Client News
White Rocket Wine Company Unearths a Treasure in Geode for Millennial Generation Chardonnay Drinkers
Mark Feinberg, Press Release
June 26, 2008
White Rocket Wine Company is launching Geode, a new-generation,super-premium Chardonnay fusing timeless quality and contemporarystyle in a strikingly sophisticated package targeted to savvy young wine consumers. Geode is crafted from vineyards in Santa Barbara County, a classic growing region whose stellar Chardonnays are universally recognized for superior quality. With its warm, inviting label, aura of earthy energy and promise of rich, pure flavor, Geode beckons wine lovers to "discover the treasure within."
"Chardonnay is the most popular wine in the United States, with a 22% share of the total wine market, and it's also the number-one white wine sold on-premise," notes White Rocket Vice President of Marketing Mark Feinberg. "Dollar sales of super and ultra-premium Chardonnays grew 8% off a huge base in 2007, four times the rate of the total Chardonnay category. With established wine drinkers continuing their love affair with Chardonnay and sophisticated Millennial Generation consumers seeking exciting, environmentally conscious new brands, the time is right for wine lovers to discover Geode."
Geode arises from vineyards in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara County, a majestic, world-class growing region along California's South Coast. Santa Barbara's spectacular geography and cool, marine-influenced climate produce lush, sumptuous Chardonnays. The prime vineyards selected for Geode are farmed and irrigated responsibly, minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and utilizing cover crops to control pests and nourish the soil. The pure, flavor-packed grapes from these outstanding sites infuse Geode with its rich, earthy goodness.
The 2006 Santa Barbara County growing season was long and cool, ensuring Geode's Chardonnay grapes had extended hang time, which produced intense, concentrated flavors. The fresh, pure juice was fermented in French oak barrels, then underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged sur lie in barrel for 8 months, with frequent stirring of the lees. The result is a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with bright tropical fruit aromas complemented by enticing honey, toasted oak and baked bread scents. In the mouth, Geode delivers lush, creamy, tropical fruit flavors balanced by crisp acidity and a refreshing, mineral-tinged finish that makes it delicious with food, especially rich seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes.
"Our debut vintage of Geode perfectly captures the marvelous terroir of Santa Barbara County and the spirit of Millennial Generation consumers, who are acutely conscious of protecting the environment," says Mark Feinberg. "It's an earth-friendly Chardonnay that's delicious to the core, one that will delight wine lovers seeking rich, pure flavor in a modern, elegant style."