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Michael Cooper reviews some of Constellation New Zealand's wines in the 4 February issue of The Listener magazine.
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Truly a wine for The People!
Martin Poppelwell predicted the success of The People’s Wine at the first bottling run when he proclaimed “My goodness, thousands of little drawings making their way into the world and onto people’s tables. That might just get people talking!”. And talking they must be, because this funky collaboration between the artist and our talented winemaker’s has had the success that few new brands can claim in such a short period of time. All five of the original varietals now rank in the top five in sales in their category with the new Barossa Valley Shiraz having just sneaked into the top 10 (over summer no less!).
Following on from the successful ‘Win a limited edition People’s Wine Print’ launch promotion in 2010, last year consumers had the chance to ‘Hit the Jackpottery’ and win a limited edition, hand-crafted Martin Poppelwell plate. Martin crafted, painted and fired each of the plates in the kiln at his house in Napier and no two are the same. When asked about the artwork Martin said “In this day and age it is often rewarding to be able to do and make things oneself, independently. This work for The People’s Wine combines notions of function and ritual around a table with company, food and perhaps a glass of wine!”
In 2012, The People’s Wine continues its success and will offer consumers not only amazing wine, but the chance to win some very special hand-crafted pieces.
The People’s Wine – Handcrafted inside and out
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CONSTELLATION PURCHASES REMAINING PORTION OF
ICONIC RUFFINO WINE BUSINESS
~Global leverage of heritage and quality next step in the brand’s evolution~
VICTOR, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2011 – Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), the world’s leading premium wine company, announced today that it has purchased the remaining 50.1 percent of Ruffino S.r.l. from MPF International S.r.l., an entity controlled by the Folonari family of Tuscany, Italy for approximately €50 million, ($69 million). Constellation also assumes approximately €55 million, ($73 million) of debt, net of cash acquired, as part of the transaction. Constellation welcomes approximately 130 employees and now fully owns the iconic Ruffino brand and historical production facility located in close proximity to Florence. The wines continue to be produced on approximately 600 hectares of prestigious vineyards at the same Tuscan Estates of Ruffino as has been done for decades.
“The prestigious Ruffino brand, which dates back to 1877, is an internationally recognized Old World wine brand that sets the standard for Italian wines,” said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands, Inc. “We intend to build on the history of the Folonari family and the image and reputation they brought to the brand for today’s wine consumers who enjoy Tuscan style wines.”
“Constellation has a history of evolving iconic wines, such as the Robert Mondavi brand, and nurturing them to their full potential,” said Adolfo Folonari, the outgoing managing director of Ruffino S.r.l, who will remain with Ruffino as a board member. “I am confident that Constellation will leverage its global best practices to take the Ruffino
brand to an entirely new level, while carefully preserving the heritage of the wines.”
Among Ruffino’s most recognized brands are the coveted Ruffino Riserva Ducale which is celebrating its 80th anniversary vintage this year and Riserva Ducale Gold, Il Ducale, Chianti Superiore, Lumina and Modus. According to SymphonyIRI industry data for the last 52 weeks, Ruffino is experiencing approximately eight percent growth in dollar sales in the U.S. Ruffino’s year-to-date global sales are growing at nine percent. The brand has launched a number of new items in the last year, including the highly successful introduction of Ruffino Prosecco sparkling wine.
Constellation also named Sandro Sartor to be the general manager of Ruffino, effective November 1, 2011. Sartor will be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Ruffino business and will report to Greg Fowler, Constellation’s senior vice president, operations. Most recently, Sartor served as managing director and general manager for Diageo Italia S.p.A.
Constellation’s equity interest in Ruffino began in 2004 with a 40 percent stake in the company and increased to 49.9 percent in 2010. Since then, the Ruffino brand has become one of Constellation’s 19 “focus brands” which represent the majority of profit for the company’s U.S. wine and spirits business.
Ruffino annually produces 1.3 million cases of wine which are sold in key markets around the world. Approximately 50 percent of its sales are currently made by Constellation in the U.S. The remaining portion is expected to become incremental to Constellation’s total wine volumes.
For financial reporting purposes, Constellation will begin consolidating Ruffino’s financial results in its North American segment, where previously they were recorded as equity earnings. Constellation expects this transaction to be neutral to the company’s ongoing diluted EPS for fiscal 2012.
