and Valencia’s ‘winemaker of the year’ Rodolfo Valiente. The two new wines include a ‘Picante’ Garnacha Tintorera and a ‘Punchy’ Tempranillo. The tasting will be hosted by Kiss of Wine’s new COO and Master of Wine in training, Guy Palmer Brown and winemaker, Rodolfo. Presented in eco-friendly, single serve cans, ‘Punchy’ Tempranillo (RRP £5.95) and ‘Picante’ Garnacha Tintorera (RRP £5.95) are perfect for those evenings when you want to enjoy a great wine with dinner, but don’t want to open an entire bottle. The convenient packaging also makes them a great accompaniment to wintery walks, spring picnics and summer BBQs. Third-generation independent winemaker
Rodolfo Valiente is known for his sustainable and organic farming practices as they seek to promote biodiversity and rewild their solar-powered 60 hectare farm, which is set in the mountainous Valencian countryside. The vineyard’s altitude is said to give each wine a freshness, while Valiente’s care and attention to the health of each vine is said to show through in the vibrancy of the wines. In 2017, Rodolfo was named ‘winemaker of the year’ by The Valencian Association of Winemakers. Since launching in 2020, the female-founded Kiss of Wine claims to be challenging people’s misconceptions around canned wine and partnering with some of Europe’s best artisan producers to create great wines. All of its wines claim to be vegan and sustainable, with cans producing 2.5 times fewer carbon emissions than the equivalent wine in bottles.
Chardonnay du Monde The 29th Chardonnay du Monde, which claims to be the strongest concentration of Chardonnay, takes place in Burgundy between 9-11 March. It claims 1,000 samples from 42 countries with 300 international expert judges. Sadly, the deadline for samples was back in February.
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www.chardonnay-du-monde.com
