Root: 1 Wines Adds Chardonnay and Carmenere to Its Best-Selling Lineup

SEATTLE, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- In just three years since its introduction, Root: 1, the original ungrafted, has become one of the best-selling Chilean wine brands in the United States. To meet growing consumer demand, Root: 1 is adding two new varietals to its lineup: a smooth, richly flavored Carmenere and a crisp, fresh Chardonnay. Carmenere is Chile's signature varietal and Chardonnay, America's favorite white.

Known for its smooth appeal, Carmenere produces a deep colored, full-bodied wine that offers the charm of Merlot and the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Thought to have disappeared, Carmenere grapes were discovered in Chile in 1994 and the varietal is now experiencing a resurgence among Americans. The slow-ripening "lost" grape of Bordeaux found its most perfect microclimate in Chile's long, dry growing season. Sales of Carmenere over $10 were up 66 percent in US Groceries, according to AC Nielsen (September, 2008). Produced in Colchaugua Valley, Root: 1 Carmenere is deep red in color with gentle tannins and rich flavors of plum, blackberry and spice.

As America's favorite white, Chardonnay represents more than half of the white wine consumed in the United States. Recent trends show wine drinkers who once preferred heavily oaked Chardonnays are migrating to elegant, terroir-driven wines that pair better with food. The new Root: 1 Chardonnay is perfectly suited for consumers' growing preference. Its balanced style offers both the fruit and acidity that consumers are looking for today. Grown in the cool, coastal Casablanca Valley, renowned for producing the best white wines in South America, Root: 1 Chardonnay is fresh, expressive and balanced with melon, honey and toasted hazelnut flavors.

"In these economic times consumers really want the most for their money. Root: 1 is priced right, packaged beautifully and offers consistent superior quality and abundant fruit characters, making it very popular with my best customers," said Michael Quinlan, Table and Vine, New England's premier fine wine and spirit merchant located in Massachusetts. "I anticipate the Carmenere and Chardonnay will attract more wine enthusiasts to this excellent wine brand."

According to AC Nielsen (October, 2008, US Grocery), Root: 1 Cabernet is the best-selling, super-premium imported Cabernet and the fastest growing. Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc is the second best-selling Chilean Sauvignon Blanc over $10. All Root: 1 varietals are available nationwide for the suggested retail price of $12.99.

Handcrafted by Vina Ventisquero and produced in partnership with Click Wine Group, Root: 1 wines are estate-grown using sustainable viticulture practices. While most vineyards around the world are planted on grafted rootstock, Root: 1 wines are cultivated on original, ungrafted roots, producing outstanding quality wine with pure, fruit flavors and aromas.

Click Wine Group, in partnership with highly acclaimed wineries, produces modern, memorable, exceptional quality wines from world-class appellations in the super-premium category. By focusing on signature varietals, the company showcases the very best characteristics unique to each varietal and region. Click Wine Group is a division of Winebow. For more information visit clickwinegroup.com.

Website: http://www.clickwinegroup.com