Viña Ventisquero Targets Ireland for Growth in 2011
The company, which has been committed to environmental practices, quality and innovation since its inception by a team of young entrepreneurs in 1998, is introducing new wines and it has joined forces with BirdWatch Ireland.
Vina Ventisquero’s eco-friendly Yali portfolio is named after the El Yali Wetland located in the same valley as the company’s winery and home to 25 per cent of Chile’s bird species. The area is a part of Chile’s ‘National System of Wild Areas Protected by the State’ and one of only seven RAMSAR sites in the country. Viña Ventisquero owns vineyards in some of Chile’s prime grape-growing regions: Casablanca, coastal Maipo, Apalta and Lolol vineyards in Cochagua as well as new plantings in Leyda.
There are several ranges of Yali wines available here via Barry Group’s Carry Out and CostCutter outlets as well as in Tesco.
At entry level are the Yali Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, retailing at €8.99 each.
A selection of the varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carménère, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay) of National Reserva from Yali’s middle grade range is also available which retails from €10.99 to €11.99.
Currently, Carry Out stocks Yali’s top tier wine, Three Lagoons Grand Reserve, named after a string of lakes in the El Yali Wetland and available in Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
“The Yali wines really embody our commitment to environmental practices,” comments Brand Manager for Yali, Laura Fontana, “The range is only available in lightweight bottles which, at 382gms, weigh 10 per cent less than traditional bottles. In addition, the CO2 emissions on the transport of the wines, at two tons per container, have been offset since 2007.”
As part of Viña Ventisquero’s commitment to the Irish market it recently entered into a partnership with Birdwatch Ireland whereby a donation is made to the charity for every case of Yali wine sold in Ireland. Established in 1968, Birdwatch Ireland is dedicated to protecting Ireland’s wild birds and their habitats.
Viña Ventisquero has a new-look website, www.ventisquero.com and interested parties can also sign up to www.winetalkblog.com. For more information about the Yali range of wines visit www.yali.cl .
Viña Ventisquero’s winemaker, Alejandro Galaz, will be in Ireland from 9th to 11th May prior to attending the London International Wine Fair (17th to 19th May). Alejandro joined the company after stints working with Kendall-Jackson in Monterey and Castel-Virginie in Languedoc-Roussillon. He’s responsible for Viña Ventisquero’s white wines but also has a passion for Pinot Noir.
