Inter Rhône has launched a new campaign across key markets for Côtes du Rhône Wines

Following a soft launch during Wine Paris, the new campaign for Côtes du Rhône Wines is being rolling out across key markets including the  UK, US, Germany, Belgium and France.

The Campaign will engage consumers between 30 and 45 and will include the tagline ‘Distinctive wines since 125 BC‘ which celebrates the region’s long history and its impact on the character, profile and quality of Côtes du Rhône wines.

The new, eye-catching campaign focuses on the intrinsic features of the appellation which have enabled the Rhône to become one of France’s leading AOC. The campaign highlights its history, the expertise of its winemakers and wine merchants, cultural heritage and provenance with a contemporary feel and a touch of wit.

Etienne Maffre, co-president of the appellation, said: “As we become increasingly globalized – notably through the internet and social media – we felt it was a good time to focus our message on our roots. The ‘Made in France’ concept continues to be a highly successful trend, synonymous of quality and authenticity. Tapping into our provenance will resonate internationally and support our premiumisation strategy”.

“Our new campaign showcases the key qualities that have made our wines so popular,” says Philippe Pellaton, joint president of the appellation.” We’re celebrating our terroir, experience, rich diversity and extraordinary heritage – elements that are truly unique to us. We’re convinced this visual approach will resonate with both the trade and curious wine lovers, in the UK and globally.”

Côtes du Rhône has always been a trail blazer when it comes to advertising, from its iconic and multi-award-winning Think Red campaign, to the data-driven ‘Everyday Sophistication’ London underground campaign of 2017.

Alongside the new ads, Côtes du Rhône is introducing a new logo which is reflective of the region’s geographical and historical roots. In a design that is both modern and heraldic, the logo links three icons of the Rhône: The Bridge of Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet), the river and the vine – strongly cementing Avignon as the capital and historic birthplace of the appellation.

About Côtes du Rhône Wines

The majority wines come from the southern region. 80% of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are red, along with producing whites and rosés. The reds are primarily made from a blend of fruity Grenache, spicy Mourvèdre and full-bodied Syrah. Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages are easy-drinking, food-friendly wines that are excellent served with a slight chill.

CANADIAN CANNABIS BEVERAGE GROUP FORMS TO DRIVE INDUSTRY REFORMS

A group of alcohol and cannabis companies in Canada have formed an alliance in order to push for industry reforms once marijuana edibles are legalized later this year.

The Cannabis Beverage Producers Alliance, made up of 10 member companies, is calling for changes to the way cannabis-infused drinks are made.

As it stands, Health Canada published draft regulations in December 2018, opening up a 60-day public consultation period which ended February 2019. The final guidelines are expected to be published in the late summer ahead of the legalisation date of 17 October 2019.

Among its demands, the group is calling for the government to change its rules about where cannabis drinks can be produced. The draft regulations stipulate that cannabis-based drinks must be made in a separate facility from where non-cannabis beverages are produced. The CBPA is arguing that the cost of creating separate facilities will prove a “significant barrier” for those entering the industry, particularly those on a smaller scale.

It is also demanding the loosening of guidelines surrounding the marketing of such products, allowing companies to use the words ‘wine’ and ‘beer’ in relation to cannabis-infused drinks. It hopes existing alcohol brand names will also be allowed to be used in conjunction with names for marijuana-based drinks.

The draft guidelines state the following: “It is proposed that the amended regulations would also prohibit all representations that associate a cannabis product, its packaging or its labeling (including its brand element) with an alcoholic beverage. For example, it would be prohibited to use terms related to alcoholic beverages, such as “beer” or “wine,” on cannabis products.

“It would similarly be prohibited for the name or logo of a company that manufactures alcoholic beverages to be used on a cannabis product. In addition to reducing inducements to use cannabis, this prohibition is felt to be necessary given the known health risks associated with the concurrent use of alcohol and cannabis.”

Executive director of CBPA and former premier of Nova Scotia, Darrell Dexter, said: “We’re keen to share expertise honed over decades of producing, packaging and distributing international award-winning products, from alcoholic and non-alcoholic craft beers, lagers and wines to high-quality dried cannabis flowers.”

“As Canada’s cannabis industry continues to grow, each alliance member company also looks forward to collectively employing hundreds more Canadians, adding to a workforce that to date has helped grow the Canadian economy and employ skilled workers from coast-to-coast.”

Members of the group include Truss Beverages, Hill Street Beverage Co., Collective Arts Brewing, CanBev and Province Brands.

Recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada in October 2018, making it the second country after Uruguay, which passed legislation in 2013, to impose such a measure. Edibles, or cannabis-infused food and drink products, will be legalized later this year.

Cannabis drinks sales in the US are set to pass the $1 billion mark within four years, a new report has claimed, as loosening regulation attracts greater innovation and investment.

In Canada, it is hoped legalising the drug will raise C$400m a year in tax revenue.

Among the drinks companies that have already invested in the cannabis sector are Constellation Brands, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and Molson Coors.

 

Maille launches Provence rosé mustard

Dijon-based Maille believes the pink drink trend is here to stay with its spring launch of Provence rosé and grapefruit mustard.

This limited-edition condiment comes packaged in traditional stoneware 125g jars, while in the US 4.4oz and 8.8oz jars are being sold.

Tasting Notes:

“fruity, light and acidulous premium mustard of medium strength”, it has been created to mix into a vinaigrette to “bring out the freshness and fruitiness of a prawn, grapefruit, cucumber and avocado salad”.

Maille also suggests using it for marinades or grilled dishes as well as with ceviche.

Ingredients include:

Provençal rosé, grapefruit purée, strawberry puree, raspberry purée, dried grapefruit, lemon juice concentrate, beetroot juice concentrate and blackcurrant purée as well as mustard seeds, mustard flour and honey.

https://us.maille.com/

https://uk.maille.com

 

Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants 2019

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants announced this week the 2019 ranking of Canada’s best restaurants as voted by 98 food critics, leading chefs, top-notch restaurateurs, elite diners and food fanatics from coast-to-coast.

The definitive guide to Canada’s finest restaurants was released tonight at an awards gala held at The St. Regis Hotel in Toronto. Hosted by Jacob Richler, Editor-in-Chief, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants, and chef Ivana Raca – partner at all female-run Ufficio restaurant – the evening saw the nation’s most renowned and respected chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and food lovers gather to celebrate the country’s vibrant culinary scene.  Setting a new record, Toronto’s Alo was named the best restaurant in Canada for the third year in a row. Alo’s chef and owner, Patrick Kriss – who also owns two other restaurants on this year’s list, Aloette (35) and Alobar (65), took home the title of Canada’s Most Outstanding Chef.

This year, 24 restaurants in the list were not part of the list last year, and 16 of those, are new restaurants. Toronto tops the ranking with 26 restaurants landing on the prestigious roundup, followed by Montréal and Vancouver, with 25 and 14 inclusions, respectively. East Coast restaurants saw a stronger-than-ever representation with eight restaurant inclusions.

“We are celebrating Canada’s 100 Best Restaurant’s fifth anniversary with a meatier and juicier list than ever,” said Jacob Richler, Editor-in-Chief, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. “For the past five years we have promoted remarkable and incredibly talented chefs and restaurant teams from every corner of this country – and that’s evident with the number of new restaurants that have been included on the list. We look forward to continue recognizing the finest in food and drink for many years to come.”

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants named the following Top 10 restaurants for 2019

Alo – Toronto

Joe Beef – Montreal

Toqué – Montreal

Langdon Hall – Cambridge

St. Lawrence – Vancouver

Le Mousso – Montreal

Buca Osteria & Bar – Toronto

Montreal Plaza – Montreal

Giulietta – Toronto

Edulis – Toronto

Other Awards

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants also recognizes excellence in the industry:

Best Sommelier – Christopher Sealy; Alo

Best in Business Leadership – Nick DiDonato; Liberty Entertainment Group

Most Innovative Chef – Antonin Mousseau-Rivard; Le Mousso

Most Eco-Friendly Restaurant – Sal Howell of River Café; Calgary

Best Farm to Table Restaurant – Nightingale; Vancouver BC

Best Pastry Chef – Celeste Mah- Raymonds; St. John’s Nfld

One to Watch Young Chef – Massimo Piedimonte; Le Mousso

Best New Restaurant – Giulietta; Toronto

Outstanding Chef – Patrick Kriss; Alo

Best Restaurant Design – Partisans; Quetzal Restaurant

Lifetime Achievement Award – Normand Laprise; Toqué!

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants will donate on behalf  of Chef Ivana Ranca to Open Kitchen Toronto   (OKTO) – a dinner series that puts female chefs front and centre – to raise funds for a scholarship for female-identified students at George Brown College’s Culinary Arts program.

Showcasing excellence in the industry, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list is tabulated by professional services firm KPMG in Canada – the official adjudicator of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants – providing voting and data verification services to help ensure the ranking remains independent and accurate. The annual list is renowned for being an unbiased metric of restaurant quality in Canada and represents the consensus of the diverse, knowledgeable opinions of 98 judges including Canada’s top chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and food industry insiders.

CHAMPAGNE LANSON PARTNERS WITH LONDON’S ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Champagne Lanson has just announced that they are the new official Champagne of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

The Royal Shakespeare has over one million visitors each year and they will now be pouring Champagne Lanson’s exclusive Père et Fils as well as its Vintage Gold Label 2008, its Extra Age Brut NV and its popular Lanson Rose Label Brut Rosé NV in all of its bars and restaurants.

The company operates three theatres in the market town – The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Swan Theatre and The Other Place – as well as four bars and restaurants including Rooftop Restaurant, Susie’s Café Bar, Riverside Café and Swan Café.

Vicki Fleming, head of catering, Royal Shakespeare Company, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Champagne Lanson, one of the oldest holders of the Royal Warrant has become our new official Champagne partner. Producing some of the world’s finest Champagnes since 1760, Lanson is the perfect fit for us. The brand epitomizes quality, style and celebration so is perfect for our audiences.”

“Sold by the glass in every theatre bar, the delicious Lanson Père et Fils Brut NV is the perfect aperitif to complement a theatre visit, while a bottle of Lanson Gold Label Vintage 2008 goes wonderfully with a special event at our award-winning Rooftop Restaurant. Lanson Brut Rosé NV, Lanson Extra Age Brut NV and Lanson Gold Label Vintage 2008 will all feature on the Rooftop wine list”.

Paul Beavis, managing director of Champagne Lanson, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Royal Shakespeare Company. It not only allows us to showcase our multi award-winning range of Champagne to its members; but we are also convinced that Lanson’s renowned freshness and added weight from extended aging ensures that our style of Champagne is also food-friendly.

“We are delighted that the Royal Shakespeare Company is able to showcase our range to its members and guests.”