Connawarra wine launched in India

Bangalore, Oct 20 (UNI) The Watson Wine Group (WWG), makers of the famous 'Gum Bear' wines from the Coonawarra region of Australia, have launched four wines for the first time in India that did not contain cocoa.

Speaking at the launch here last night, WWG Managing Director Rex Watson said India, which had an estimated market of nine lakh cases per annum, of which 1.5 lakh cases were imported, offered good market for the group.

''The wine market in this country is growing at 25 per cent annually and is projected to grow by at least ten times over the next ten years. This means a lucrative market for WWG wines as it is considered one of the best in the world,'' he said.

Mr Watson said the Coonawarra wine region, located near Adelaide, had unique terra rossa soil and cool climate which helped grow quality wine grapes. Synonymous with Cabernet Sauviognon, the other main wine grape varieties grown in the region were Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Semillion.

WWG was the largest independent wine producer in the Coonawarra region with over 1,000 acres under their control and the ability to produce up to 400,000 cases of wine per annum. Apart from Australia, the WWG wines were exported to Singapore, China, Malaysia, the US and Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka-based M and C marketing were the agents to market WWG wines in India. M and C chief Charles Wijesundera said his company was confident that due to its consistent quality, good value and drinkability, WWG wines would be an instant hit in India. The four brands launched in the country -- two each in Coonawarra Premium and Gum Bear Coonawarra labels -- were priced between Rs 750 and Rs 1,050, he added.

UNI RS GD TS1706