SONOMA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Devoted Cabernet Sauvignon consumers and fans of great music are
the target of a new Cabernet-centric wine brand called B Side,
introduced today by Don Sebastiani & Sons International Wine
Negociants.
The Cabernets offered under the B Side label will be sourced from
lesser known areas within premier appellations that have established a
reputation for growing world-class Bordeaux varietals, according to
Donny Sebastiani, marketing director for Don & Sons.
"Back in the days of vinyl, and later cassette tapes, fans
discovered some of the most timeless musical treasures on the flip
side, or the B Side of their favorite album," Sebastiani said.
"Likewise, some of the very best wines come from vineyards off the
beaten path -- the B side of the appellations."
The first B Side Cabernet Sauvignon to be released is a 2005
vintage featuring grapes grown on the eastern slopes of Napa Valley.
Nestled in rural, rolling hills, these vineyards are just a few miles
away from the high-priced glamour wineries featured along Highway 29.
"The wine features the hallmarks of an excellent Napa Cabernet,"
said winemaker Richard Bruno. "It's full of blackberry, currant and
cedar flavors and has very firm tannins. It's great now, but will
drink even better after it's been cellared for a couple of years."
According to ACNielsen and the Wine Market Council, Cabernet
Sauvignon is the second most popular wine varietal (preferred by 14.1%
of wine consumers) and is growing far faster than Chardonnay and
Merlot. "We have access to tremendous Cabernet fruit, and we looked at
this as a real opportunity to make a single varietal marketing
statement," Sebastiani said.
The B Side label was designed in-house by senior design manager
Chris Villalovoz, and features an old-style music cassette with scads
of tape strewn about. "I wanted the strong graphic shape of the tape
to contrast the reserved, classic typography on the label, much like
'B Side' releases often contrasted the mainstream 'A side' songs.
Though it originally was intended to be a cassette tape, I like to
think of it more as the image of recording tape, in a studio where the
musicians actually laid down their 'B Side' tracks."
B Side Cabernet Sauvignons will be offered in very small lots at
price points from $20 to $30 a bottle. The wine will be marketed
through the Three Loose Screws division of Don & Sons. B Side
distribution will be focused on upscale urban restaurants and key
independent retailers.
Don Sebastiani & Sons is a family-owned wine negociant firm
specializing in the marketing of upscale varietal wines. Principals
Don Sebastiani and sons, Donny and August, are third and fourth
generation California vintners and merchants. The company is
headquartered in Sonoma Valley and has a winery in the Napa Valley.
Don Sebastiani & Sons' fast-growing The Other Guys portfolio is
currently expanding at an annual growth rate of 200%: the more
established Three Loose Screws portfolio includes Impact Hot Brands
Smoking Loon and Pepperwood Grove.
Don Sebastiani & Sons
Jim Knapp, 707-933-1704
jknapp@donandsons.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
