Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Introduces Lightly Oaked Chardonnay

2008-07-08 23:34:07 -

www.woodbridgewines.com - Folsom & Associates Laura Shear, 415-978-9909 laura@folsomandassociates.com or VineOne Anne Baker, 415-912-3834 anne.baker@cwine.com Delicious, affordable wines shared each night around the dinner table. Such was the vision with which the late Robert Mondavi founded Woodbridge Winery in 1979. Now, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi has expanded its popular wine portfolio to include new Lightly Oaked Chardonnay.

With the

launch of Lightly Oaked Chardonnay, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi answers consumer demand for an alternative to the traditional style of this varietal. Woodbridge Lightly Oaked Chardonnay captures the essence of the Chardonnay grape without a perceptible oak character, offering fresh, tropical fruit flavors enhanced by subtle floral notes.

"When it comes to Chardonnay, consumers fall into two distinct camps," explains Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Winemaker Todd Ziemann. "Those who prefer a more traditional style of wine with classic oak overtones and those who prefer a Chardonnay that's a touch more floral, full of lush fruit sweetness. This wine will appeal to people who favor the latter style. It's all about the Chardonnay fruit."

Chardonnay as a varietal has always enjoyed tremendous success with US consumers, accounting for 24% of total Table Wine sales(1). The top-selling premium-priced Chardonnay on the market today is Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay.

The introduction of the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Lightly Oaked Chardonnay is right in step with the growing consumer trend toward alternative white wines, giving Chardonnay drinkers something new to experience from a brand that they know and trust. According to noted wine marketer, John Gillespie, 84% of consumers not aware of 'unoaked Chardonnays' would try one.(2)

Nick Withers, Marketing Director, notes that extensive consumer research helped inform the decision to launch a lightly oaked Chardonnay as well as what to call it. "The time is right. There is solid consumer interest in a 'lightly oaked' Chardonnay. And, we discovered that consumers overwhelmingly preferred the term 'lightly oaked' to 'unoaked' which they felt indicated that a critical winemaking step was left out."

In crafting the Lightly Oaked Chardonnay, the juice was cool-fermented at 55 degrees F. in stainless steel tanks to emphasize the fresh fruit character of the grapes. The majority of grapes are from the Lodi, California appellation, a region with an ideal growing climate. Long summer days filled with abundant sunshine allow grapes to ripen fully and evenly. Cool, maritime breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean maintain natural acidity in the grapes, lending structure and complexity to the finished wine.

The wine's packaging was carefully designed to distinguish it from Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay. The front label clearly states "Lightly Oaked," the neck band has a bright silver color scheme and the wine is bottled in a claret bottle. Woodbridge Lightly Oaked Chardonnay will be available in 750 ml and 1.5L bottles.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Lightly Oaked Chardonnay is available nationally for a suggested retail price of $7.99.

About Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Robert Mondavi's pioneering vision stands on three pillars: putting California wines in the company of the great wines of the world; creating a wine culture that put a diverse range of California wines on every American table; and enriching life by embracing wine, food, and the arts as an integral part of gracious living. Mondavi founded Woodbridge Winery near his boyhood home in Lodi, California to encourage a growing wine culture in the US by making quality wines that could be enjoyed by Americans as part of daily life. Combining traditional winemaking with state-of-the-art innovation, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi raised the standard for everyday wines in America, and has become one of America's most loved wines.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is distributed by VineOne. VineOne is the premium and super premium wine division of Constellation Wines US, the largest wine company in the US based upon sales dollar value. For more about Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, including food and wine pairing ideas, recipes and information regarding the Give Hope campaign, please visit www.woodbridgewines.com.

(1) Source: IRI Data 52 weeks ending 3.23.08.

(2) Source: Wine Market Report, December 17, 2007

New Release Responds to Growing Consumer Preference for Less Oak