16
Beverage Media
October 2012
WINE
BUZZ
ITALY:
NOW ON TAP!
Tailor-made for by-the-glass programs, large events and bars, Bedford
International’s
Unokeg Singlo
marks Italy’s first-ever range of wines in a
disposable, fully recyclable keg format. The technology works via the same
air-compressor system used for beer, but unlike with traditional steel kegs, there
are no deposits or returns. The first three wines on tap are sparkling Prosecco,
Pinot Grigio and a Merlot-Cabernet blend. The keg efficiencies translate into very
attractive margins: Unokeg Singlo Prosecco breaks down to an estimated cost of
20
to 25 cents per ounce ($1-$1.25 per 5-oz. pour); the still wines can be served for
18
to 22 cents per ounce. Now in 16 states, including MA, NY, NJ, DC, GA, TX, CA
and IL, with seven more set to open up this fall.
winesfrombedford.com
LAMANCHA
READY TO RIDE
With wines from Spain widely
embraced by Americans, led by
classic regions such as Rioja and
Ribera del Duero, the stage is set for
La Mancha
to gain our attention.
Located in central Spain, La Mancha, is actually the largest demarcated wine zone
in all of Europe, featuring nearly 300 wineries and nearly half a million acres of
sprawling vineyards. Modern technology and techniques have helped counter the
intense summer heat, and a new generation of international varieties are growing
alongside the white grape Airén and popular Spanish red Tempranillo (called
Cencibel locally). Besides recognition as the Land of Don Quixote, La Mancha has
another huge plus: the wines offer tremendous quality-price ratios. Brands already in
distribution include Volver, Paso a Paso, El Vinculo, Finca Antigua and Condesa de
Leganza. With road shows planned for fall and 2013, plus a string of fine vintages,
more are sure to follow.
lamanchawines.com
WINE
BUZZ
THEY’RE HERE,
THEY’RE RED,
MAKE ROOM FOR ’EM.
Metrics alone don’t capture the significance of
mixed red blends—a category we like to call
“
Splendid Blendeds.” Consider how many big
industry players have just tossed hats in the
ring: Francis Ford Coppola (
Diamond Red
Blend
,
SRP $18); Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
(
Indian Wells Red Blend
,
$18, joining their $12
Hot to Trot); and two from Constellation (Clos Du
Bois
Rouge
$12, and
Thorny Rose
,
$11).
Ironically, the common denominator
among the new wave of red blends is the
utter disparity of grapes being used—usual
players like Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel
mingling with outliers like Petite Sirah,
Cinsault and Charbono. The seeming chaos
of combos is largely muted by the way
they are presented—straightforwardly (and
sometimes fancifully) as blends, without
pretense of terroir.
While Splendid Blendeds are designed to
uncork (or unscrew) tonight, styles can vary
significantly. Blends around or under $10—e.g.,
Apothic Red, Cupcake Red Velvet, Ménage à
Trois—usually present themselves as soft and
jammy, if not technically sweet. Wines in the
teens tend to be dry, more structured, and to
show some oak. Moving forward, it will become
increasingly important for re-sellers to know
where their blends stand on the sweet-dry
spectrum. Tasting notes or other signage to
distinguish the styles can help make sure these
crowdpleasing reds get the chance to please
the right crowds.
