February

A quiet month, little happening in export markets. A bright spot was the winning of a Fronton tender in Norway. Domaine de Rullet 2008, a predominantly 'Negrette' based wine, unoaked, produced by Guy Salmona. The wine goes on sale in the market 1st May.

January

We saw a good start to the year with tenders won in Canada (Ontario - LCBO) and Norway (Vinmonopolet). In Canada we started with an AOC Cahors 2006 from Mas Del Perie winning pre-tasting. This was probably partially due to its having 91 Parker points as well as several medals in French competitions. Delivery of the wine will take place in February. This was followed up by wins in the red Cotes du Rhone section of the LCBO (Liqueur Control Board Ontario) with 2 wines: Domaine Marie Blanche 2008 & Caveau La Suzienne Cts du Rhone Cuvee du Comte 2007. Both wines won through in the competitive tasting process, and both have Gold medals from Paris plus other French wine fairs.

At the end of the month we also won a tender for brandy (of origin anywhere in Europe) in Norway, with our supplier Castel-Sablons based in St. Maigrin. This brandy goes into the market in May 2010. We have won tenders before with Castel-Sablons but always with Cognac. This is the first time we have won a brandy tender.