Accolade launches Barossa brand in US

Accolade Wines is launching its Australian wine brand, Barossa Ink, into the US.

Barossa Ink, which is made by Accolade’s Grant Burge Wines, comprises a Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon which both contain a proportion of Petit Verdot, added in the final stages of the winemaking process to boost the wines’ tannins, depth and colour. It is already available in other markets.

Senior brand manager Stephanie Hahn of Accolade Wines North America said growth for the Australian category in the US was “imminent”.

“We are particularly proud to be able to offer wines with such deep flavour profiles, so indicative of bold Australian winemaking,” she said.

It will be distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and is expected to retail for around $15.99.

The Australian wine giant, which was bought by US private equity firm The Carlyle Group last April for Aus$1 billion, produces around 34 million, 9 litre cases per annum, and ships to more than 140 countries. Its brands include its flagship Hardys brand, Houghton, and Banrock Station, New Zealand brands Waipara Hills and Mud House, Geyser Peak and Echo Falls from the US, Chile’s Viña Anakena and Kumala and Flagstone from South Africa.