Top Vinexpo Bordeaux 2015 spirits showcases
With its renewed focus on spirits, Vinexpo Bordeaux 2015 will be showcasing a range of exciting liquor brands
All eyes are firmly on Bordeaux as it anticipates the arrival of the drinks industry’s leading brands in the most inclusive and immersive exhibition of the summer – Vinexpo Bordeaux.
The world-class wine and spirits trade show is making its mark on the industry calendar for the 18th consecutive year. Since 1981 its organisers have worked hard to establish Vinexpo as an unmissable flagship event, drawing in trade professionals and associated businesses from across the globe.
Such international reverence is not proffered without good reason. Hundreds upon hundreds of producers including Bardinet, H. Mounier, and La Martiniquaise will be exhibiting over 14-18 June, giving visitors the opportunity to greet the key players, estate owners and distillery
masters in person, and build important business relationships.
pre bonded hairWorld-renowned experts will impart their knowledge and wisdom, guiding guests through tastings, various conferences, and food and wine pairings, while reflecting on the latest international market trends. A dedicated concept spirits bar, Spiritual – hosted in partnership with the world’s leading international spirits magazine, The Spirits Business, and the International Bartenders Association (IBA) – is also returning for its second year after an outstanding debut at Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2014. A wide range of spirits including brandy, vodka, rum, whisky, gin and Armagnac will feature prominently in the spirits sector of the show, alongside others such as cachaça, grappa and Tequila.
For those also looking to let their hair down and make some new contacts, Vinexpo will host a number of relaxed socialising opportunities at venues around Bordeaux city centre, most notably official party venue, unique pop-up club The Blend.
To give you a taster of what’s ahead, we’ve selected our top pick of products for you to keep your eyes peeled for along the way.
A selection of spirits producers showcasing at this year’s event can be found on the following pages.
For further information on the exhibition visit www.vinexpo.com.
Company: Marie Brizard Bélvèdere Groupe
Stand: Hall 1, Stand BD-280
A new commemorative bottle is being showcased by Cognac house Gautier at this year’s Vinexpo Bordeaux, to celebrate the brand’s 260th milestone anniversary.
Founded in 1755 by the banks of the Osme river in Aigre, France, Gautier is one of the oldest Cognac Houses around.
To commemorate the landmark achievement, the brand has created a special 260th anniversary medallion that will be embossed on all Gautier Cognac bottles
in 2015.
A light golden colour, Gautier VS is said to have a fruity aroma with “lively” spicy flavours complemented by a touch of vanilla to give “lots of finesse” on the palate.
Gautier prides itself on its “harmonious ageing” process, which maintains humidity levels of between 75% and 80% all year round in an effort to reduce the water evaporation from the barrels.
This is said to generate Cognac with a “unique rounded, smooth and rich aroma”.
Furthermore, visitors will also have the opportunity to become accustomed with Marie Brizard’s other brands, such as Sobieski Vodka, William Peel Blended Scotch Whisky and Old Lady’s gin.
What they say: “At Vinexpo Bordeaux 2015, Bélvedère Group invites you to share a memorable and uplifting virtual entertainment for celebrating our Maison Marie Brizard and Gautier Cognac’s 260th anniversary.”
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Company: Nemiroff International Vodka Company
Stand: Hall 3, Stand W-341
Spirits producer Nemiroff is heading to this year’s Vinexpo Bordeaux with a whole host of offerings for guests to try.
Initially founded in 1872 by Earl Grogiriy Stronganov, the vodka brand is now exported to more than 80 different countries around the world including Italy, Germany, the UK, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Israel, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Moldova, to name just a few.
Nemiroff now boasts more than 40 products, with one of its most popular offerings being Nemiroff Honey Pepper.
The unique flavour variant is made from chilli pepper, steppe herbs and natural honey.
Other expressions in the brand’s portfolio include Nemiroff Delikat, Nemiroff Ukranian Birch Special, Nemiroff Foxberry Leaf, Nemiroff Strawberry and Nemiroff Premium, all of which are produced and bottled at the company’s facilities in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.
Visitors to Nemiroff’s stand during Vinexpo Bordeaux will also have the opportunity to taste and learn about Nemiroff Lex, Nemiroff Lex Ultra, Nemiroff Original, Nemirovskaya and Nemiroff Premium de Luxe.
What they say: “Honey and Pepper – what a combination! A mild and insinuating start with the aroma of floral honey and wild grasses gradually flows into the pleasantly burning taste of pepper.”
Company: Constellation Brands
Stand: Hall 1, Stand E-199
Having acquired the brand from famed musician Carlos Santana last year, Constellation Brands will be showcasing Casa Noble Tequila in Bordeaux this month.
Created using 100% single estate blue agave that is fermented for up to five days and triple-distilled, the Tequila range comprises Casa Noble Crystal (blanco), Reposado and Añejo.
Constellation will also be exhibiting a selection of other spirits from its portfolio at this year’s show, including Svedka Vodka and Black Velvet Canadian whisky.
What they say: “As the first super-premium spirits brand in our portfolio, Casa Noble is a natural fit. It complements our successful Mexican beer brands and we intend to leverage our existing strong routes-to-market, as well as our marketing expertise and deep knowledge of the Hispanic consumer.”
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Company: Fraternity Spirits
Stand: Hall 3, Stand W-340
Fraternity Spirits intends to introduce a number of brands to buyers for the first time at Vinexpo Bordeaux, with a particular focus on Espanta Espiritus Mezcal, made from 100% Salmania agave from the highlands of San Luis
Potosi, Mexico.
Joining the expression will be a
range of gin distilled in specially-designed copper stills in El Puerto de Santa Maria, as well as the company’s “historic” Ron Prohibido Habanero Rum.
Visitors to the stand can also get reacquainted with the Tequila Corralejo range by sampling two unique cocktails on offer.
What they say: “With enormous symbolic, religious and mythological meaning, Mezcal Espanta Espiritus is a true ancient Mexican spirit.”
Company: Dictador Europe
Stand:
Hall 3,
Stand X-339
Dictador will be showcasing its selection of solera-aged rums at Vinexpo Bordeaux this year.
Among the collection will feature Dictador 12 Years Solera System Rum, produced in Colombia on the Caribbean coast of Cartagena.
The rum is made using virgin sugar cane honey and is said to deliver aromas of soft caramel and honey on the nose with flavours of light oakiness, caramel and cocoa on the palate.
Dictador’s portfolio also includes Dictador 20 Years Old Solera System Rum, XO Perpetual Solera System Rum and Premium Colombian Aged Gin Treasure.
What they say: “Aged in pre-used oak barrels using the solera method and finally bottled under the highest quality control to ensure all the secrets are contained in the liquid flavour.”
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Company: Wenneker Distilleries
Stand: Hall 3, Stand W-348
The Dutch spirits producer will be introducing its newest flavour variant: Wenneker 24 Carrot. Packaged in a bottle resembling a traditional jam jar, the vessel is intended to be recycled as a cocktail glass once empty.
The Wenneker Liqueurs range boasts more than 40 different flavours, including Ginger, Vanilla, Cranberry, Sloe Gin, Strawberry, Hazelnut, Limoncello and Chocolate, to name a few.
What they say: “The crisp taste reminds you of soil and grass and brings you back to mother earth. Exactly what you would expect from vegetables grown in grandfather’s kitchen garden. Wenneker 24 Carrot tickles the tongue, gives a round bitter sweet spiciness through to the end.”
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Company: Bardinet
Stand: Hall 1, Stand BC-308
The newest additions to the Glen Moray Scotch whisky portfolio will be showcased at Vinexpo Bordeaux – Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish and Glen Moray Classic Peated.
With the Port variant offering notes of spice, citrus and caramel, and the Peated edition giving flavours of smoke, light spice and creamy vanilla, the duo will sit alongside Glen Moray’s existing collection including Glen Moray Elgin Classic and Glen Moray 16 Years Old.
Bardinet is also inviting visitors to learn more about its other brands including rum brand Negrita and Scotch whisky Sir Edward’s.
What they say: “Glen Moray has only had five distillery managers in its history. This exceptional legacy along with a small but dedicated team has allowed for the skills required in crafting whisky to be finely honed.”
Company: Quintessential Brands Group
Stand: Hall 3, Stand X-338
A new Irish whiskey expression is being launched by Quintessential Brands at Vinexpo Bordeaux, in the form of The Dubliner Irish Whiskey.
The new release is the work of master blender, John Drennan, and is aged in Bourbon casks to give a “warm and smooth whiskey”.
Bottled at 40% abv, The Dubliner is said to offer fresh, grassy and apple notes on the nose, which lead to a honey sweetness and “underlying pepper spice” on the palate.
Set to launch initially in the UK in June, The Dubliner Irish Whiskey will carry an RRP of £25 per 700ml bottle.
What they say: “The Dubliner is the perfect introduction to Irish whiskey for those looking for an approachable, smooth whiskey that works equally as well on the rocks, in an Irish coffee or in cocktails.”
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Company: Maison de la Vodka
Stand: Hall 3, Stand U-321
Celebrating its Russian-French heritage at this year’s exhibition is flavoured vodka brand Viche Pitia. Owned by Maison de la Vodka, Viche Pitia is made in the Cognac region of France using a Russian rye recipe that dates back to 1765.
Two variants of Viche Pitia are now available in more than 20 markets worldwide, including No.7 Caraway bottled at 58% abv and No.30 Lemon and Milk with an abv of 43%.
What they say: “Our Viche Pitia products are not vodka in the modern sense of the word. Viche Pitia is a high-end vodka intended for gastronomy and tasting, targeting informed amateurs.”
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Company: Tovaritch Spirits International
Stand: Hall 3, Stand V-330
Russian vodka brand Tovaritch! will be returning to Vinexpo Bordeaux this month to showcase its latest achievements from the past year.
Not only this, but the brand is also the official vodka sponsor at the Blend networking parties introduced for the first time at this year’s exhibition.
Alongside French syrup manufacturer Giffard, Tovaritch! has designed a signature cocktail called Russian Delight especially for the occasion.
What they say: “We can’t stress enough the importance of consolidating our many international awards in participation with Vinexpo, the most prestigious wine and spirits event of the year. The Blend parties offer us a great opportunity to present our unique formula to top professionals and industry leaders in the exclusive atmosphere of Bordeaux.”
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Company: H. Mounier
Stand: Hall 1, Stand BC-268
Attending Vinexpo this year will be the team from H. Mounier, who will be on hand to inform guests about their Cognac collection.
Comprising VS, VSOP, XO, CO Carafe and Extra expressions, H. Mounier’s Cognac is the product of cellar master, Mickaël Bouilly.
H. Mounier will also be on hand to communicate information about its other products, including La Fayette and Reynac.
What they say: “Our hundreds of winegrowers, our production team, winemakers and the cellar master work tirelessly for decades to develop exceptional Cognacs and Pineau and disclose eaux-de-vie that only the most prestigious houses can offer.”
Company: International Beverage Holdings
Stand: Hall 3, Stand R-326
Scotch whisky Balblair added a 1999 vintage to its core range last year, which will be showcased at this year’s show.
Balblair Vintage 1999 was the fourth whisky to be introduced to the brand’s permanent range, which includes Balblair Vintage 2003, Balblair Vintage 1990 and Balblair Vintage 1983.
The 1999 edition is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-Sherry butts to give hints of spice, citrus fruits and vanilla notes.
Other whiskies set to feature on International Beverage Holding’s stand include anCnoc, Old Pulteney and Speyburn.
What they say: “We are now able to offer consumers a core range of four Balblair expressions all in premium opening packaging. Each of these whiskies has its own unique nuances and offer exceptional options for whisky fans across the spectrum.”
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Company: Latvijas Balzams
Stand: Hall 3, Stand VW-342
Latvian spirits producer Latvijas Balzams is looking to communicate its Riga Black Balsam liqueur at this year’s Vinexpo Bordeaux.
The brand is made from 24 “all-natural” ingredients, to deliver flavours of linden blossom, birch buds, ginger, nutmeg, raspberry and bilberry.
It is recommended to be mixed in a multitude of cocktails, sipped neat, added to coffee or drizzled over desserts.
Latvijas Balzam will also be exhibiting other products from its portfolio, including Riga Black, Amber Gold and Moka Coffee Liqueur.
What they say: “Upper class, mysterious and forever young. Riga Black Balsam is an amazing blend of extracts of roots, grasses, flowers and buds. Riga Black Balsam continues to delight its connoisseurs even after centuries.”
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Company: La Martiniquaise
Stand: Hall 1, Stand AB-291
Blended Scotch whisky Label 5 will be on display at the La Martiniquaise Vinexpo stand.
Made from a selection of grain and malt whiskies – including Glen Moray Single Malt – the brand was first founded in the 19th century.
Also making an appearance at this year’s show will be a multitude of other spirits brands within the La Martiniquaise range, including Poliakov Vodka, Saint James Rum and Gibson’s London Dry Gin.
What they say: “An independent French group founded in 1934, La Martiniquaise is the second largest spirits group in France.
“Label 5 Classic Black is a great smooth, sweet and delicately fruity blended Scotch whisky with a generous ration of Speyside malt.”