News Briefs for December 11, 2018

•New in the ready-to-drink sector, Portland, Oregon-based Picnic Table Wine Co. has launched Picnic Sparkling Wine Cocktail in Berry and Citrus variations. Both are made with white grapes from the Pacific Northwest and California, canned at 5.5%-abv, and sold individually for $5. Picnic Table Wine Co. is a collaborative venture between Lee Medoff of Bull Run Distilling and Mark White of Rose City Distilling. Point Blank Distributing is in charge of distribution and has made it available throughout the great Portland area.

•Wine Spectator has unveiled its 100 Top Values list for 2018, focused on great wines retailing in the $20-and-under segment. This year’s Top Values list showcases a diverse range of wines from California regions such as Santa Barbara, Monterey, Lodi, and Clarksburg, as well as bottlings from key import regions like Tuscany and the Rhône. All of Wine Spectator’s 100 Top Values scored 88 points or higher and are widely available. Click here to check out the top value wines of 2018.

•Tussock Jumper has expanded its portfolio of internationally sourced wines with a Pinot Noir from France. The Vin de France-appellated wine is sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the South of France, vineyards in Jura, and from Central France. Tussock Jumper’s Cuvée des Fêtes 2017 is now available across the U.S. for a suggested price of $13. The brand is handled by Tri-Vin Imports in the U.S.

•Heineken USA’s Strongbow Hard Ciders has announced the launch of a packaging format aimed at health-conscious consumers. Set to roll out in January, the 8.5-ounce 100 Cal Slim Cans will be sold in 12-can variety packs that contain Strongbow’s Dry Pear, Rosé Apple, and Original Dry flavors. The 100 Cal Slim Can variety pack will be available across the U.S. market. Heineken unveiled the Slim Can format for its flagship beer in 2014.

•Importer and marketer Wilson Daniels has named William Davis as its director of education. In this newly created role, Davis will provide training and education to the company’s sales teams. Davis has been Wilson Daniels’ regional manager for the Rocky Mountain region for the last four years.

Tagged : 100 Top Values, Picnic Table Wine Co., Strongbow, Tussock Jumper, Wilson Daniels, Wine Spectator

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