Beaulieu Vineyard® Coastal Estates® Wine Reinvents Itself, Emphasizes Quality and New Packaging

Coastal Estates winemaker pursues new direction focused on craftsmanship

The reinvented BV Coastal Estates Chardonnay (left) and Cabernet Sauvignon (right) have an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship with new packaging to match. (Photo: Business Wire)

NAPA, Calif.--()--Beaulieu Vineyard® wine (www.bvwines.com), one of Napa Valley’s longest continuously-running wineries, has a new story to tell about its BV Coastal Estates® wine tier ($11 SRP).

BV Coastal Estates®’ winemaker Jason Dodge has worked consistently to make fresher whites and richer reds that represent California’s premium quality Dodge has been aiming for. Starting in June, BV Coastal Estates also introduces a new look that represents the increased quality of the wine and BV’s rich heritage.

“Quality is our number one goal for these wines, and we get there by carefully controlling everything from grape to glass,” said Jason Dodge, winemaker for BV Coastal Estates®. “For the past five-plus years, we’ve been on a journey to completely re-think how we make wine and craft the best wine possible. Our 2012 vintage presents the culmination of these efforts. The wines truly speak for themselves.”

Dodge, who has challenged the norms since joining the winery in 2008, has a keen focus on making BV Coastal Estates® the top wine in its price point. To do this, Dodge has scrutinized every detail of the winemaking process, from grape-growing to production to aging.

In the vineyards, Dodge has increased the quality of vineyard sourcing by helping to develop and strengthen key grower relationships. Specifically for its red wines, more emphasis is placed on sourcing from BV’s Central Coast estate vineyards. Dodge credits his hands-on approach to grape growing as the catalyst for the improvement in quality.

Using technology and refined winemaking techniques also are driving the wine quality upward. Dodge has experimented with and continues to explore techniques that allow him to replicate processes that are reserved for boutique wineries producing wines at higher price points.

For instance, for his white wines Dodge uses a gentler press regime akin to what’s used for Champagne. He has also instituted cutting edge winemaking technology that precisely controls fermentation parameters, which allows him to drive winemaking style. Even the oak that Dodge uses during the aging process—premium American and French oak—is higher in quality. The end result is a cleaner, softer and more balanced wine that is unique to BV, beats the competition and over delivers on quality.

Quality is no stranger to BV. For more than 100 years, BV has crafted California wines that stand among the world’s finest. Founded in 1900 by Georges de Latour, the winery is a defining fixture in Napa Valley. In 1938, Latour brought Russian émigré André Tchelistcheff to Napa, who went on to change the course of winemaking in the valley and beyond, instituting the philosophy of continuous innovation in vineyard and winery to which BV remains dedicated.

“At BV, we set our standards high and have a vision to replicate boutique winemaking at any scale and at any tier” Dodge said. “I’m hoping to emulate André by elevating the standards of winemaking and pursuing a path of continued experimentation and innovation that results in high-quality wines.”

BV Coastal Estates® also introduced a new package to accompany the increased quality of wine and the hand-crafted touch Jason has introduced. The bold and sophisticated label is fresh and modern, yet projects a sense of heritage and craftsmanship.

Improvements take into account everything down to the detail including the texture of the paper and a more simple, clean design with strategic use of white space for a more modern feel. All together, the improvements suggest a confident, rich and strong personality for BV Coastal Estates®.

“BV brings more than a century of experience to every bottle of our BV Coastal Estates® wine,” Dodge continued. “Our ongoing dedication to crafting the purest expression of varietals sets the standard for quality in California. This new package reflects that commitment.”

About Beaulieu Vineyard

BV Coastal Estate® wines are produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines (DC&E), part of Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O), the world's leading premium drinks business. DC&E brands also include: Sterling Vineyards®, Sterling Vintner's Collection®, Chalone Vineyard®, Acacia Vineyard®, Provenance Vineyards® and Rosenblum Cellars®. DC&E is also a leading importer of estate-bottled wines from Burgundy. For more information about BV, visit www.bvwines.com.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Contacts

Beaulieu Vineyard
Angela Bortugno, 707-299-2666
Angela.Bortugno@Diageo.com
or
Benson Marketing Group
Ben Palos, 707-254-1167
Palos@bensonmarketing.com

Release Summary

Beaulieu Vineyard, one of Napa Valley’s longest continuously-running wineries, has reinvented its BV Coastal Estates wine tier ($11) with emphasis on quality and craftsmanship plus new packaging.

Contacts

Beaulieu Vineyard
Angela Bortugno, 707-299-2666
Angela.Bortugno@Diageo.com
or
Benson Marketing Group
Ben Palos, 707-254-1167
Palos@bensonmarketing.com