News Briefs for September 30, 2016

•Captain Morgan brand is set to roll out a new Jack-O’Blast Limited Edition Pumpkin Spiced Rum. The new entry targets the shot occasion with a blend of Caribbean rum and seasonal flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and other spices. Jack-O’Blast’s spherical bottle is similar to that of Captain Morgan Cannon Blast, and features orange and green colors. Retailing at $15.99 a 750-ml., the seasonal extension is launching nationwide for a limited time. Captain Morgan’s U.S. volume slipped 0.5% to 6.4 million nine-liter cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

•Frederick Wildman and Sons has expanded its Rhône portfolio with the additions of Domaine de Bonserine and Domaine Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet. Domaine de Bonserine, owned by the Guigal family, includes three Côte-Rôtie wines ranging from $72-$123 at retail, as well as a Condrieu ($72). Domaine Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet’s Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas offerings range from $27-$102 a bottle.

•New Zealand winemaker Villa Maria is launching its first sparkling wine in the U.S. market. The 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Bubbly ($16), as it’s called, is lightly carbonated and at 13% ABV. Some 1,000 cases initially will be shipped to New York, Illinois, Texas, Florida and California. Greater volume is expected to be shipped in 2017. “We regard this first release as a test,” said Villa Maria CEO Sir George Fistonich. “We have the capacity to make more of this—much more.” The Bubbly brand has been on the New Zealand market for three years. Villa Maria also will introduce its first rosé into the U.S. market next year, made from Merlot and Pinot Noir and retailing at $15. Villa Maria’s U.S. importer is Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

•Beverage alcohol delivery platform Drizly has entered San Francisco, bringing its reach to 25 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Concurrently, Drizly has unveiled new “marketplace” features, allowing customers to shop the inventories of multiple retailers, compare pricing and choose from delivery, in-store pick-up and shipping options. Drizly, in which the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America holds a minority stake, recently told SND that it plans to grow its footprint to around 30 markets by year-end.

Tagged : Captain Morgan, Domaine de Bonserine, Domaine Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet, Drizly, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Villa Maria, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

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