StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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41 StateWays Q www.stateways.com Q September/October 2014 imported wine by volume, and giving it about 4% of the total U.S. wine market. While Chile represented 8% of the imported category by volume, it was the number one imported bulk wine both by volume and value, accounting for 28% of the imported bulk category. Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon take the lead, followed by Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Carmenère. New ter- roirs, like Elqui and Leyda Valleys in the north, and Bio Bio and Malleco in the south, are also gaining traction. "Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is the driving force in Chilean category sales by far, and will remain so for the foreseeable future, the reason being that regardless of the price range, whether $10, $10-$15 or $20-$125, Chilean Cabs over-deliver in taste, quality and consistency from vintage to vintage versus many other Cabernets from more volatile climates around the world — thanks to Chile's singular geographic location and its correspond- ing combination of climate and terroir," says Marc Go- odrich, president of Excelsior Wine Company — which distributes wines from Chilean powerhouse Concha y Toro and Argentine subsidiary Trivento. Palm Bay International's Michael Preis, brand manager for the behemoth brand Santa Rita, says that "Chile offers an amazing array of varietals and sub-regions that provide exceptional value at every price point, which is a unique proposition coming from one country. Whether it's Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc from Leyda, Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo, Carmenère from Colchagua or Cabernet Franc from Pumanque, there are extraordinary terroir- driven varietals being produced in Chile these days." Ramkowsky spent two years with his partner amassing a collection of wines that represent "New Chile." "Our port- folio is the fi rst to represent the diversity of Chile and the next generation of wineries. Chile is mirroring the evolution of California," he explains. "From large production areas — Central Valley, California and Central Valley, Chile — to more specifi c regions — Napa Valley and Maipo Valley — to new regions—Sonoma Coast and Leyda — Chile is a country of diversity that is only beginning to be explored." Among the new rollouts he's looking forward to: Casa Silva's "Carmenère Project" and Garcia & Schwader- er's "Bravado," a blend of Carignan, Cabernet and Syrah. Engaging the Masses S anta Rita has seen two years of positive growth above the overall category, an average of 8%-10% a year, according to Preis. The brand just launched a red blend, predominantly Cabernet Franc with Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon, called the Hero's Salute, an ode to the 120 patriots who fought in Chile's battle of indepen- dence. A second blend, the "Secret Reserve" — named for the oversized mirror hanging in the Santa Rita Casa Real Hotel that has witnessed over a century of dinners, dances and "secrets" — will be comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. For several years, Banfi 's Emiliana, from Chile, has had a strong on-premise presence. Now it is seeing a natural progression of success at the retail level. In par- Chile's Emiliana Vineyards are known for their organic, sustainable production practices.