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Product News 17th March

Published:  18 January, 2007

Hitting the slopes
BlueRidge, the Bulgarian wine that allegedly launched a thousand haircuts, has been given a new look by Ehrmanns to mark its appointment to handle the brand.
Ehrmanns says that the labelling has been changed to project much stronger values'.

The range includes varietal wines Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay (all 3.99), and BlueRidge XR, a barrel-aged Chardonnay and Merlot (RRP 4.99). All of the wines will be bottled under screwcap.

Boyar CEO Margo Todorov says: Our investment in Stelvin technology is a further demonstration of our determination to improve the quality perception.'

Light as a fairy...

Beaujolais producer Domain J Boulon has developed new packaging for its English-speaking markets.

The range, which comprises a Beaujolais Vielles Vignes and a Morgon, will be officially launched at the Rendez-Vous Beaujolais event this week. Both wines feature the following slogan on the front label: Light as a fairy Reddish cherry

It's oh so very...'

Owner Jacques Boulon says: People appreciate France's food, lifestyle, cafs and, of course, wine. All create positive feelings and our new labels and brochure take advantage of these feelings with visual prompts, while at the same time using English expressions and references in the text.'

The Beaujolais will retail for 6.99, with the Morgon at 7.99. For more information, call Meredith Stevens on 0033 490 222 075.

Darkest Peru

Cusquea, Peru's number one beer brand, is to launch a dark beer next month.

The company claims that 2006 is set to be the year of dark beer', adding that drinkers are moving away from the Extra Cold or Cold Filtered variants'.

Brewed at 5.6% abv, Cusquea Malta is described as malty, slighty sweet, with chocolatey flavours giving it a really rich and satisfying finish'.

The beer will be stocked by Venus & Co, the Firmdale Hotel Group in London, and Mojo in Manchester.

Flower power

A fifth version of Aliz, the Cognac liqueur, is to launch in the UK this month.

A blend of French vodka, VS Cognac, passion fruit, strawberry, lychee and a hint of rose petal, Aliz Rose is designed to be drunk chilled over ice, with a mixer, or as a cocktail ingredient.

UK distributor, J Wray & Nephew UK, is working with London hip hop radio station Choice FM and will run a series of United States of Aliz parties in London between April and September.

Brand manager Jacklyn Frahill says: Aliz Rose will be launched in London and then rolled out to other UK cities.'

A 700ml bottle of will retail at 14.99.

Harpers Tasting Panel

2004 Chteau Laulerie Montravel

4.99

Producer: Dubard et Frre et Soeur

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc/

Smillon

Stockist: Aldi

Rounded, citrussy with tropical fruit notes, melon, stone fruit. Well balanced with good acidity. An excellent white Bordeaux that is good value at 4.99. CD

2004 Chateau Ducla AC Entre Deux Mers

6.64

Producer: Yvon Mau

Grapes: Smillon/Sauvignon Blanc

Stockist: www.sainsburyswine.co.uk

Racy acidity. Grassy, but not unripe notes along with hints of green apples. Not a wine for someone who has cut their teeth on New World wines; someone who likes a New Zealand Sauvignon, would find this disappointing. Classy, traditional, labelling with a price to match. CD

2003 Chteau du Moulin Rouge

7.99

Producer: Pelon-Ribeiro

Grapes: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Cabernet

Franc (5%)

Stockist: Aldi

A serious' wine which demonstrates Aldi's aspirations to be seen as offering quality wines. From a hefty vintage, this is medium to full bodied with plenty of ripe dark fruit. Reassuringly traditional label, naff name (Moulin Rouge - give me a break!) Full, rounded, approachable - buy now, drink now. CD

2005 Peacock Ridge

7.95-8.49

Producer: Waterkloof

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

Stockist: The Wine Society, among others

Classic, screwcapped, Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa. Clean, crisp, not at all flabby, Asparagus, gooseberries with steely, mineral, notes. Everything you'd expect from a New World Sauvignon. CD

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