Espiritu de Argentina Wines Available Now

Press Release
Source: Cecchetti Racke 
 
 SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cecchetti Racke announces the launch of Espiritu de Argentina in the U.S., the second brand from South America in partnership with Espiritu de Chile Ltd. Espiritu de Argentina is produced in conjunction with Bodega Monte Real Winery, a top family-run winery in Argentina. Cecchetti Racke, U.S. importer and the sales and marketing partner for the brand, is initially launching 12,000 cases in the following US markets: California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Washington and Texas. The brand is available in two distinct ranges. The Classic range offers typical Argentinean varietals such as Malbec, Bonarda, and Torrontés as well as a Shiraz and Chardonnay—all easy drinking, fruit driven and ideal for any occasion (SRP$ 10). The Reserva range is crafted with the premium wine connoisseur in mind, showcasing the best of Argentina, leading first with a Malbec, the signature Argentinean varietal. (SRP$ 15)

Business Wire - Roy Cecchetti, President of Cecchetti Racke (Photo: Business Wire) .  View Multimedia Gallery ...
“We are optimistic about the launch of Espiritu de Argentina here in the U.S.,” says Roy Cecchetti, President of Cecchetti Racke. “The timing is ideal. Argentinean wines are resonating with consumers. In these economic times they offer quality, value and something different.”

Argentinean wines are one of the fastest growing imports in the US, growing at 43%*, and continue to grow in popularity. To date, Espiritu de Argentina has had a successful introduction around the globe, selling over 240,000 cases since its launch in October 2008, and is represented in more than 15 countries worldwide. “This remarkable global growth in such a short period shows an enormous potential for the wine with the bull,” says Erik Ran, Senior Vice President of Sales for Cecchetti Racke.

Espiritu de Argentina is authentically Pure Argentina. The powerful bull symbol depicted on the label emphasizes the robust body and intensity of Argentinean wines and embodies the emotional values of the country of origin—Pride, Temperament, Classiness, Strength and Freedom. The silver–blue color combination personifies value and elegance and is true to the national colors of Argentina.

The wines for Espiritu de Argentina originate from selected vineyards in the Mendoza region and the heights of Tupungato in the Uco Valley. At 1,500 meters these are among the highest vineyards in the world and create terroir that is perfectly suited for growing the Malbec grape. “Suitable grape varieties, an ideal climate, mineral-rich soils and low rainfall are the natural secrets and crucial factors behind the excellent quality of Argentinean wines,” says Chief Winemaker, Luis Villarreal. “This distinctive terrain is ideal for great wines full of character. Espiritu de Argentina wines are the result of a perfect symbiosis: wine making know-how of the old world combined with unequalled growing conditions.”

Trade and media are invited to meet the Winemaker, Luis Villarreal, and sample the wines of Espiritu de Argentina at this week’s Wines of Argentina US tour with tastings scheduled in SF and NY. The San Francisco Tasting is Oct. 6th at The Regency Center and the New York Tasting is Oct. 8th at City Winery. Contact Monica Granados for details mgranados@balzac.com.

About Espiritu de Argentina

Launched in 2008, Espiritu de Argentina is a joint endeavor between Espiritu de Chile Ltd. and the Monte Real Winery, a renowned, family-owned business that is among the top wine producers in Argentina. The two companies are introducing Espiritu de Argentina to expand their winemaking expertise in South America. With its successful history and significant acreage of vineyards in the Mendoza wine region, the Monte Real Winery will bring superior quality grapes to Espiritu de Argentina. Led by Chief Winemaker Luis Villarreal, Espiritu de Argentina will be available in the Classic Range, which includes three reds, a rosé and two whites, as well as a Premium line which offers a Reserve Malbec.

In the US market Espiritu de Argentina is represented by Cecchetti Racke based in Sonoma, California. For more information visit www.espiritu-de-argentina.com or call (707) 939-2298.

* Nielsen data is based on dollar sales performance in a 52-week period ending May 2, 2009. (Geography Nielsen Total U.S. Food/Drug/Liquor Plus)