Page 40 - July Hawaii Beverage Guide

W
wine buzz
can yOu Believe it?
(aBOut cans, tHat is...)
It looks like the summer of 2017 is shaping up to be an extended test of cans of alcohol beyond beer. As a bunch, they promise convenience, portability and glass-free, small-portion simplicity, even quick, safe chillability. And there are enough to merit a canned-good section? Will the canned price points be sustainable? And will the juice inside impress enough for repeat purchase? Summer will tell...
Riunite Hits tHe Big Five-OH
This year, Riunite celebrates half a century in the U.S.—including the last 40 as America’s number-one Italian red wine, imported by Ban Vintners and the Mariani family. “We
knew that for wine to become
popular, it had to be palatable
to a generation weaned on
soft drinks and fruit juice,”
recalls John Mariani Jr. “We
listened to the consumer.”
Riunite—a light, natural, low
in alcohol, slightly sweet and
bubbly wine best enjoyed
chilled—was precisely what
the American public was look-
ing for. Today, a bottle is sold
every 1.4 seconds.
riunite.com
Ruca Malen launcHes
liFestyle Wine, ‘aiMé’
Ruca Malen has announced the U.S. launch of Aimé (pronounced “eye- may”). First introduced in Argentina in 2016, Aimé Ruca Malen features a new twist on classic Malbec: a spicy Red Blend and a crisp Sweet Moscato. “Today’s consumers are more open-minded and they like to push the boundaries with mixability,” notes Federico Ruiz, U.S. Sales Manager. “Our wines can be enjoyed as they are, but we’re also seeing them poured over ice, batched for a crowd as white and red sangria, and mixed into cocktails with infusions of herbs and spices.” SRP $8.99 opiciwines.com
MORe ice tiMe
Indeed, ice, literally has risen to the forefront of the wine scene this summer, in several fresh concepts:
¥ Two new Sangrias—Mija White and Beso del Sol Rosé—have joined the growing, ice-friendly Sangria movement.
¥ An interesting new Vin de France—Rosé Piscine, based on a trend in St. Tropez and Brazil—is designed to keep its fruity character when served on the rocks.
¥ And why should blancs have all the fun? Royal Wine Corp. is busy promoting their top red varieties for “chilling out” during the (hot) dog days of summer: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo and Tinto—not to mention Red Blends.
A-6 HAWAII BEVERAGE GUIDE JULY 2017
HAWAIIBEVGUIDE.COM