By Deborah Jackson, editor National Liquor News
Kollaras has announced a relationship with Italy’s largest wine group, Gruppo Italiani Vini that will see Kollaras distribute a number of wines from Folonari.
The relationship will see four wines from Folonari available in Australia, with plans to expand the range. The wines include a Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Soave and Montepulciano D’Abruzzo.
Michael Bynon, general manager of exclusive brands at Kollaras told TheShout, the Folonari wines are high quality, well packaged and accessible with wide appeal.
“Without using the word commercial, they [Folonari] are a brand that has very wide distribution – they are doing more than one million litres in the US. So most people that have drank a bottle of Italian wine have probably drunk a bottle of Folonari, just like you would say that most people in America who have drank a bottle of Australian wine have probably drank a bottle of Jacob's Creek,” said Bynon.
Domestically the range of wines will be available through the ALM network with key independent liquor stores including Independent Brands Australia banners: Cellabrations, The Bottle-O, Liquor @, IGA Liquor and Duncan’s now stocking the brand. The brand is also being sold through KTC’s Duty Free and Export markets.
According to Bynon, international wine sales are driving growth in the Australian market.
“If you look at the majors, the growth in places like BWS and Dan Murphy's has been enormous. I've been in the wine industry for more than 30 years and when I went to university all that time ago, international wine sales in Australia sat at three per cent of total sales, now they are 25 per cent of total sales and growing.
“If you actually look at the current figures, Australian wine is in decline within Australia and the only growth in wine in Australia is coming from imported wine. So I think that the growth in imported wine over the last 10 years has been enormous. A lot of it has come out of New Zealand, I acknowledge that, but in addition to that, the traditional winemaking countries of France, Spain and Italy have experienced huge growth in this country. It has grown a lot in recent years and I think it probably still has some growing to do, and that is partly about accessible quality."
The range includes:
- Folonari Pinot Grigio IGT RRP $17.00: Distinct meadow-flower perfume with honey and banana hints. Full and lively with an attractive lingering pear note. This wine pairs well with hors d’oeuvres, fish and cold white meats.
- Folonari Chianti DOCG+ RRP $17.00: A delightfully fragrant wine with hints of raspberry and wild strawberries. A vivacious flavour with a subtle lingering taste of morello cherries and almonds. This wine is a great accompaniment to tasty starters, pasta dishes and cheeses.
- Folonari Soave DOC• RRP $14.99: Fragrant elderberry aromas are perfectly balanced with this full flavoured dry style. A perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes and soups.
- Folonari Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC• RRP $14.99: A smooth full flavoured wine with aromas of intense plum. Perfectly paired with lamb, goat or mature cheeses.