Introducing Rutas de Cafayate and new innovation Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay
Introducing Rutas de Cafayate and new innovation Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay
Pernod Ricard UK is adding to its already strong portfolio of wine brands with the launch of Rutas de Cafayate, a wine from one of the most prestigious wineries of Argentina. Set to arrive on shelves on the 10th October, the launch brings a brand-new Malbec to the UK, and is set to capitalise on the popularity of Argentinian wine as the fastest growing Country of Origin. Also available on the same date, Jacob’s Creek is releasing an exciting new addition to its pioneering Double Barrel range – a Chardonnay crafted in aged Scotch whisky barrels; the first of its kind in the world.
The new launches follow the recent appointment of Lucy Bearman as Wine Portfolio Director and demonstrate Pernod Ricard UK’s commitment to the category, which gained momentum over the lockdown period, fuelled by the rise of at-home consumption as more consumers enjoyed wine at home, as opposed to in pubs and bars.
Rutas de Cafayate Malbec
Situated 1,750 metres above sea level in the Salta desert, the Cafayate winery is one of the highest wine regions in the world and has been producing wine symbolic of its terroir since it was founded in 1850. Its characterful flavour reflects the vineyard’s unique location nestled amongst the mountain ranges of the Calchaquí Valley, where Rutas de Cafayate is produced under sustainable practices and the winery is accredited with Bodegas de Argentina’s sustainable Agriculture Certification.
Rutas de Cafayate is launching in the UK with an approachable and smooth Malbec. Deep purple in colour with hints of plum and strawberry on the nose, its structure and silky tannins offer good concentration and balance on the palate. Perfect for dinner parties and sharing with friends, its lively, fragrant and versatile taste make it a great match for a wide array of dishes including cheese, grilled meat, charcuterie and roasted aubergines.
Argentinian wine is amongst the top 10 Countries of Origin and the category is growing +33% in value[1], whilst Malbec is the fastest growing grape variety, up by +30.5% in value sales and growing more than double the pace of total Light Wine growth[2].
Lucy Bearman, Pernod Ricard UK Wine Portfolio Director, comments: “Our ambition is to lead premium wine in every Country of Origin we operate in, and we’re set to disrupt the Argentinian wine category by bringing Rutas de Cafayate to the UK. The interaction between the climate, the soil, the geographical location, the height, the vines and the work of every person involved in Cafayate’s winemaking process gives it a unique expression and personality, and we’re confident that the launch will recruit those already enjoying Malbecs and, with its stand-out contemporary pack design, new-to-category drinkers.”
Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay
The Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel range launched in 2014 with a Shiraz finished in aged Scotch whisky barrels and a Cabernet Sauvignon finished in Irish whisky barrels. Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay is the first white to be released under this rapidly growing range, and is the world’s first Chardonnay crafted in aged Scotch whisky barrels.
True to the innovative philosophy behind the Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel range, 100% of the constituent parcels spend time in aged whisky barrels as well as traditional wine barrels. To make Double Barrel Chardonnay, the juice is split in halves. The first half is fermented in whisky barrels, and then matured in wine barrels. The second half is fermented in wine barrels, and then finished in whisky barrels. This provides two very different flavour profiles which are then blended together to create an exceptional palate which is both unique and unexpected.
Sourced from premium regions, Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay is a full-bodied white which is perfect for savouring on its own or enjoyed with dishes that include smoked salmon, creamy dressings, grilled chicken or even a festive turkey. It has delicious intense ripe citrus flavours with complex aromas of toasted malt, cut apples and peanut brittle. The palate is fresh and vibrant – tightly defined with a firm structure due to the influence of the whisky barrel, and softened by a delicate creamy texture on the back palate. Its richer, softer, smoother character can be appreciated now or cellared until 2022.
Australian wine remains the leading Country of Origin and holds a 20.6% market value share[3]. Chardonnay is also growing +8.7%[4] in value sales and follows the proven success of Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz which is growing +50.8% in value[5].
Lucy Bearman continues: “Jacob’s Creek is the UK’s most well-known wine brand[6] and we’re excited to continue innovating in the Australian wine category with the launch of Double Barrel Chardonnay. A totally new style of premium Chardonnay, the use of aged Whisky barrels imparts additional flavours, complexity, structure and depth to the palate whilst still retaining all the characteristics of a balanced Chardonnay, and the launch will appeal to consumers seeking a delicious wine for celebratory nights in.”
Rutas de Cafayate Malbec will be available at an RRP of £8.50 and Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay will have an RRP of £12. Both will be available from J Sainsbury’s from 10th October.