Import brands La Chablisienne and Marchesi Mazzei and luxury Napa Valley Cabernet driving growth
Napa Valley, CA (August 7, 2023) – Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is thrilled to report Q2 2023 results, with the company’s net sales up 105% for the year vs last year across the entire portfolio. Growth is being driven by the import business, both in terms of an overall increase in revenue and by the value of imports. Additionally, this year Demeine Estates is on track to hit 100,000 case depletions within its wholesale partner network.
Import brands La Chablisienne of Burgundy and the Mazzei family of Tuscany have officially launched in the US market and are now available in all 50 states. Category leader La Chablisienne is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and setting the standard of quality for Chablis. Mazzei, as one of Chianti Classico’s founding families and most awarded wineries, is focused today on a new legacy of innovation and sustainability. Since 2021, the company has grown its import portfolio to include six partners: Champagne’s Legras & Haas, Burgundy’s Domaine de Montille and La Chablisienne, Sancerre’s Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye, Piedmont’s Cà Romé, and Tuscany’s Marchesi Mazzei family of brands.
“We believe in the future for fine wine and are ambitious in our pursuit of crafting an import portfolio that reflects the very best producers from the world’s best regions that align with our values of history, legacy and a sustainable vision for the future,” Bouvier said. “We will always remain boutique in nature to represent our premium quality, family-owned and sustainable producers at the highest level.”
Consumer demand is strong for Chablis, Chianti Classico and grower Champagne, and Demeine Estates is poised to deliver with a reliable supply at a range of price points within the portfolio, according to Scott Diaz, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Strategy. Of note is Champagne Legras & Haas, a premium grower Champagne brand previously unknown to the US market, seeing a 142% increase in revenue vs last year, driven by organic growth.
Demeine Estates’ domestic portfolio, with a focus on luxury Cabernet Sauvignon, also continues to grow, with a more than double-digit increase vs last year, attributed to increasing on-premise activity, strategic positioning and pricing for Napa Valley Cabernet, and export activity. Demeine Estates opened six new international markets for Heitz Cellar, Ink Grade and Burgess including Asia, where Bouvier reports there is great interest.
“We are seeing growth at the $60 and over category for luxury Cabernet Sauvignon with increase demand from consumers who are drinking premium wine,” Bouvier said. “A continued bright spot in our portfolio is Heitz Cellar, with both the new Lot C91 bottling and the Heitz single vineyard and library offerings that are of interest to sommeliers and wine buyers who are interested in their pedigree and aging program. In addition, growth has been spurred by the launch of Ink Grade Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, whose Ink Grade Estate Vineyard was recently recognized as the largest Demeter Certified Biodynamic ranch in Napa County.”
Looking ahead, Demeine Estates announces its Fall Icon Offering, which includes newly launched Haynes Vineyard from Coombsville in the Napa Valley and a Heitz Cellar Legacy Collection of rare, single vineyard library wines. The company anticipates high demand for Cabernet Sauvignon across its portfolio, as well as for grower Champagne Legras & Haas and Barolo and Barbaresco offerings from producer Cà Romé, throughout OND and the holiday season.
“Demeine Estates is successfully growing our business to meet continued high demand for our categories across our import and domestic portfolios,” says Scott Diaz. “In addition, with our sales and marketing expertise, and through our innovative virtual and in-person events, we are helping our producers share their legacy stories in a way that resonates with the market and the consumer.”
About Demeine Estates
Demeine Estates is a family-owned producer, importer and marketer of the world’s finest wines based in the heart of Napa Valley, California. A leader in luxury wines in the U.S., Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., MS, and led by President Philana Bouvier, Demeine Estates’ curated portfolio also consists of both premium family-owned domestic and international producers who represent exceptional wines anchored by quality viticulture. www.demeineestates.com
