GRAFFIGNA™ AND RIEDEL TOAST MALBEC WORLD DAY WITH NEW GLASS
World’s First Official Malbec Glass Released Today
NEW YORK, NY (April 17, 2013)—Graffigna™ and Riedel, in a joint venture, announce today the release of the world’s first glass created exclusively for Argentina’s iconic grape variety, Malbec. The vessel, developed through a multi-stage process that enlisted the support and feedback of some of the world’s greatest palates, became available for purchase today, just in time for the celebration of Malbec World Day.
Over the last year, the designers at Riedel worked closely with the Graffigna team, who shared their expertise in the Malbec variety, to develop a glass that would accurately display the quality and intensity of the aromas and properly balance the flavors inherent in Malbec wines. The resulting prototypes were tested and rated in New York by a host of influential wine journalists and recognized Malbec experts. Through a series of voting and elimination rounds, the panel helped select the perfect vessel to become the world’s first official Malbec glass.
“When conceiving this glass for Malbec, the characteristics of the variety were profoundly considered,” remarks Maximilian Riedel. “The concept was not born on a drawing board, but finely tuned by trial and error through a highly collaborative effort involving top experts and enthusiasts.”
Carefully selected proportions—a base 3.54” in diameter, a stem 3.94” long, and a bowl 5.32” tall and 3.35” wide at its fullest point—coupled with a narrow cut rim, help to concentrate the aromas and direct the wine to the center of the tongue. These features create a harmonious balance between the distinguishing qualities of Malbec wine: its smooth and sweet tannins, its bold fruit flavors and its medium acidity. The glass joins the prestigious portfolio that has propelled Riedel to become a global leader in varietal-specific stemware.
“The Graffigna Malbec Glass developed by Riedel improves the enjoyment of Malbec wines,” says Franco D’Angelo, International Brand Manager of Graffigna, “enhancing the expressive attributes that have contributed to the progressive popularity of the grape in recent years.”
Malbec World Day, celebrated annually on April 17 in cities across the globe, recognizes and heralds the growing popularity of the wine. This year, the day will also commemorate the release of the world’s first glass created for this noble varietal. For more information or to purchase the stemware, visit www.riedel.com.
Morgan Perry; The Thomas Collective, 212-229-2294; mperry@thethomascollective.com
Krista Drew; Pernod Ricard USA, 212-372-5276; Krista.Drew@pernod-ricard.com
About Graffigna
Founded in 1870 by Italian immigrant, Don Santiago Graffigna is an icon of the Argentine winemaking tradition defined by the pioneering, passionate spirit of its founder. Graffigna’s vineyards in the Tulum and Pedernal Valleys are in a climate as dry as the Sahara desert with more than 300 days of annual sunshine and great thermal amplitude between day and night. These conditions create wines that are full-bodied, elegant and aromatic. The fruit is crafted into three ranges: Graffigna Centenario, Graffigna Grand Reserve and Santiago Graffigna. In 2009 Graffigna was named “Winery of the Year” by the Critics Challenge in the United States. Enjoy Graffigna with style and responsibility.
About Riedel
Riedel, the 250 year-old global leader in varietal-specific crystal glassware, is the first in history to recognize how the taste of wine is affected by the shape of the glass from which it is consumed. Riedel has been lauded as the unrivaled “wine friendly” glassware brand to complement specific wines and spirits. Famous for the ground-breaking introduction of the world’s first “wine friendly” glass, the Burgundy Grand Cru in 1958, and the mouth-blown Sommeliers Series unveiled in 1973, Riedel has become the brand of choice for wine connoisseurs, hospitality professionals, and educated consumers worldwide. Recognized for transforming the wine culture over the past 50 years, Riedel’s design-focused decanters, various stemware lines, and stemless “O” collections have been selected for display at the Museum of Modern Art, Corning Museum of Glass, San Francisco MoMA and more. Riedel is distributed widely throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia, and can be found at the most exclusive fine dining establishments throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.riedel.com.
About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs more than 18,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).
The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu® flavored rum, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.
Pernod Ricard USA is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.