WJ Deutsch announces Corpora joint venture

WJ Deutsch & Sons, a leading US importer and marketer of wines and spirits, is partnering Corpora Group, a pioneer of the Bio Bio region of Chile and the Patagonia region of Argentina, in a joint venture to launch a brand from each of these emerging wine regions in South America. Deutsch and Corpora will create two brands that express the unique characteristics of these newly discovered terroirs. Both brands will be co-owned by Deutsch and Corpora and will be launched throughout the US to Deutsch’s extensive distribution network in the summer of 2010. The initial launch will consist of a Chilean Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Bio Bio and an Argentine Malbec from Patagonia, all line priced at US$12.99. Renowned for identifying and capitalising on consumer-led market opportunities, Deutsch sees great potential in the Chilean and Argentinean wine categories, both of which are outperforming overall wine category growth. “Argentine wines are on fire right now,” says CEO Peter Deutsch. “They are currently the fastest growing wine category, up over 30% by volume and over 40% by value since this time last year. Chile is also showing impressive numbers – growing sales at over double the rate of domestic sales growth. “Based on our research of US consumption habits, we believe these growth trends will continue. Following an extensive search we feel that Corpora Group, with their in-depth knowledge of these regions, state-of-the-art facilities, renowned winemaker and history of highly successful business ventures, is the ideal partner to work with in order to capitalise on the great opportunity that Chile and Argentina present.”             Jorge Goles, CEO of Corpora Wine Group, explains why the company has invested so much into these previously unsung regions, and his vision for the joint venture with Deutsch: “Corpora’s philosophy is one of quality, and we believe that the best wines are made in cold climate areas with hillside vineyards and complex soils that encourage deep roots. “Together with world-renowned winemaker Pascal Marchand and geologist Yves Herody we have identified the Bio Bio Valley’s potential for making world class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and especially Pinot Noir, and Patagonia’s potential for making outstanding Malbec. Over the past three years we have invested over US$20 million into these two regions, where we now own a combined total of 4,800 acres of premium vineyards, state-of-the-art wineries, and a luxury hotel. “With all of the tools in place to produce super premium wines from these idyllic wine valleys, the next step was to find a partner with an unprecedented history of brand building knowledge and success, coupled with a strong nationwide distribution network – Deutsch was the obvious choice! Together, our two family-owned and operated businesses are looking to not only put Bio Bio and Patagonia on the map of great wine regions of the world, but also build these brands into the leading Chilean and Argentinean wines in the country.”   About WJ DeutschWJ Deutsch & Sons Ltd was founded in 1981 by chairman Bill Deutsch whose son, Peter Deutsch, is CEO.  The company’s aim is to “market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world.” The WJ Deutsch & Sons portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia – Yellow Tail; California – Atlas Peak, Buena Vista Carneros, Esser Vineyards, Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, Geyser Peak, XYZin, Kunde Estate; France – Andre Lurton, Georges Duboeuf, Hob Nob Vineyards, Pierre Sparr, Sauvion et Fils, Vidal Fleury; Idaho – Ste Chapelle; Italy – Barone Fini, Castello di Monastero, Coldisole, Poggio alle Sughere, Lionello Marchesi, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand – The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Spain –Mar De Frades (Rias Baixas), Cruz de Alba (Ribera del Duero), Ramón Bilbao Vinos Y Vinedos (Rioja), and Volteo (Castilla); Washington – Columbia Winery, and Covey Run, and award-winning spirits from Landy Cognac (France) and Villa Massa (Italy). About Corpora GroupVC Family Estates, the wine branch of the Corpora Group, was founded in 1989 in order to produce premium quality wines. Focused on identifying and expressing the best terroir in South America, VC owns properties in Chile in the valleys of Aconcagua, Maipo, Alto Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bío Bío, and in Argentina in the Patagonia Valleys (Neuquén–Río Negro). Their team of expert winemakers and viticulturists, lead by Pascal Marchand and Patrick Piuze, currently produce a full range of premium wines under the names of Gracia, Porta, Agustinos and Veranda in Chile, and the Bodega Universo Austral in Argentina. VC Family Estates is an integral part of Corpora SA, an economic group, founded in 1893, by the Ibañez Family, which owns businesses in 48 countries, specializing in agro-industrial areas, tourism, metal packaging and preserves.   December 09

1 December 2009 - Felicity Murray