Sogrape launches Mateus Expressions

A new range of Mateus wines has been launched by Sogrape. Mateus Expressions comprises four rosé and one white wine which combine Portuguese and international varietals.

The Mateus wine brand was first developed in 1942 by Sogrape, a leading Portuguese family owned fine wine company. The first wine, Mateus Rosé, was a completely new style and a major innovation in the wine world at the time. Mateus rapidly became a consumer favourite around the world and it has held this position for over 70 years. Mateus Sparkling was introduced six years ago and also enjoys a strong international consumer following.

This latest offering, Expressions, is presented in clear Bordeaux shaped bottles with a contemporary label design.

Matt Douglas, MD of Sogrape’s UK agency Stevens Garnier states: “Our research shows that Mateus has exceptionally strong brand recognition in the UK and we feel that, as one of the leading wine brands in this market, we have an opportunity to present some of the most interesting Portuguese wine varietals in a contemporary and relevant way through our new range, Mateus Expressions.”

The Expressions range comprises three rosé wines – Baga and Shiraz, Baga and Muscat and Aragonez and Zinfandel – and one white wine – a Maria Gomes and Chardonnay blend.

In developing a range of wines using international and Portuguese varietal blends, Mateus aims to provide consumers with a range of styles to suit all tastes and to provide new interest and depth to the rosé and Portuguese categories.

All wines have an RRP of £7.99 and were presented on Wednesday 5th March at the UK’s annual Wines of Portugal trade tasting.

Mateus continues to be one of the world’s leading wine brands and remains a key focus for Sogrape with a £2 million brand investment in Mateus this year in the UK.

17 March 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor