REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT:
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: AMERICAS Pushing Boundaries of Research Concha y Toro announces new Centre for Research and Innovation for Chilean wine industry With an initial investment of about US million, Concha y Toro has opened a new research centre in Chile’s Maule Valley. The establishment is designed to support viti- and vinicultural research and experiment not only for the benefit of Concha y Toro, but to facilitate a qualitative leap for the entire Chilean wine industry. In a press statement, Concha y Toro says “Being at the forefront and innovating is essential for a leading and globally competitive company, and Concha y Toro, as leader of the Chilean wine industry, contributes to its development through the creation of the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI), located in the Maule valley, Chile’s Seventh Region.” The purpose-built modular facility of 1,500 square metres houses a laboratory, an experimental wine cellar, and tasting and extension rooms. At the centre, a team of top researchers will conduct analysis in the areas of genetic material, viticulture, winemaking processes, product design and market trends, which are part of the matrix defined in the R&D&i strategy of the CRI. “Today the industry must focus to make Established in 1995, Argentina’s Catena Wine Institute (CIW) is celebrating 20 years as a pioneer in high altitude viticulture. The Catena family has been at the forefront of winemaking in Argentina since 1902 when Italian immigrant Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza. The CIW is comprised of a team of researchers with expertise in soil and high altitude viticulture and winemaking, and includes fourth generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena, chief winemaker and soils expert Alejandro Vigil and the Institute’s Executive Dr. Laura Catena, daughter of South America wine pioneer Nicolás Catena Zapata who has led the research and development department increased qualities compatible with efficient production systems,” Concha y Toro says. “The development of new projects requires incorporating key aspects such as an efficient management of natural resources (more scarce every day) and addressing the new scenarios in which agricultural mechanisation and automation in cellars is increasing day by day.” CONCHA Y TORO JOINS VIGNO INITIATIVE Concha y Toro has marked its membersip of Vigno - Vignadores de Carignan – a small group of wineries dedicated at the family’s winery since the 1990s. “My father dared to plant Malbec in our Adrianna Vineyard at 4,757 feet elevation, where no one thought it would ripen,” said Dr. Catena. “There was some luck involved, a great deal of luck I would say, but my father’s intuition that sunlight intensity at a high altitude would make ripening possible was fortunately correct. Today with the Catena Institute of Wine we have the opportunity to share that research to benefit our entire region.” The Institute, in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, recently published a comparative study in Food Chemistry on the chemical and sensory composition of Malbec in both the northern and southern hemispheres (California and Argentina). The study addresses unanswered questions in to the revival of the Carignan grape in Chile’s Maule region with the launch of Vina Concha y Toro under the Vigno brand. Produced by winemaker, Marcelo Papa, it hopes it will be able to bring greater attention to the Vigno initiative and confirm its commitment to creating innovative, cutting edge wines. Concha y Toro’s Vigno 2013 has been made from grapes from very old head trained vines, grown on red clay soils lacking in nutrients and dry farmed in the Maule Valley. Hall 1, Stand A-171 Vines in the Clouds Catena Institute of Wine Celebrates 20 th anniversary as pioneer in high altitude wine production the field of high altitude viticulture. Researchers wanted to know exactly how altitude makes a difference and how to vinify Malbec in high altitude conditions. Hall 1, Stand DE-245 TWO NEW VARIANTS ADDED TO REBEL YELL BOURBON LINEUP Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon is adding two new variants to the current family lineup with the launch of Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye and American Whiskey. “Rebel Yell is bridging the gap between its proud heritage and modern tastes with these two new brand innovations,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “With whiskey experiencing category growth and the new generation of bourbon drinkers demanding innovative higher-proof spirits, these offerings add exciting new tastes to the Rebel Yell family.” Rebel Yell American Whiskey combines 50% of Rebel Yell’s original Kentucky Straight Bourbon with 50% straight rye, offering both the smoothness of the wheated bourbon and the spiciness of a rye in perfect combination. The result is “100% American whiskey”. At 90% proof, both new variants are available in a corked 750ml bottle with screen-printed label graphics to reinforce the independent, rebellious spirit of Rebel Yell. “We are constantly responding to consumer demand with our new products and creating great experiences for bourbon enthusiasts. The Small Batch Rye is spicy with walnut and black pepper notes,” says John Rempe, director of research and development. “And the American Whiskey has notes of oak, caramel and vanilla which tones down the spiciness of the rye to create a mellower, smoother taste.” The brand recently updated its packaging and label and is also revamping its loyalty program, Band of Rebels, a fellowship of the most loyal Rebel Yell fans and supporters. The program will offer more engagement with members, an updated welcome kit, exclusive member e-newsletters as well as great gifts and gear. Hall 3, Stand VW-322 18 VINEXPO DAILY / DAY 1 / SUNDAY 14 TH JUNE 2015
© Les Williams HOSPITALITY / RESTAURANTS / BARS WHERE TO GO IN Bordeaux CLUBS / EVENTS / SHOPPING / CULTURE A vibrant mix of tradition and modernity One of the most “Michelin-starred” chefs in the world, Joël Robuchon is a legend in his homeland, and himself is a lover of the region of Bordeaux – for many reasons. We asked him to tell us a little more… Joël Robuchon Michelin-starred chef The South West is my place of predilection with its exceptional products and a sublime terroir of which few areas in France can boast. Installing myself in Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital, and especially with my friend Bernard Magrez was a beautiful and rare adventure: that’s why Bordeaux was “love at first sight”. For a year now that I have been coming here regularly, I discover this city, enterprising, vibrant, never ceasing to embellish itself, combining the tradition of its rich architectural past with the modernity of the new century. It is pure pleasure to stroll along the river, from the discovery of mansions with secret gardens, to strolling in its green parks. Bordeaux is a very endearing city. Do you have a favourite restaurant and/or wine bar in Bordeaux? I’m seduced by the many wine bars and wine merchants competing with elegance for the presentation of their beautiful bottles. I find that the CIVB wine bar is a veritable voyage, very friendly, where tourists of all nationalities gather around a glass of Bordeaux: an impressive range! For eating, I have a preference for “Le Petit Commerce”, a fish restaurant owned by one of the best fish merchants of the city that allowed me to discover Bernard Magrez: spotlighting the product in all its simplicity, with charming hospitality and attentive service. I FIND THAT THE CIVB WINE BAR IS A VERITABLE VOYAGE, VERY FRIENDLY… Can you suggest a ‘must’ for those on a first visit to the city? Without hesitating, a visit to the Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez: in addition to the regular exhibitions and the special permanent collection of the master of the house, the mansion in itself is a splendour in the heritage of Bordeaux: an imposing white stone dwelling of the 18th century, with its French garden, lounges with painted ceilings, mouldings and woodwork. And most importantly, you just have to cross the street to enter the Grande Maison: a true linking place between all the arts: gastronomy, great wines, and contemporary art! VINEXPO DAILY / DAY 1 / SUNDAY 14 TH JUNE 2015 19
