Wente and Laroche Package Chardonnays Together

Ryan Isaac
Posted: April 3, 1999

Two wineries, one from California and one from France, have teamed up to sell their Chardonnays in one package in duty-free stores around the world. Wente Vineyards of Livermore, Calif., and Domaine Laroche, a Chablis grower and negociant, are marketing a gift box with 1997 vintages of Wente Chardonnay Estate and Laroche Chardonnay Grande Cuvee.

The two wineries, both of which are well represented in the duty-free market, launched the new product in the hope of boosting sales of their white wines to international travelers. The gift box, which hit the market late last month at $30 to $40, contains a survey that the wineries will use to create an international Chardonnay club with quarterly mailings.

The two wines -- which are each 100 percent Chardonnay made in a similar style that includes aging in oak barrels -- were juxtaposed to illustrate the differences that result from climate and terroir. "This was not designed as a competition, but to provoke discussion by tasting two wines together in a way they may not have been before," remarked David Prentice, managing director at Domaine Laroche.

Though French wines are usually labeled by region, this is not the first time Laroche has marketed a Burgundy wine by its varietal instead. "Everyone outside of France thinks it's a great idea," said Prentice. "The French are a little more cagey about promoting a grape instead of terroir -- as though we're selling our soul to America. I think France has to be a little more open-minded."

For more on other Wente projects:

January 14, 1999
Wente Gains Entry Into India's Restricted Wine Market

December 2, 1998
Wente Brings A Taste of California to Indonesia

April 29, 1998
Wente Teams Up With Cecchi to Make California Sangiovese