Cape Classics, long standing premier importer of South African wine to the U.S. and noteworthy newcomer in French wines, announces a new distributor partner in the Connecticut market. Effective November 1, The Winebow Group will guide distribution activity of Cape Classics’ French wines—including labels from the Loire, Rhône, Burgundy and Languedoc regions—throughout the Northeastern state.
“Jim Brewer and his team at Winebow have built the premier French portfolio in Connecticut, and it’s an honor to be part of what they are doing in this incredibly important category,” stated Rob Bradshaw, Cape Classics’ President and COO. “For them to choose to work with our growers and estates is a big step in our journey toward becoming a top importer of French wines into the United States and a testament to how far we’ve come.”
With partnerships between Cape Classics and The Winebow Group in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and in Florida with Stacole Fine Wines—an affiliate of the top distributor—this new collaboration is further evidence of the companies’ shared business values. Established in 2014, The Winebow Group touts a large portfolio of craft and estate products from all over the world. A leader in the industry, the company’s foothold is felt strongly, with locations in over 15 states across U.S. Cape Classics—known primarily for being one of the top importers of South African wine in the U.S.—began its first foray into France just two years ago, and in that short time has added over 50 labels to its portfolio. The importer has an emphasis on estate wines from unique appellations in both South Africa and France, partnering with producers who make quality wines that best represent the terroir from which they hail.
“Winebow has always been focused on working with quality. It is the beginning and ending point for any possible new portfolio consideration. Simply put, we don’t even enter a supplier partnership discussion without that critical component meeting our standard. If the quality is there, our next step is to analyze the value and growth potential of the business over the long term, as well as look at who our partners would be,” shared Jim Brewer, French Brand Manager and Educator at Winebow. “With Cape Classics, quality was a given, the value and growth of the business is very exciting, and their reputation for being a positive and professional company to work with is long standing in the market. The decision to partner with them was an easy one, and we are very excited to have their dynamic new French portfolio with Winebow in Connecticut.”
Distribution of the following Cape Classics labels will be through The Winebow Group, covering the entire state of Connecticut:
Loire:
· 2014 Domaine Paul Buisse Touraine
· 2014 Le Roi des Pierres Sancerre
· 2014 Domaine Grosbois Chinon La Cuisine de ma mère
· 2013 Domaine Vincent Carême Vouvray Spring
· 2013 Domaine Vincent Carême Le Peu Morier
Rhône:
· 2014 Pierre Dupond La Renjardière Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Burgundy:
· 2014 Domaine Vrignaud Chablis
· 2013 Maison Matisco Mâcon-Villages
Languedoc:
· 2014 François Lurton Mas Janeil Hauts de Janeil Grenache Blanc-Sauvignon
· 2014 François Lurton Mas Janeil Hauts de Janeil Syrah-Grenache Noir
· 2012 Domaine de la Reserve d’O “Reserve d’O” Rouge
· 2011 Domaine de la Reserve d’O “Hissez O”
“A well-reputed distributor such as The Winebow Group, which values established and new-generation producers in prominent growing areas, provides an unprecedented level of service for Cape Classics,” concluded Bradshaw. “With a focus on wines of true distinction, we’ve propelled our French portfolio as one of the fastest growing within the category. What Winebow upholds and what we bring to the table go hand in hand, and we’re thrilled to be bringing France to the Connecticut market through this new partnership.”
