Flying Fish Riesling Joins Fast Growing Category

Riesling Sourced in Washington State the Leading Producer of Domestic Riesling

SEATTLE, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Poised to take advantage of the white hot
Riesling category, Click Wine Group today announced the launch of Flying Fish
Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington. Available nationwide for the
suggested retail price of $12.99, Flying Fish is just in time to meet the
growing demand for this noble varietal. Riesling sales surge every Fall and
peak during Thanksgiving.
As the number one producer of domestic Riesling, Washington outsells
California by 52 percent and is growing three times faster. Flying Fish
uniquely captures the spirit of Washington with its distinctive aromas,
flavors and the classic northwest artistry featured on its label. In this
world class wine region, long sun-drenched days, cool evenings and volcanic
soils produce wine with an unmistakable precision of place. Flying Fish is
destined to become another Click Wine Group classic, each and every bottle
consistently over delivering on quality. Flying Fish has already been awarded
"Best Riesling and Double Gold" at the prestigious 2008 San Francisco
International Wine Competition.
"Being a huge Riesling fan, I am excited to have a domestic Riesling like
Flying Fish that I enjoy drinking and have great success selling," said Joe
Gerardi, wine buyer, Connecticut-based Stamford Wine & Liquor. "More often
than not domestic Rieslings lack acidity and are cloying-not the case with
Flying Fish. It is perfectly balanced with ripe fruit and crisp acidity,
making it a popular choice for my customers."
Riesling Sales on the Rise
Considered the "next great white" by many leading wine publications,
Riesling recently discovered a renaissance among American consumers, retailers
and restaurateurs, making it the fastest growing white varietal. Riesling is
known for its pure fruit flavors, its diversity in transmitting terroir and
its ability to harmonize with modern cuisines. Riesling sales have increased
54 percent in the last three years and consumers spent over $33 million more
on Riesling in 2007 than in 2006, according to Nielsen Co.
Handcrafted with Northwest Pride
Flying Fish is crafted by veteran winemaker Gordon Hill of Wahluke Wine
Company from vineyards in Washington's Columbia Valley and Wahluke Slope AVAs.
In these regions daytime and nighttime temperatures are moderated by the
mighty Columbia River, producing grapes with great fruit flavors and crisp
acidity. By blending grapes from these vineyards, Hill achieves a perfectly
balanced, fruit-expressive and food friendly wine. Over the last 25 years Hill
has earned a reputation for making some of the highest rated wines in the
Columbia Valley.
Flying Fish Riesling has fresh floral aromas, bright peach and apricot
flavors with spicy minerality on the finish. The Riesling's exquisite balance
of flavors and crisp acidity make it a delicious accompaniment to spicy
cuisines such as Asian, Spanish, Indian and Thai.
Flying Fish Riesling follows the success of Flying Fish Merlot first
released in 2004. The Merlot has dramatically grown by more than 65% over the
past two years. The Riesling debuts the brand's exciting modern and elegant
new look. The updated label and fish icon depict the Sockeye salmon that each
year travel thousands of miles from the ocean up the Columbia River past
several of the Flying Fish vineyards. In honor of the waters that are home to
these great salmon, Click Wine Group donates a portion of the proceeds from
every case of Flying Fish sold since 2004, to Ocean Conservancy
(oceanconservancy.org) to protect endangered sea turtles and wild healthy
oceans. Ocean Conservancy is the nation's largest organization dedicated
solely to ocean conservation.
About Wahluke Wine Company
Wahluke Wine Company's proprietors, the Milbrandt family, have a rich
history of farming in the Columbia Valley for decades. The Milbrandts planted
their first vineyard in 1997. In the ensuing decade, Milbrandt Vineyards
earned a reputation for growing some of Washington State's finest grapes.
About Click Wine Group
Click Wine Group is known throughout the industry as the company that
pioneered no-nonsense marketing of top quality wines with clever, memorable
names. The company's portfolio includes Fat bastard (France), Root: 1
(Chile), Clean Slate (Germany), Flying Fish (U.S.), 2 up (Australia), and Mad
Dogs & Englishmen (Spain). CEO and founder Peter Click believes the new
Riesling is an excellent addition because-like all Click Wine Group
wines -- Flying Fish will deliver a level of quality previously unavailable at
its price point.
Click Wine Group, in partnership with highly acclaimed wineries, produces
modern, memorable, exceptional quality wines from world-class appellations in
the super-premium category. By focusing on signature varietals, the company
showcases the very best characteristics unique to each varietal and region.
Click Wine Group is a division of Winebow. For more information visit
clickwinegroup.com.
SOURCE Click Wine Group

Rebecca Rader, +1-206-973-1743, for Click Wine Group