AS AN international “thank you” to the Irish consumers of Santa Rita wines, the ever popular Chilean wine producer has launched a new, limited edition range of wines customised for the Irish Independent Off Licence market. With the Irish market accounting for some 220,000 cases of wine from the Santa Rita winery last year, Carlos Gatica, chief winemaker for the Santa Rita 120 range notes the importance of Ireland to their export trade.
“When we produce our wines for export, Ireland and the USA are our biggest markets. Between those two countries over half of our export cases are accounted for. Heroes is our way of saying thank you. We are introducing this limited edition wine, that is a premium product, at a very reasonable price point. It is important that we give something back and I think the Heroes range does that.”
The ‘Héroes’ range consists of a 2009 Malbec from Valle de Maipo and a 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay from Casablanca Valley. The collection has been created by the Santa Rita 120 winemaker Carlos Gatica in honour of Chile’s Bicentenary (1810 – 2010) of the fight for Chilean independence.
Both wines have a distinctive black label and perfectly represent Santa Rita’s dedication to excellence, innovation and international reputation for producing inspiring wines.
“Santa Rita Héroes 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay shows a golden colour with green hues. Aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple, banana and pear combined with fresh citrus notes, balanced acidity and white peach notes, give a long and persistent finish. It is an excellent accompaniment to casseroles, salads, shellfish, fish, cheese and white meats.
“Santa Rita Héroes 2009 Malbec presents a violet-red colour and aromas of red and black fruits, berries, spices and Cedar. It has a smooth and well rounded finish in the mouth and is an excellent accompaniment to roasts, red meat, grilled vegetables and hard cheeses.”
The ‘Héroes’ wine range also highlights the ‘Santa Rita 120 Local Hero campaign’ which asks the public to nominate someone who, in their eyes, is a true local hero. The winner will receive €10,000 to spend on their nominated piece of community activity, as well as a trip of a lifetime for two to Chile, the home of Santa Rita wine. Their nominator will also receive a trip for two to Chile.
So if you know someone who deserves recognition for the work they do in your local community, simply pick up a nomination form in your local pub or off-licence or log onto facebook.com/santarita120.
The Santa Rita ‘Héroes’ range will be available in independent off licences from next month priced at €9.99.
Next week fft will have an in-depth exclusive interview with Carlos Gatica of Santa Rita 120.
