Most Admired Wine Brands

Ringing the changes hange is the word that best describes this year’s Most Contents Admired Wine Brands supplement. The definition of How we did it Cadmired may have remained the same, but change is The methodology behind the evident in almost every other way – from the logo to the academy research explained 4-5 list, Most Admired has gone from strength to strength. With four times the respondents as in previous years and many of Top 50 Listing them willing to discuss the reasons behind their admiration, big sales The definitive guide to the World’s 50 haven’t necessarily converted to big love from the academy. Most Admired Wine Brands 7-23 And what about the top 50? You guessed it – it’s all change. Most Regionals Admired has crowned a new champion, there are no non-movers in Top wines by region: North America, South the chart and nine brands appear for the first time. Both Old World America, Europe, and Australia & New Zealand and New World wines make the cut. 25-30 For the first time in its history, Most Admired has also spoken The Complete Chart extensively to the winning wine brands and asked them what it Your at-a-glance guide to the full list, including means to them to receive the admiration of our panel. the movers and shakers in each region 34

Managing Editor Supplement Editor Senior Account Manager Managing Director Christian Davis Holly Motion Carmen Poel Francesch Russell Dodd +44 (0)1293 590047 +44 (0)1293 590046 +44 (0)1293 590042 +44 (0)1293 590052 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Drinks International, Longley House, Production Editor Commercial Manager Publisher International Drive, Southgate Avenue, Jaq Bayles Roger Betríu Justin Smith Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6AS +44 (0)1293 590048 +44 (0)1293 590043 +44 (0)1293 590041 United Kingdom [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1293 590040

MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 3 Most Admired Wine Brands Most Admired Wine Brands

How we did it This year, Drinks International has collated data from more than 200 wine professionals who took part in the 2014 survey. Many of them also offered some rationale as to why they voted for the three brands either suggested by us or volunteered by them. After the votes were counted, the winning brands were contacted and a number of winemakers, brand ambassadors and brand owners agreed to be Wind of interviewed. DI’s World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2014 is more robust than ever. For the first time, the voting has been analysed in more depth and in different ways. As well as Regional charts, there is a complete list of the top 50 change including their movement within the poll. About the academy of voters More than 200 wine professionals are in our academy of voters and cast their The 2014 Most Admired Wine votes in the secret ballot. They were given the option to remain anonymous if they chose. The following people are among the high-profile academy Brands survey is a very different members. As always, judges were not allowed to vote for, or nominate, brands with which they are professionally associated. Cristina Alcalá, journalist/sommelier, Madrid animal to previous years. Holly Andrew Caillard, auctioneer Liz Donnelly, buying manager, Alliance Wine Co Motion explains why Christian G.E. Schiller, blogger, Germany/US Konstantinos Lazarakis MW Jaroslav Pergl, writer, Barlife magazine Paul Tudor MW Hamish Anderson, sommelier, UK Tony Aspler, consultant/journalist, Canada Richard Bampfield MW, consultant/educator, UK Gerard Basset, sommelier/hotelier, UK/France Su Birch, consultant, South Africa Philippe Boucheron, Journalist, UK Miguel Chan, sommelier/blogger, SA Sergi Cortes, journalist, Barcelona Neil Courtier, wine educator & writer, Grape Sense Erica Donoho, analyst, US Simon Doyle, supplier, UK Ramon Francàs Martorell, journalist/blogger Louise Gordon, head sommelier, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant Brett Jones, consultant/educator Evelyn Jones, senior buyer, The Vintry Darrel Joseph, wine journalist, central & eastern Europe Per Karlsson, journalist, Sweden his year Drinks and journalists – all rose to the interviews with the winning brands’ brand, Casillero del Diablo, secured the top 40: Château Lafite Rothschild, Oit should be well marketed and David Longfield, freelance journalist International’s World’s occasion in contributing to the poll. winemakers and ambassadors revealing second spot with its eco-friendly sister Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton packaged Peter Marks MW, educator, US Most Admired To help the academy members with their thoughts as to how they have Chilean brand, Cono Sur, taking the Rothschild, Château Latour and Oit should have strong appeal to a Toni Massanés, director of Alicia foundation Wine Brands report their choice of three, we provided a achieved the accolade of topping this 16th slot, two up on last year’s poll. Château Margaux. wide demographic Ashika Mathews, buyer, UK has undergone a list of previous winners and other year’s poll. In previous years the parent company Age and wisdom are not necessarily Academy members may have voted Tuomas Meriluoto, importer/agent, Finland Tmetamorphosis. The voting is more well-known brands, purely as an Some have launched campaigns, stood as an entry, collecting votes for the key to success though – Australia’s merely on the criteria above or gone a Wendy Narby, educator robust, the number of academy members aide-mémoire. If they wished to choose made well-documented changes that both its Casillero del Diablo and Cono Yellow Tail, at number 33, has yet to little further, as academy member and Anders Öhman, educator, Sweden has quadrupled, the survey has expanded three brands not on the list, based on have strengthened their brand identity, Sur brands. This changed following celebrate its 20th birthday. wine importer India’s Sanjay Memon, did. Marcel Orford-Williams, buyer, The Wine Society and the results are telling. There are some their knowledge and experience, those while others are simply lifelong judges’ feedback. Rounding up the top The criteria remained the same as in He said:“My choices are based on Nicolas Papavero, marketer, France surprise newcomers – and some even names would be included. ‘personal favourites’, a mainstay of three, Château Latour, absent in the previous years, with the academy asked what most people might desire to Will Parker, freelance wine tutor, WineSwines more surprising absentees. With more voters than in previous regional taste, highly regarded or 2013 poll, takes bronze. to vote based on the following: have on their lists, even if they don’t Peter Scudamore-Smith MW, consultant, Australia Much has changed and the top 20 years, academy members were also cannot be replaced. There are some noticeable absences O the wine should be of consistent or actually.” Godfrey Spence, educator, UK looks considerably different. New offered the opportunity to discuss their Last year’s winner, Concha y Toro, in the overall list. For example, improving quality Where there was a tie for places, a Cees van Casteren MW, journalist, Holland names have joined the top 50 and, reasons for voting. For the first time, has been knocked off the top spot by Brancott Estate has dropped out of the Oit should reflect its region or country small jury of voters was assembled to Gary Westby, retailer, US inevitably, some have dropped out. some of these comments accompany Torres, which garnered more than 15% top 50 after finishing seventh last year. of origin decide final positions. Ronn Wiegand MW MS, journalist, US The voting academy – comprising the winners. of the total votes cast. Despite losing Five of the 1855 Classification Oit should respond to the needs and It should be emphasised that this did David Williams, journalist, UK masters of wine, sommeliers, educators The 2014 supplement also includes the top spot, Concha y Toro’s global Premier Crus secure places in the tastes of its target audience not affect any of the top 10 brands.

4 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 5 Most Admired Wine Brands #1 Torres COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain OWNER: Torres SA

fter narrowly missing out on the Most Admired crown for three years, Torres finally takes the top spot. And what mightA be the secret to this long-awaited success? Family, a loyal team and consumers says Torres Group CEO Miguel Torres Maczassek – but not necessarily all consumers. “For us the Torres brand is a statement of quality. We do not change our wines because of short-term trends – we focus on a long-term relationship with our consumers based on quality and consistency,” Torres says. “Every wine we produce is an individual wine. Our main goal is to produce elegant wines but also to reflect the region and ultimately the characteristics of a particular vineyard itself.” The Torres family has been producing wine in Spain since 1870. This year, the brand also beats 14 rival European brands to claim the title of Most Admired European Brand. photovoltaic panels have been installed agrees. He says: “Torres displays its today there are more and more wines Among the first Spanish wineries in the company’s Priorat winery and traditional heart on its sleeve, in both that live and die quickly,” says Torres. to introduce stainless steel tanks the Torres salesforce can now be seen its presentation and the character of its “Many do not have a clear message of and French oak barrels back in the whizzing around in hybrid cars. core wines, yet at the same time dares their origin or a focus on quality.” 1980s, Torres is admired by many for “We have also been adapting our to pioneer exciting new wine styles.” The consumer is integral to this, he transforming the vinification processes. viticulture to the new conditions and Originally exported to Cuba, Torres adds. “Being close to our consumers is “We give as much importance to buying more land in higher altitudes,” wines are now enjoyed in more then very important. innovation as we do to tradition,” Torres added. 160 countries worldwide. “Torres is a safe bet for consumers. Torres says, and the company annually And where does tradition come in? While its main markets remain in I believe they know that inside each experiments and incorporates new A fifth-generation family member, Europe, “we have good growth in bottle, whether it is a classic Sangre de techniques. As well as its own Torres appreciates the importance of Asia, Russia and South America,” says Toro or a single vineyard like Mas la vineyards, Torres has long-term honouring the past. Torres. “Today more and more we Plana, there is a wine that has a soul relationships with more than 600 He says his father has been crucial see a split between the on and the off- and cares for quality; the wine will be suppliers and their families. during the past few decades in guiding trade, and fewer brands can be found worth every cent.” “From those who work in the the winery towards higher levels of in both channels.” Consumers can now find original vineyards to the sales force, all make an quality, as well as promoting its single- Tradition to Torres also means Torres wines from Peñedes, Conca de effort to meet the expectations of our vineyard (Finca) wines. maintaining quality, even if this doesn’t Barbera and Catalunya, but also wines wine lovers,” Torres says. “My family remains very involved make the brand available to everyone. from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, This is something one academy in the business, from new wines to the “One of the key points in Torres is that Rias Baixas and Priorato – the last two member reaffirmed, saying: “To me, final blends of each wine and even to we are a vertically integrated winery. led by Torres’s sister, Mireia. Torres Torres is making a real attempt to move the names and labels of the wine. This is We incentivise quality with higher also operates in Chile and California. consumers out of the entrylevel sector.” important because it keeps our focus on prices for the grapes and promote Torres concludes: “The world of In the past year the Torres & Earth the consumers and the quality at all levels viticultural techniques that respect the wine can be very complicated and project has committed to reduce CO2 rather than becoming just corporate.” environment.” intimidating, but with Torres wines the emissions by 30% per bottle by 2020. This is something with which So, is it tradition that has secured the consumer can better understand and As part of this commitment, solar and academy member David Longfield Most Admired crown? “I believe that enjoy Spanish wines.”

MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 7 Most Admired Wine Brands #2 Casillero del Diablo COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Chile OWNER: Concha y Toro

his year Casillero del Diablo appears in the chart for the first time. While in previous years brand owner Concha y Toro has received theT top honour, following feedback from the academy Casillero del Diablo now stands in its own right to take second place in the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands and top South American brand. A key part of Concha y Toro’s portfolio, Casillero del Diablo is available in more than 135 countries worldwide. The legend of Casillero del Diablo focused on quality and consistency to reliable quality created a stepping stone to have a significant percentage of began more than a century ago, when attract a broad range of consumers and bar for further experimentation, fermentation in barrels and today we founder Don Melchor de Concha y from all over the world. which can only be good for the have lowered the amount of wood in Toro reserved an exclusive batch of “The story and presentation industry.” the mix, looking for a more mineral the best wines the company produced have been designed to appeal to all Deaconu Lorena, oenologist and and juicy wine.” for himself. He spread a rumour that consumers who are looking for a great academy member, said he voted for the The complete range comprises the devil lived in his cellar to keep wine at a reasonable price.” brand for its “good expressiveness of 12 wines. The main focus is on the prying eyes and pilfering hands from The competitive pricing and wide the variety and terroir, well-structured grapes for which Chile is best known his private reserve – hence the name distribution means Casillero del Diablo and balanced wines, constant quality and which represent 80% of sales Casillero del Diablo (Devil’s Cellar). has visibility throughout the world, and good value for money”. – Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Sebastián Aguirre, marketing Papa says. When asked his thoughts on the Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and manager for Casillero del Diablo, says: The company has invested heavily Most Admired Regional accolade, Papa Chardonnay. The other, less traditional, “The brand appeals to a wide range in the brand and quotes figures which said: “Each Casillero del Diablo variety varieties are Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Pinot of consumers, in terms of age and suggest this is paying off, with sale reflects Chile as a country, more than a Grigio, Malbec, Viognier and Shiraz nationality. The story behind the brand volumes of 3.8 million cases and 12.2 specific region. There are several blends Rosé. There is a Sparkling Brut from and wine appeals to young consumers, % volume growth rate in 2012. that aim for the best expression of each Chardonnay grapes and a Late Harvest because of its communication style, The brand has gained market share grape, regardless of the region.” from Sauvignon Blanc. and it also appeals to more mature in the UK, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Papa expressed his concern about the Casillero del Diablo also offers a consumers through its traditional the US, as well as smaller markets such development of more appropriate areas Reserva Privada, a higher-priced wine packaging and its history.” as Belgium, Holland, Costa Rica and for each grape variety. for special occasions. Today, each bottle is said to be Uruguay. Ten or 15 years ago Casillero del It may be the first time Casillero del guarded by the devil – it is fitting, Papa puts this down to the value Diablo Sauvignon Blanc was made Diablo appears in this chart, but Papa then, that Casillero del Diablo became consumers perceive in the brand. “It from grapes from the Central Valley of firmly believes it won’t be the last. official wine partner to Manchester provides them with quality consistency, Chile, but now it comes from vineyards “Casillero del Diablo will continue to ‘Red Devils’ United in 2010. the right image and is at the right near the coast. appeal to a broad range of consumers Marcelo Papa, winemaker at Concha price.” “We pay attention to the changes in terms of age and nationality, so we y Toro, insists there is more to the wine One academy member echoed this in terms of the trends. Years ago focus on quality and making sure our than just clever marketing. “We have sentiment, saying: “Its consistency and Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay used consumers enjoy every bottle.”

MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 9 Most Admired Wine Brands #3 Château Latour

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France OWNER: Bernard Magrez

aving only appeared finished by mid 2014. in the World’s Most It is rumoured President Frédéric Admired Wines list once, Engerer plans to store wine at the in 10th place, it is fair château for seven to eight years on to say Château Latour average for the second wine and 10 to Hwasn’t predicted to take third place or 15 years for the first. top the Most Admired Bordeaux wines The question is, will Château this year. Latour now be a wine sold for actual A single event might explain its sudden drinking, rather than mainly long-term resurgence in the chart with such high investment? ranking. That is, the decision to disregard Academy member Gary Westby, of the en primeur system and only sell its K&L Wine Merchants, said: “Latour wine when it is ready to drink, rather shook the Bordeaux world by moving than while it is still in the barrel. away from en primeur sales and deciding Many admire this decision and think to hold wines until they are ready to it bold; others bemoan it. Wine traders drink. With first growths costing so who previously purchased the wine much, the cost of ageing should be born before it had been bottled and sold it by the house, and now it is.” unproven at high prices will, starting But what of Château Latour’s past? with the 2012 vintage, have to buy Latour is the highest-ranking brand Château Latour in the bottle. in our chart to appear in the 1855 Academy member Pierre Chapeau classification. says: “Château Latour must be Its vineyards are some of the oldest commended for the strong move to in the Médoc. Established in the 1670s, redefine the relationship of Châteaux the densely planted estate contains owners with the Bordeaux negociants.” more than 750,000 vines, some of Many speculate this is a move to which pre-date the existing château. prevent wine traders, or negociants, Just 300m from the Gironde river, the from buying top wines before they have 47ha that surround the château are been bottled. Château Latour insists worked on by 66 people. Many have the move was not a calculated one and worked at the château for generations. from young vines of l’Enclos. The prevent counterfeiting and strengthen that it has a tradition of working with The first wine, Le Grand Vin, is made cuvées that are deemed unfit to go in to authentication. negoicants which it is keen to continue. solely from old vines. Latour’s second the Grand Vin are used to produce the Rolled out on the 2007 and 2008 Latour is widely documented as wine was first labelled in 1966 and wine that has been produced every year Pauillac and Forts de Latour vintages, saying the en primeur system worked takes its name from the plot in Enclos, since 1990. the system enables Château Latour far better when people travelled less Les Forts de Latour. While the grape Each individually silk paper hand- to authenticate the origin and access and were able to cellar wines for long variety proportions vary each year, wrapped bottle will on average set you technical and sales data. periods of time in perfect storage one thing that is consistent is there is back around 300 times more than a It will be interesting to see if Château conditions. always a higher proportion of Merlot bottle of basic Bordeaux. Latour’s decision to break with That is something Latour will (25%-30%) in Le Forts compared to From January 2013, every bottle tradition results in a breakdown of the be able to do far better now it has the Grand Vin. of Château Latour is fitted with a en primeur system and a streamlining commissioned the construction of more Launched in 1973, the third wine Le special seal. An alphanumeric code of how these top Bordeaux wines get underground cellars, scheduled to be Pauillac de Château Latour, is produced will grace the seal in an attempt to to market.

DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2013 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 11 Most Admired Wine Brands #04-11 Tignanello Cloudy Bay COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: New Zealand OWNER: Antinori OWNER: LVMH War, plague and the changing tastes of consumers have proved no match for Exported to more than 30 markets, Cloudy Bay’s principal markets are Australia, UK, US, the Antinori family. Twenty-six Antinori generations have directly managed the Europe and Japan. estate since 1385. “Cloudy Bay is the other side of wine: taste, estate, and packaging,” said Carla Trimani The first Italian wine to top the list of the Wine Spectator magazine’s World’s of Trimani. 100 finest Wines, Antinori was a continuous wine supplier to the Royal House With the release of Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Cloudy Bay has retained a position in the top of Italy for the first 40 years of the 20th century. 10 for a third time in this survey’s history. Academy member Andrew Rowe commented: Having returned to the position held in the first Most Admired list, one of the “Cloudy bay has displayed consistent quality over the years.” biggest wine companies in Italy is on top once again. Academy member Carla Cloudy Bay’s main grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Trimani said: “Tignanello is a real picture of wine in Italy: not only tradition.” Anthony Borges of The Wine Centre said: “Cloudy Bay was a marketing triumph – seen as the best brand in New Zealand, qualitatively speaking, for years. Now a Moët Hennessy brand, once again Cloudy Bay is punching high. Still best known for its Marlborough Sauvignon, for me the Chardonnay is best. “Cloudy bay has displayed consistent quality over the years.” #8 #10 Vega Sicilia COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain OWNER: Alvarez family In 1915, Vega Sicilia and Valbuena were not distributed for commercial purposes but were given instead to the upper-class bourgeoisie and aristocracy. As the owners of the winery offered the wine as a gift to their good friends, the legend was established that no amount of money could guarantee a bottle of Vega Sicilia or Valbuena – that luxury could only be secured through #7 Château friendship. Academy member Raquel Pardo Margaux Zamora said: “My choice is one of my #5 Penfolds COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France country’s best known and appreciated COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia OWNER: Corinne Mentzelopoulos wines and wineries, and I think it #11 Ridge OWNER: Treasury Wine Estate Last year a few balthazars (12 litres) has quality, is a good ambassador for COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US Rounding off the top five, Penfolds #4 of 2009 vintage Châteaux Margaux Spanish wines and is well respected as OWNER: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co may have fallen two places in the chart, were packaged in an oak cask on rising quality producers.” Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2012, but it’s riding high in the trophy stakes. metal feet, symbolising the barrels in Ridge Vineyards did not always Awarded top honours at the Australian the event Château d’Yquem deems the which the wine was aged. The casks Academy member Jean-Pierre look likely to appear in this list. Its 2013 Dan Murphy’s National Wine #6 Château wine unworthy, the vintage will not be were labelled with the purchaser’s name #9 Guigal Chambas said: “Guigal has been and chequered history has included closure Show, Penfolds took home two trophies distributed. This happened nine times etched in gold. If you fancy your name COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France is the most consistent wine producer in during Prohibition and being reopened and a Top Gold accolade. d’Yquem in the 20th century. emblazoned on a bottle, to give you OWNER: Guigal family the world, year in, year out, in all the with repeal only be closed again by “Penfolds has repositioned itself COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France A 135-year vertical containing every an idea of how much it will set you Three Guigal generations have worked appellations that he offers. In the thirty management in the early 1940s. It was effectively over several years as a OWNER: LVMH vintage from 1860 to 2003 sold for back, the first was sold for $195,000 on the 2,400-year-old land to produce years that I have been distributing, I only after the Ridge partners set their quality, region-defining range of With the grapes harvested by hand, only $1.5 million at London auction in in Dubai. the wine that is now available in more have never had a disappointing wine.” differences aside in 1962 that a superb styles,” said David Longfield, Freelance one glass of wine is produced per vine. 2006, one of the highest prices paid Only 12,500 cases of Château than 100 countries. Winemaker Philippe Gugial said: vintage followed and secured the next wine, spirits and packaging journalist. Aged for three years in oak barrels, for a lot of wine – yet, this is only the Margaux are produced every vintage and Having taken over management “We have always been focused on a 50 years of quality winemaking. In January, a 50 Year Old Rare Tawny unsurprisingly on average just 65,000 second time Château d’Yquem has the Château’s white wine, Pavillon Blanc when his father was struck with sudden quality axis upon which we aim to Marcel Orford-Williams, buyer was announced in recognition of the 170- bottles are produced every year and, in appeared in the Most Admired list. du Chateau Margaux, is widely regarded blindness in 1961, Marcel Guigal runs show the best of the Rhône. We wish for the Wine Society, said the winery year winemaking tradition at Penfolds. as one of the finest in the Médoc. the estate-owned vineyards in Condrieu our wines to transcend all levels of the provided “individuality, no compromise Three generations of winemakers Journalist and academy member and the Côte-Rôtie. hierarchy, from simple Côtes de Rhône on quality and respect for tradition”. have watched over the wine, which has Ramon Francàs i Martorell divulged Guigal has slipped only one place widely available, right up to the single Academy member Gerry O’Donnell a minimum average blended age of 50 his admiration for Chateaux in the chart and continues to strive vineyard Côte-Rôtie and treasured agreed: “Ridge does a good job giving years. Individually numbered 1-330, Margaux “for its authenticity, for its for excellence, as evidenced by its wines in Hermitage, Condrieu and the customer a fine wine at relatively the limited bottles were hand blown heroic agriculture, for its varieties installation of a new bottling line in Saint-Joseph produced in confidential affordable prices. Crucially, it also and designed by master glass craftsman of autochthonous grape and for its 2013 to improve the quality in labelling quantities and hunted by collectors and provides easy to understand information Nick Mount. planetary dimension”. and traceability of its wines. aficionados the world over.” on each vintage on the label.”

12 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 13 Most Admired Wine Brands #12-20 Louis Latour COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France OWNER: Latour Family The Latour family have been viticulturalists since the 17th century and have run the estate for seven generations. Shipping wine to more than 60 countries worldwide, the first French purpose-built winery was built in 1832 and is one of the oldest still functioning today. #18 Academy member Andrew Rowe said: “Louis Latour is consistently good. Great reputation, great wines.” Marqués de Riscal The Burgundy vineyard won IWC COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain gold in 2013. #12 OWNER: Vinos de los Herederos del Marques de Riscal Marqués de Riscal is one of the oldest Rioja wineries, having been founded in 1858 by Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga, with its first wine bottled in 1862. The first non-French wine to win the Diploma of Honour at the Bordeaux Exhibition in 1895, old vintages of Marqués de Riscal to this day have to be decapitated with hot tongs, as wire netting was used to #13 Château #15 Yalumba make it impossible to extract the cork without breaking to prevent fakes. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia This oldest firm in the Rioja appellation was awarded Wine Enthusiast’s Best European Winery 2013, proving that with Haut-Brion OWNER: Robert Hill Smith age comes experience. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France Yalumba has a background of more OWNER: Domaine Clarence Dillon than 160 years of family winemaking. The first estate to lend its name to a #14 In 1985 vigneron and proprietor wine, thereby creating the notion of Robert Hill-Smith became one of #16 Cono #17 Robert #19 Château a brand, the president of Domaine the youngest managing directors in Clarence Dillon claims Château Haut- Australian wine industry history. Sur Mondavi Petrus Brion could be seen as the “oldest and Yalumba is no stranger to a challenge COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Chile COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France first luxury brand in the world”. and faced Mother Nature head on OWNER: Concha y Toro OWNER: Constellation Brands OWNER: JP Moueix It is fitting, then, that the brand in 2007, a year of bushfire, frost and Cono Sur – the name refers to the Not yet half a century Château Petrus is a should once again grace the Most drought. But the brand was rewarded shape of South America on the map, in age, Robert wine that has never Admired report. with a Winestate magazine Winemaker of ‘southern cone’ – was founded in 1993 Mondavi Winery officially been classified Château Haut-Brion – the only the Year and Winery of the Year nod. It is and exported more than 30,000 cases formed with a single and it was a relative property from outside the Médoc to appearing in this chart for the first time. of wine during its first year. aim: to recreate unknown 50 years ago. be included in the 1855 classification Hill-Smith said: “Elegance and Cono Sur led the sales charts of Sauvignon Blanc. But, with fewer than – has been owned by some influential personality drive our mantra. We focus on Chilean wines in the British market This was achieved in 4,000 cases produced families since Jean de Pontac acquired sustainable environmental practice, value, eight years after its creation. 1968, with Mondavi’s in most vintages, a the estate in 1533 and Tony Aspler, The quality and trust. We respect tradition Parent company Concha y Toro signature Fumé bottle of 1961 sold Wine Guy, said Château Haut-Brion but innovate around it and play to our may not have the top spot this year Blanc that is, to for $144,000 at #20 Jacob’s displays “quality across the portfolio regional strengths and winemaking beliefs following a change in judging, but it this day, one Christie’s wine on three continents.” of quality and provenance.” can take solace in the fact that Cono of the winery’s auction. Creek Sur has jumped two places and stays most popular Petrus has secured COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia firmly in the top 20. wines. a place in the Most OWNER: Pernod Ricard Michel Chapoutier Following Most Admired 2012, A joint Admired top 20 for Jacob’s Creek has just unveiled a new COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France feedback from the judges recommended venture with the second time and icon to strengthen brand identity by OWNER: Chapoutier Cono Sur deserved to be a brand in its another Most it’s not hard to see tapping into its Australian heritage. Michel Chapoutier bottles are not just renowned for the liquid within them. own right and compete against Concha Admired titan why – it tops many Previously unchanged since it was Since 1996 labels have been marked in Braille after Chapoutier heard his friend, y Toro’s Casillero del Diablo, rather Baron Philippe people’s admired launched in 1976, the label now shows the singer Gilbert Montagné, on television describing his difficulty in picking out than be paired with it. This decision de Rothschild, and wish lists. more uniformity and Jacob’s Creek wine by himself as a blind person. This innovation was recognised by the Royal has done it no harm as it continues to saw the launch Produced almost has undergone what senior winemaker Institute for the Blind a year later. appear in the chart and is the second of Opus One in entirely using Nick Bruer terms a “subtle evolution”. For the first time in three years, Michel Chapoutier is replaced as the Most Most Admired South American brand. 1980. Merlot grapes, its The 12-month project has resulted Admired French wine, but still retains a place in the top 10 French brands. Winner of the most awards at the Our academy exclusivity is in part in an icon that asks the consumer to Producing 550,000 bottles a year of traditional-style wines, Michel Chapoutier 11th Annual Wines of Chile Awards, member said: responsible for its identify the subtle vine leaves, creek and has been awarded a perfect 100-point score by Robert Parker for the past three Cono Sur is a leader with its pioneering “The wine steep price tag and wine glass that are all present, if hidden – years, showing that one of our academy members was not alone in remarking environmental policies and was the quality of Robert notoriety as the a nod to the legacy of the Gramp family “it’s a personal favourite”. first South American winery to win a Mondavi has most expensive wine which is reiterated by the addition of the double ISO certification. never been better.” in the world. Gramp & Sons’ signature.

14 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 15 Most Admired Wine Brands #21-30 #26 Wolf #21 Château Blass Mouton Rothschild COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France OWNER: Treasury Wine OWNER: Rothschild Estates Tired of serving the same old thing to your guests? ‘Australia’s first consultant Wish you could wow them with something different? winemaker’ and self- That is how Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild felt and, as proclaimed “Golden Boy” a consequence, purchased Château Brane Mounton of the Australian wine at auction in 1853. A quick name change and Château industry, Wolf Blass Mouton Rothschild was born. has three ‘International Rather than produce a bottle with a label that bears its Winemaker of the Year’ name, in 1924 Nathaniel’s great grandson, Baron Philippe IWSC awards to support de Rothschild, enlisted the aid of graphic designer Jean such claims. Carlu to help create an original label. Winner of the Jimmy Innovative and streets ahead of its time, this was not Watson Trophy from the repeated for another 20 years, when it became the brand’s Melbourne Wine Show for hallmark. an unprecedented fourth Since 1945 some of the greatest names in the world of time in 1999, Wolf Blass art and beyond have taken a turn at designing the label has won a further 3,000 artwork. Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and even Prince awards at national and international Charles have all risen to the challenge. wine shows. Exported to more than 50 countries worldwide, the “Golden Boy” appears to truly have the Midas touch. #22 #23 #24 Abadal COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain Les Domaines Paul Mas Inniskillin McGuigan OWNER: Roqueta Origen #27 Château COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France #30 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia Having been named David Seijas’ OWNER: Jean-Claude Mas OWNER: Constellation Wines OWNER: Australian Vintage Unbeatable Wine in January of Musar Working with 30 different grape varieties, owner and winemaker Jean-Claude When co-founders Donald Ziraldo and At the age of 100, Percival ‘Perc’ Alfred this year, Abadal is looking well placed COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Lebanon Mas has continued to strengthen the family portfolio he inherited from his #29 Cheval Karl Kaiser left Inniskillin in 2006, McGuigan passed away last year. A for 2014. OWNER: Hocar family father, Paul Mas. you could be forgiven for predicting a pioneer winemaker for 50 years, Perc Making an appearance for the first At almost 85 years old, Château Musar The Mas family has been cultivating grapes since 1892 when Jean-Claude’s Blanc transitional period, but Jackson-Triggs set up Wyndham Estate and inspired time in the Most Admired list, Abadal has once again returned to our report. grandfather purchased the first family vineyards. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France winemaker Bruce Nicholson’s arrival his sons to create McGuigan Wines. was founded in 1983 by Valenti Steeped in tradition and history, The ever-expanding Les Domaines Paul Mas celebrated the acquisition of its OWNER: Bernard Amault/Baron Frere in 2007 has helped the brand to go Today, McGuigan Roqueta in Santa Maria d’Horta Château Musar narrowly misses out on eighth wine estate last year. Now available in 45 countries over five continents, Château Cheval Blanc from strength to strength. In 2009 sells 2.4 million cases d’Avinyó near la Masia Roqueta. a place in the top 25. With 6,000 years Paul Mas wines have received more than 300 medals in the past five years and shares a border with Nicholson’s move was rewarded with worldwide and is the The winery has a long tradition with of winemaking tradition it is only right can add top 30 in Most Admired 2014 to this impressive resumé. the estate that produces the top Premio Speciale Gran Award only winery in the more than nine centuries of history that a Lebanese wine should appear in the most expensive wine at Vinitaly. world to have won and it looks like Abadal is going the top 30. in the world and holds Innovation Inspired by Tradition World’s Best Winemaker to continue this long tradition and Son of founder Gaston Hochar, Serge the 19th spot on our is the Canadian winery’s mantra and three times. produce award-winning wine. #25 Royal was the first ever recipient of Decanter’s #28 Oyster chart, Château Petrus. its Icewine, first produced in 1984 Having joined forces Man of the Year in 1984 for his But Cheval Blanc from Vidal grapes frozen naturally with celebrity chef Tokaji dedication to producing quality wine Bay possesses something on the vine, continues to thaw judges John Torode in COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Hungary throughout Lebanon’s Civil War. An COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: New Zealand its neighbour does at both national and international 2013, McGuigan OWNER: The Royal Tokaji Wine Co 18th century castle, Château Musar is OWNER: Delegat’s Wine Estates not – the supreme competition. is continuing to Tokaji was the tipple of choice for far from archaic in its outlook, forging When the first vintage produced distinction, rank of The company exports 16,400 cases of strengthen its some of the most illustrious and on and broadening distribution to the by a winery wins a gold for Best Premier Grand Cru Icewine a year. brand presence and influential people in history. likes of Vietnam and Romania in 2013. Sauvignon Blanc of the Competition Classé A, awarded “Consistent attention to terroir, utilise technology From Beethoven to Heinrich Heine at the International Wine & Spirit in 1954. innovation and authenticity – along to pair the to Voltaire and Goethe; Emperor Franz Competition, it would be fair to In 2010, a 1947 with continuous accolades – keep Masterchef judge’s Josef sent Queen Victoria a bottle of assume that something is going Cheval Blanc Inniskillin a trusted and sought-after recipes with the Tokaji Aszu wine for every month she right. Imperial broke quality brand,” said Nicholson. Australian wine. had lived each birthday. On her 81st That was in 1991, and since then the records, selling for “The winery at Niagara is a Mecca Academy member and last birthday in 1900, this is said to New Zealand family-owned company $304,375 in auction for wine lovers from around the world Andrew Roe said: have totalled 972 bottles. has routinely been regarded as an at Christie’s. (250,000 visitors annually). “McGuigan is The Royal Tokaji Wine Company Admired Wine. It is said to have “The exclusive Icewine Bar features a volume seller was co-founded in Hungary in 1990 by Jumping 20 places since last taken two years to current and older vintages along with and for what the noted author and wine historian Hugh year, the brand continues to receive convince the owner the Riedel Icewine glass, which was customer wants, Johnson and since then has exported commendations, its Pinot Noir 2012 to part with the inspired by Innskillin in collaboration it’s better than you to more than 30 countries and received winning gold in Texas as recently as record-breaking with Riedel,” the winemaker added. think.” more than 100 international awards. 2013. bottle.

16 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 17 Most Admired Wine Brands #31-40 #36 Kendall Jackson Zonin COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy OWNER: Jackson Family Wine OWNER: Zonin family From humble beginnings as a pear and Zonin is 200 years old with seven walnut orchard in rural generations of family behind it. Lakeport, California, to This year it makes its first appearance winner of the Wine & in this list, securing a place in the Spirits magazine Winery top 40. of the Year for a 10th The Zonin family has been a single year. A year later, the winery time. linked to the world of wine since installed the fastest bottling line in the Kendall Jackson 1821, an achievement that was world, capable of processing 36,000 sold its grapes to recognised in 2013 when its bottles per hour. wineries until 1980 president, Gianni Zonin, was awarded #31 #35 Two years later Yellow Tail hit the when the potentially the Wine Enthusiast Lifetime UK with its Hello campaign and it catastrophic Achievement Award. Trapiche Viña Leyda would appear that consumers are not cancellation of a Zonin chief international COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Argentina COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Chile yet ready to wave goodbye. Celebrating large order turned officer Massimo Tuzzi said: “The OWNER: Bemberg family OWNER: San Pedro Group its 10th year in 2011, Yellow Tail sold into a cause for definition of our success is in our Argentina’s largest exported premium Founded in 1998, Viña Leyda calls a small sub-region of the San Antonio Valley more than one million cases in its first celebration as the mission: to produce the highest wine brand, Trapiche exports some 2.7 wine region in Chile its home. Its location makes it one of the coolest growing year. Nine times the predicted amount, first bottle of Kendall quality Italian wine available to all million cases to more than 80 countries sites in Chile. Just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, traditionally Leyda Valley this success makes Yellow Tail the most Jackson wine was wine lovers. worldwide. has been an area of basic crops such as wheat and barley. successful wine brand launch in history. produced. “Tailoring custom-made With more than 130 years in the The train station that graces the label of Leyda is an historic passage point The winery was business plans for each country, market and 1,000ha of its own on the line from Santiago to the coast. Once the last stop before travellers started as an attempt with the belief each market vineyards, this is Trapiche’s first from Santiago reached the Pacific Ocean, the station burnt down following an /DÀWH at relaxation for is different and unique, we aim appearance in the Most Admired accidental fire in 1983. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France practising barristers to achieve a leadership role in report. A landmark and a saying, “la ida” – going/one-way ticket, has gone down in OWNER: Rothschild Jess Jackson and his wife, Barbara. the different international Founded in 1912 and located in the rankings this year, but still managed to scoop third Most Admired Chilean Referred to as ‘the king’s wine’, Lafite markets by providing wine solutions the foothills of the Andes Mountains, brand. Viña Leyda exports some 100,000 cases a year. started in the late 17th century when directly ‘from the vineyard to Trapiche is the only Argentinian brand “When Viña Leyda first planted vines in 1998 Leyda Valley was dry farming Jacques de Segur planted and cultivated #37 Mateus the glass’ and by ensuring the in this year’s list. land. People probably thought we were crazy planting there. This innovation the vineyards. Lafite boasts an COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Portugal highest quality experience for all Gustavo Arroyat, winemaker, said: and passionate spirit has guided us from the beginning and is what keeps us impressive 100ha, making it one of the OWNER: Sogrape wine enthusiasts in all customer “I believe there is no one reason that investigating about soils and grape varieties because Leyda still has much more largest vineyard areas in the Médoc. Inspired by the Portuguese Army’s segments.” explains a recognition like this – it’s to surprise the world with,” said winemaker Viviana Navarrete. Lafite can also stake a claim as the World War I flasks, the distinctive #40 kind of intangible. ‘politician’s wine’ as both Robert bottle dates back to 1942 when “Our conscious focus is trying to Walpole (widely regarded as Britain’s Fernando Van Zeller Guedes created counsels and following this guidance, The winemaking team has worked understand different consumers and it should be observed that KWV was first prime minister 1721-1742) and the flagon-shaped vessel. #38 Château Ste. Michelle Vintners, a new line to make Campo Viejo a modern, fruit offer something tailored in all aspects: #32 KWV formed in 1918, the year of Nelson US president (1801-1809) Thomas With estimated sales over 1 billion of premium vinifera wines, was forward style Rioja. the style of wines, the labels, the history COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: South Africa Mandela’s birth. Jefferson are said to have gone to great worldwide, the medium-sweet frizzante Ste Michelle introduced in 1967. Despite being often on offer in and the price point each consumer is OWNER: KWV Holdings South Africa celebrated 300 years measures to get their hands on Lafite. wine was the height of fashion COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US With two separate wineries, one multiple retailers, the brand looking for. Many have commented on the of winemaking heritage in 1955 and Walpole reportedly purchased a from 1950-1980 and, after a dip OWNER: UST for the red and another for the has managed to maintain its “We like to offer a different journey mirroring of wine and political and KWV has long since been recognised as barrel of Lafite every three months and in popularity in the 1990s, Mateus The oldest winery in white, Château Ste Michelle is led by premium positioning and in each of our wines.” social change. It is only right then that an important part of this achievement. Jefferson, having drunk Lafite during appears to have returned to favour over Washington State, Château winemaker Bob Bertheau. is currently experiencing a In 1997 these efforts were recognised his stay in Bordeaux in 1787, is said to the past 10 years. Ste Michelle was named The seemingly unbeatable winery of stronger presence in the US when it won the President’s Award for have remained a steadfast customer of Sogrape chief executive and Mateus Winery of the Year 2013 for the year retains its place in the chart and emerging markets such export achievement. the Bordeaux wine following this trip. founder’s grandson, the 19th time by Wine and is the third in the Most Admired as Russia and Mexico. Salvador Guedes, was & Spirits magazine. US brands. Anne Tremsal, quick to monopolise on One of the founding global marketing #33 Yellow the popularity of rosé fathers of the modern & communications in the new millennium California wine industry #39 Campo director for Pernod Tail and the makeover and and one of the most Ricard Winemakers COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia marketing campaign influential figures Viejo said: “Campo Viejo’s OWNER: Casella Wines proved to be since the repeal of COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain dedication to Rioja Created exclusively for the US successful. the Prohibition, OWNER: Pernod Ricard winemaking has market in 2001, the brand named Mateus Andre Tchelistcheff One of Rioja’s major brands, Campo allowed this brand to after Australia’s Yellow-Footed Rock continues was famed for Viejo is also one of Pernod Ricard’s create modern twists Wallaby has sprung far higher and to rise up counselling others key strategic wine brands, along with on traditional methods farther than its native land. the Most in the wine world. its Jacob’s Creek from Australia and to deliver progressive In 2005 Yellow Tail became the first Admired Fredrick Stimson was Brancott Estate, formerly Montana, styles of Rioja that variety wine to sell one million cases in chart. one of Tchelistcheff’s from New Zealand. satisfy today’s palates.”

20 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2013 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2013 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 21 Most Admired Wine Brands #41-50 brand that today exports more than #46 Barefoot from grapes grown and vinified by #41 Château 50% of its production and is present in Hardys COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:US partner producers in Le Pays d’Oc and more than 120 countries. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia OWNER: E&J Gallo Gascogne. Le Pin A member of the Leading Brands OWNER: Accolade Wines E&J Gallo, the world’s largest The revolutionary design meant that COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France of Spain Forum, designed to promote Australia’s number one wine brand has been through some turbulent times wine producer, does not enjoy the a special bottling chain had to built, OWNER: Thienpont family and defend Spanish brands, Marqués with ownership moving around within the Foster’s Group before finally being greatest reputation for its but this was to be rewarded when Small it may be, but de Cáceres says it is committed to spun out to Accolade Wines. mainstream, entry-level JP Chenet was awarded a Packaging Château Le Pin, or simply producing an authentic wine “to enjoy The many tiers, expressions and discounting have done little to enhance wine brands such as Gallo Oscar and Verre Avenir award in 1991 Le Pin, can boast that it and share”. the positioning of the brand. There have also been questions about the Family Vineyard, Hearty for design and packaging innovation. produces one of the most The launch of Excellens Rosé 2013 quality of the liquid – understandable considering the uncertain background Burgundy (only in the US) Following the launch of flavoured valuable wines in the marks Marqués de Cáceres’ limited- – and possible lack of forward investment in quality. Then there is the deep and Turning Leaf. wine ‘Fashion’ 2009, JP Chenet has world. production wines ‘Excellens’, Rosé discounting, which has afflicted all the major Australian producers and brands Yet it has won been on somewhat of a gold rush, Named after the 2013 has qualified for the Best Wine of at the hands of the multiple retailers. countless medals for with the Chardonnay and Syrah/ solitary pine tree that Spain national finals. Now in the capable hands of Paul Schaafsma at Accolade, who cut his teeth its premium estate Malbec offerings both picking up grows near the winery, on Australian Vintage and McGuigan Wines, Hardys is being repositioned and wines, such as Frei gold at Selection Mondiales des Vins the 2.7ha Thienpoint new classy advertising is promoting its history, heritage and quality. Ranch and the Canada 2013. family-owned property #43 MacMurray Estate. releases 500-700 cases Barefoot represents per vintage. Undurraga the new generation #50 Barton The estate was a COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Chile of wine brands which #47 mere 1.5ha when OWNER: Grupos Vinos are more about image & Guestier first bought but the del Pacifico and what the wine COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France Thienpoint family One of the pioneers in represents rather than Santa Rita OWNER: Castel Frères acquired adjoining Chilean winemaking, concentrating on what COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Chile A newcomer to our chart, plots in the heart of the Don Francisco Undurraga is in the bottle. OWNER: Grupo Claro Barton & Guestier has Pomerol appellation. brought plants over from Known as a Founded in 1880, Santa Rita is one of the largest Chilean wine producers, more than three centuries Brand ambassador France and Germany ‘hippy brand’ due to marketing its product in more than 75 countries and exporting 1.4 million cases of experience in the wine Jan Thienpoint is the fourth- and developed the first its unconventional roots, Barefoot in 2013. The end of the 1980s and early 90s marked a time of great expansion business and is present on generation Thienpoint family member vineyards in the Santa has done well among younger wine for the company and today it has more than 3,000ha of vineyards and the five continents in 130 to manage the estate. Ana Estate under drinkers who, according to one brand is marketed in some 75 countries. countries. the guidance of academy member, “just want to In 2013, Santa Rita was named one of Decanter magazine’s Wine Legends, the The ‘first French renowned French consume an affordable, easy-to- first Chilean wine in history to gain the distinction. The 1989 vintage of Casa Real brand name’ and one #42 Marqués viticulturist M understand, easy-to-drink wine and are takes pride of place among such brands as Château Petrus, Châteaux Margaux and of the oldest wine Pressac. frankly not interested in the baggage Vega Sicilla – all nominees in DI’s Most Admired 2014. merchants established de Cáceres In 1903, Viña that can come with wine”. Andres Alavados, export commercial director, said: “A wide selection of in Bordeaux, Barton COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain Undurraga was wines, labels and flexibility for both the on and off-trade sees the brand & Guestier today OWNER: Cristina Forner the first Chilean #44 appealing to a wide consumer audience. works in partnership From the birth of the Marqués de winery to export to #48 “Santa Rita also enjoys a strong following in the domestic market, taking a with around 250 Cáceres in 1970, Enrique Forner relied the US and seven won its first international prize in the lead with the legendary Casa Real to the Medalla Real and 120 ranges ensures winegrowers in on his family’s five generations of years later its Rhin Centenario Argentina International Berberana the wines of Santa Rita access all areas of the premium market place. Santa France. devotion to the wine trade to guide a de Undurraga Fair. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain Rita also prides itself on being at the forefront of sustainability in Chile.” Thomas Barton European awards followed 20 years OWNER: United Wineries founded the wine later when Pinot de Undurraga was As one of the oldest wineries in Rioja, shipping company in 1725 at the awarded the Gold Medal at the Expo Berberana credits its success to four age of 30, after emigrating to Sevilla. attributes: heritage; value for money; #49 JP Bordeaux from his native Ireland. Wine & Spirits magazine’s Winery of Tempranillo; Spain and innovation. Barton’s grandson, Hugh, the Year 2012 and Producer of the Year Berberana’s One Cork, One Point Chenet made the savvy decision to team 2013, Undurraga continues to rise in scheme was launched in 2009 to COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France up with friend and ship owner the Most Admired list. encourage brand loyalty. OWNER: Les Grands Chais de Daniel Guestier in the early 18th It allowed customers to convert their France century. purchase into points which would The ‘best-selling French wine in While this partnership was #45 Banrock ultimately result in luxury breaks and the world’ has fallen from 22nd not confirmed in writing until experiences. place, and dips out of the top 1802, Guestier almost single- Station Winning more than 116 awards 10 all together this year. handedly ran the company COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia in the past six years, most recently The distinctive, slanted while Barton faced, and OWNER: Accolade WInes Berberana took home two gold and neck and generously bodied narrowly escaped, the Another newcomer to Most Admired, two silver medals from the Bacchanalia bottle was designed in 1984 guillotine for “dealings with Banrock Station will celebrate its 20th Wine Awards. by Joseph Helfrich and the enemy” in 1791. anniversary next year. While Berberana may be ‘Spain’s named Joséphine. Diageo sold Barton & The brand boasts 239ha of vineyards best-selling brand worldwide’, it will In Helfrich’s own words, Guestier to France’s largest on which 17 grape varieties are grown, credentials – for every wine sold, it have to settle for a place outside the JP Chenet was introduced wine company Castel Frères including Tinta Mole and Tinta Cao. donates to environmental projects top five Most Admired Spanish brands as a “brand for the masses” in 2010 for an undisclosed Banrock Station offers good green worldwide. this year. and is exclusively made sum.

22 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 23 regionalsMost Admired Wine Brands

Top North American Wine Brands 1 Ridge Vineyards 2 Robert Mondavi 3 Inniskillin 4 Kendall-Jackson 5 Château Ste Michelle

Above: Inniskillin Below left to right: Ridge, Robert Mondavi, Inniskillin, Kendall-Jackson, Château Ste North Michelle, Barefoot America

he number of North American in the fight to take third Most Admired brands in our top 50 has North American brand. fallen for the first time, from Gallo is once again only present in the eight last year to six this year. sub-brand form of Barefoot, which placed Ridge retains the top spot, but sixth on the list – up from last year’s eight. lastT year’s chart brands Delicato, Blossom With five winners in the top 40 and Hill and Fetzer fail to make the cut. two in the top 20, North America is The only Canadian brand in the top 50, proving why its 300 years in winemaking Inniskillin, bumps Kendall-Jackson and are making it a formidable force in the Château Ste Michelle out of the top three World’s Most Admired Wine Brands.

MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 25 Most Admired Wine Brands

Top South American Wine Brands 1 Casillero del Diablo 2 Cono Sur 3 Trapiche 4 Leyda 5 Undurraga

Above: Trapiche Below from left: Casillero del Diablo Cono Sur Trapiche Undurraga South America or the fourth year in a row the the list compared to fifth-largest producer number of South American Argentina’s one in Trapiche. brands in the top 50 has Once again, Concha y Toro performs increased. well with its Casillero del Diablo brand Proving admiration does taking the top spot, independent of its Fnot always equate to volume sales, parent company’s name. Chile – which is the world’s ninth largest Leyda, a newcomer last year, holds on to producer of wine – has four brands in its place in the top five.

28 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT Most Admired Wine Brands

Top European Wine Brands 1 Torres European 2 Château Latour 3 Tignanello ore than half of the World’s one Portuguese brand make up the 26 European Most 4 Château d’Yquem Most Admired Wine Brands are Admired Brands. European, so being named top was Eight of the Bordeaux brands are in the European 5 Château Margaux no mean feat. top 20 – one more than in the past two years and one 6 Guigal Torres took the overall crown less than the first Most Admired. Perhaps next year 7 Vega Sicilia Mso of course it tops the European chart as well – as Bordeaux will boast the 10 entries it has been unable 8 Louis Latour it has done every year since this supplement was to match since 2011. 9 Château Haut-Brion launched. A number of academy members voted solely for 10 Michel Chapoutier Newcomer Château Latour replaces Rothschild as Bordeaux wines. 11 Marques de Riscal the top Bordeaux brand and takes second place here, Commenting on his company’s win, general 12 Petrus while Tignanello comes back strong to take third. manager Miguel Torres Maczassek said: “During the 13 Mouton Rothschild Duboeuf, Félix Solis and Domaine de la Romanée- past decade we have started to produce wines in more 14 Abadal Conti fall out of the top 50 altogether this year. The appellations of origin in Spain. top 10 Most Admired European Brands all secure “We spend a lot of time and effort trying to be close 15 Royal Tokaji places in the top 20. to our consumers. Our winemakers, managers and all 16 Cheval Blanc The make up of the European presence is distinctly family members are travelling constantly to meet new 17 Paul Mas different from previous years as Bordeaux has been customers and communicate about Torres. 18 Lafite incorporated into this ranking for the first time. In “We are very present in the online channels and 19 Mateus all, seven Spanish brands, 11 Bordeaux, four French have a great number of loyal consumers who ask for 20 Campo Viejo (outside Bordeaux), two Italian, one Hungarian and our wines wherever they go.”

Top: Torres, Château Margaux, Abadal Left: Bountiful Bordeaux’s top wines include Haut-Brion, Margaux, Petrus and Mouton Rothschild Right: Vega Sicilia, Marqués de Riscal and Cheval Blanc

30 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT Most Admired Wine Brands

Top Australian Australia & and New Zealand Wine Brands 1 Penfolds New Zealand 2 Cloudy Bay 3 Yalumba 4 Jacob’s Creek ne-fifth of this year’s Neither Brancott Estate nor Wyndham Australia retains the dominance it winners are wines Estate are present in this year’s top 50, achieved last year with eight brands. 5 McGuigan produced in Australia and despite placing well in previous years With one more entry than last year and 6 Wolf Blass New Zealand. (third and ninth respectively in this with different brands making their debut 7 Oyster Bay Penfolds and Cloudy Bay regional section). from the two countries, Australia and 8 Yellowtail Ohold on to their top slots again this year Cloudy Bay and Oyster Bay are the only New Zealand are showing their breadth in 9 Hardys while Yalumba and Hardys both make the two New Zealand brands to make it into production and quality in the estimation 10 Banrock Station cut for the first time. the chart. of our panel.

Cloudy Bay vineyards

MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT I DRINKSINT.COM MARCH 2014I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I 33 Most Admired Wine Brands

THE TOP 21 Mouton Rothschild down 12 22 Inniskillin re-entry

23 McGuigan down 9

24 Abadal new entry 1World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 25 Royal Tokaji new entry

26 Wolf Blass down 11

27 Château Musar re-entry 50 28 Oyster Bay up 18 Full list of placings 2 29 Cheval Blanc down 8 from this year’s poll Top South America Wine Brand 30 Paul Mas new entry

1 Torres up 1 31 Trapiche new entry

2 Casillero del Diablo down 1 32 KWV up 3

3 Château Latour re-entry 33 Yellow Tail down 16

4 Tignanello up 28 3 34 Lafite down 15 Top re-entry 5 Penfolds down 2 35 Leyda down 7

6 Château d'Yquem re-entry 36 Kendall-Jackson down 23 7 Château Margaux up 13 4 37 Mateus up 7 8 Cloudy Bay down 3 38 Château Ste Michelle down 15

down 1 39 Campo Viejo down 13 9 Guigal Highest climber

10 Vega Sicilia re-entry 40 Zonin new entry

11 Ridge down 5 41 Le Pin up 1 12 Louis Latour up 17 5 42 Marques de Caceres up 1 13 Château Haut-Brion up 26 43 Undurraga up 4

14 Michel Chapoutier down 10 44 Hardys new entry

15 Yalumba new entry Top Australia and New Zealand WIne 45 Banrock Station new entry Brand 16 Cono Sur up 2 46 Barefoot up 3

17 Robert Mondavi up 14 47 Santa Rita down 14

18 Marques de Riscal up 6 48 Berberana re-entry

19 Petrus up 11 11 49 JP Chenet down 27 Top North American Wine Brand 20 Jacob's Creek up 5 50 Barton & Guestier new entry

34 I DRINKS INTERNATIONAL I MARCH 2014 DRINKSINT.COM I MOST ADMIRED WINE BRANDS SUPPLEMENT