Vincor USA will launch the Kumala portfolio of wines from South Africa this fall in the U.S. The line consists of four fruit-forward varietals: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot and shiraz. Ben Jordaan, a South African native, is the winemaker for Kumala, which means “slightly different” in a local dialect.
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Ste. Michelle Wine Estates releases two new wine brands 14 Hands, from Washington State, and Distant Bay, from California. The company’s strategy is to provide two wine brands that offer quality by-the-glass choices. The 14 Hands line launched in May and includes three varietals. Distant Bay debuted in April with chardonnay and pinot noir.
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Aquavit New York White Cranberry was launched in March. The Swedish-produced liquor was created by Aquavit, a Scandinavian restaurant in NYC, which has produced it own aquavit for 17 years. The product carries a subtle nose of cranberry and a hint of caraway (35 percent ABV). Imported by Aquavit Imports, Manhasset, NY.
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Majestic Distilling Company and Gulf Coast Spirits debut Red Neck Riviera Alabama-Style Blended Whiskey. Also called “RnR,” the product is a five-times distilled grain neutral spirit containing 25 percent bourbon whiskey. “RnR” (49.3 percent ABV) is a “niche whiskey” named for the sandy white beaches of the southeastern U.S.
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McCain Foods USA’s Anchor Cheese Products has improved the formulations for its Breaded Cheddar Rings and Monterey Jack Rings. The products have an enhanced, cheesier flavor and a new formula coating for better performance in the fryer. Also, Monterey Jack Rings now have a more attractive, golden breading.
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Mionetto introduces its new red sparkling wine, Il Rosso to its Il line of sparkling wines, to the U.S. market. Il Rosso is a blend of marzemino, merlot and cabernet grapes, and fizzes with flavors of black cherry and raspberry and has a fresh, crisp taste. The Il brand also includes Prosecco, moscato and rosé wines in its portfolio.
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Torani launches European Drinking Chocolate, available in four varieties: Triple Chocolate, Ultimate Dark Chocolate, Dulce de Leche (made with white chocolate and caramel) and German Chocolate Cake. The drink is made with Schokinag chocolate, a European company, which processes fine cocoa beans mostly from West Africa to make the drink.
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Christian Moerlein Brewing Company introduces two new styles to its small batch lineup: the craft-brewed Select Dunkel and seasonal Hefeweizen. Both beers are available in bottles and draft (1/2 and 1/6 barrels). The hefeweizen, offered in spring and summer, is a traditional German-style wheat beer with a taste of fruit, cloves and spice.
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