Acclaimed Argentinian winery strengthens sales team as it joins forces with Opici Wines and Spirits
Mendoza, Argentina, January 17, 2023 – The first boutique winery from Argentina and oldest family wine business, Bodega Luigi Bosca, which recently joined the roster of Opici Wines and Spirits, is strengthening its U.S. foothold with staffing moves and robust support for its growing core Malbec wine that the 120-year-old company was founded on.
Roberto Meli, Luigi Bosca’s International Sales Director for the past three years, will now be based in the New York City area, affirming the brand’s commitment to the market. Additionally, Eric Miller was recently hired as Florida State Sales Executive. He brings extensive experience in the wine industry, having previously spent six years at NINER Wines. Miller will report to U.S. Commercial Director Mary Woodka, who continues to oversee all sales activities under Meli.
“Because Opici acquired our previous importer, Pacific Highway Wines, we are able to maintain continuity with key personnel while benefitting from additional sales and marketing support they provide,” said Alberto Arizu, Bodega Luigi Bosca’s CEO. “Now is the perfect time to increase our presence in the important American market, including moving the company’s head of sales to America to better cater to U.S. customers both on and off-premise in a more efficient and high touch manner,” he said. “To complement Opici’s support, we are also investing in our internal sales force, particularly in key markets such as Florida where we have seen a very positive reception to the brand across all channels,” he added.
Additionally, Luigi Bosca will be focusing heavily on its foundational Malbec wine, which is increasing rapidly in the Nielsen ratings and has received multiple 90 plus scores from top industry reviewers. Over the past year the brand has also opened numerous new accounts and hosted multiple events across the country showcasing its wines to consumers, influencers and buyers.
“We are encouraged by the high scores and solid growth of our Malbec, which we believe can’t be matched in terms of its quality and price,” said Roberto Meli, International Sales Director. “The company is proud of its role in helping to make Malbec a classic. The world discovered Argentine Malbec through Luigi Bosca’s Malbec and it’s particularly heartening to see it receive new recognition in the U.S. market,”” he added.
Along with the personnel moves, Luigi Bosca will continue its successful marketing efforts across the country, which include a series of intimate tastings for industry, retailers and media hosted by winemaker Pablo Cúneo, demonstrating the journey of Argentina’s fine wine. In the coming months, CEO Arizu will be attending special events in the New York and Florida market to present the wine and share bottles from the historical library of back vintages in the Arizu family cellar as well as its special super premium PARAISO which pays tribute to the vineyard that has yielded some of the company’s most important innovations.
“We are thrilled to have this historic Argentinian wine brand as part of our family,” said Don Opici, CEO of Opici Wines & Spirits. “We look forward to working closely with Roberto Meli and his team and continuing to help fuel their growth trajectory here in the U.S.”
Bodega Luigi Bosca remains the most historic wine family in Argentina and has continuously crafted award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of Mendoza’s subregions. The family has estate vineyards spanning over 1,300 acres in celebrated subregions, Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley, and Maipú in addition to its award-winning Malbecs. In recent years Luigi Bosca has introduced a delicious range of other red and white wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which have received accolades around the globe.
For more information visit: https://luigibosca.com/home
About Bodega Luigi Bosca
Founded in 1901 by the Arizu family in Mendoza, Luigi Bosca has successfully led the Argentine winemaking industry for over 120 years. Their wines reflect its founders pioneering spirit and unique knowledge, as well as its people’s passion and commitment, complemented by the nature and balance the terroir of origin provides. The winery’s innovative approach and determination to achieve excellence have consolidated it as one of the Argentine benchmark wineries at a global level. Furthermore, it is considered a model thanks to the uniqueness and elegance of the great wines of Mendoza and the merging of four crucial pillars: nature, craftsmanship, science and instinct.
