3 minute read
On the Vine: Top 20 Wines
exclusive set of experiences around wine, vineyards, nature, architecture, culture and sustainability. Lourdes Martínez Zabala, CEO of the winery, said: “All of us in Familia Martínez Zabala are very proud of the Sir Norman Foster team project. It will allow Bodegas Faustino to live and develop in a unique architectural space. We are convinced that this will strengthen the position of Bodegas Faustino as a world leader in the production of Rioja wines.”
17. Brancott Estate - New Zealand (Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard)
Brancott Estate (previously known as Montana) planted the first Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, New Zealand, in 1975 and opening the first winery in a place that ended up becoming a globally renowned wine region. Laura Kerr, Assistant Brand ManagerLifestyle Portfolio at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, highlighted the new Brancott Bottle image and the newlook visuals currently being used to promote the range.
18. Blossom Hill – California, USA (Findlater & Co)
Blossom Hill, a celebrated name in the wine industry with a 30-year legacy, offers an impressive selection of 17 fantastic wines to cater to every discerning palate. Whether consumers prefer fresh, fruity, crisp, juicy, smooth, mellow or spiced flavours, Blossom Hill's wine range has them covered. As a brand, Blossom Hill enjoys strong brand awareness and recognition among wine enthusiasts.
To further expand their consumer base, Blossom Hill are actively focused on attracting new and younger shoppers to the wine category. The brand's aim is to introduce a fresh generation to the pleasures of wine, while reinforcing their position as an approachable and fruit-forward option that is perfect for sharing with friends. The recent packaging revamp by Blossom Hill reflects this vision, showcasing a more contemporary and inviting design that aligns with the brand's positioning. The new packaging reflects the brand's commitment to creating an easy-drinking and enjoyable wine experience, perfect for sharing and socialising with friends.
19. Graham Norton (Barry & Fitzwilliam)
Brand new to the Irish wine brand chart in 2022, the Graham Norton (GN) range of wines celebrates its first decade this year. Founded by two Kiwi school friends Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in 2008, Invivo are behind the award-winning collaboration with Graham Norton. Graham Norton’s range now features 11 products. Graham is a shareholder in Invivo and is handson with tasting and blending each new wine or spirit, which are made to his taste.
This year the brand celebrates the fact that it has gone from 14,000 bottles in 2014 to 15 million in 2021. Speaking about his decade in the business, Graham Norton said, “It is surreal to think that our little collaboration together that started out all those years ago is now global. I am amazed, and proud of it too. I do not just put my name to the wines, I am involved and I love being part of the process.”
Graham Norton now sells his wines in 16 countries and his Sauvignon Blanc is one of the top three Sauvignon Blanc brands on the Irish market this year. This summer, look out for the Graham Norton (GN) New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on offer at €12, the GN Frizzante Bianco & Rosé will be on offer for €11.50 and the GN Shiraz and GN Rosé will also have a special offer price of €12.
20. Viña CarmenChile (United Wines)
The distribution in both the north and south of Ireland of the premium Chilean brand Viña Carmen moved to United Wines in 2019. The flagship premium wine from the Santa Rita stable has a very loyal following on this market, especially with the customer who enjoys mid-priced quality wines from Chile. This year, Viña Santa Rita and Viña Carmen experienced a historically warm harvest, with the highest temperatures seen in the Chilean wine valleys over the last 70 years. This is an early harvest, like 2020, but with unprecedented grape maturity. Gerardo Leal, Viticulture Manager of Santa Rita Estates, commented, “Summer 2023 saw the thermometer soar to over 34°C, with successive heat waves from mid-January to the end of March. For this reason, the start of the harvest was brought forward to the first week of February and finished in record time in mid-April. This year has been special as historically this is the earliest we have ever started harvest. The white grapes were harvested mainly until mid-March, with very good results in terms of yields and quality, while the reds finished the process during the first week of April, with a lower production than estimated but slightly higher than the previous season.”
