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ENYE hosts Third Annual Grand Tasting Event for the Trade

2010-04-20T19:21:00.001-07:00

"Real people, real wine... The ESSENCE of Spain!"

The ENYE Group has announced that it will hold its 3rd Annual Grand Tasting Event on Tuesday, May 18th at the Alhambra Palace Restaurant! Join us as we taste through over 70 quality wines and spirits from Spain. Come discover what savvy customers already know: ENYE's Spain is HOT! The best juice, at the best price, in the best packaging!

There will be two events held on 5/18, RSVP is required for each:

1 - 4pm: Trade Only
6 - 8:30pm: Friends, Family and Trade (by invitation only)*

* wines will be available for purchase during the 6-8:30pm event in partnership with our retail clearing agent.

RSVP to: info@enyegroup.com, through your ENYE Group Sales Representative or our office on (312) 876-1200.

The ENYE Group expands its sales force with key new hires

2010-03-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

The ENYE Group announced today that it has significantly expanded its Illinois wholesale sales force with the addition of four new hires with extensive industry experience. Each new sales representative will be responsible for on and off premise accounts in a designated geographic territory. The company also announced today that Thomas Minnerick has joined ENYE as Director of Key Accounts.

Manuel Pulido, Managing Partner in charge of Business Development, said "Our aggressive 2010 strategic plan could not be executed without having the right talent in place. We are pleased to welcome our new team members and look forward to introducing them to our prospects and existing clients. Furthermore, with the addition of Tom Minnerick we look forward to partnering with new distributors in markets where we are not currently present."

In addition, Pulido noted "The recent expansion of the ENYE portfolio to include very attractive private label brands such as ESENZIA and CHATEAU RENNI, as well as established brands such as Castell del Remei, AGOSTON and wines from the VINTAE Group solidifies our standing as having one of the most comprehensive portfolios of Spanish wines available in the US."

National Key Accounts

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce that Thomas Minnerick has joined in March, 2010 as Director of Key Accounts. Tom brings over 30 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry to ENYE. His extensive experience includes managing the Midwest Region for Franciscan Estate Selections, Central Division VP for Kendall-Jackson, Director of Wine for Olinger Distribution Company in Indiana and National Sales Manager for Mildara Blass (later Beringer-Blass). Most notably, he spent several years at Distinctive Wines & Spirits in Chicago as the Part Owner, Executive VP of Sales and General Manager, prior to the company being sold to Southern. Most recently, Tom was Midwest Regional Manager for the Michael-David Winery. Tom will focus exclusively on expanding ENYE's distribution network and penetrating large multi-state off premise accounts.

Illinois Wholesale Sales Team

The following individuals comprise the Illinois Wholesale Sales Team:

Leo Cimino, Senior Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in August, 2009 from Heritage Wine Cellars. Leo is responsible for the northside of Chicago, the West Loop and certain key off-premise accounts in the suburbs. Ph. (206) 650-6065 or leo@enyegroup.com.

Phillip Radford, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in February, 2010 from Eagle Eye Imports. Previously, Phillip was with Stoller Wholesale and Union Beverage Company, among others. Phillip is responsible for the North Shore and Northwest Suburbs. Ph. (312) 925-3693 or phillip@enyegroup.com.

Kenneth Dedic, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in February, 2010 after having worked at Southern Wines & Spirits as an On-Premise Sales Consultant. Ken is responsible for accounts in the Western Suburbs. Ph. (312) 841-3693 or ken@enyegroup.com.

Julie Oelling, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in March, 2010 after serving as a Wine Consultant and Sales Representative for the Owl Creek Vineyard. Julie will be responsible for accounts located in downtown Chicago, including the Loop, South Loop, Old Town, Streeterville, River North and the Gold Coast. Ph. (312) 806-3369 or julie@enyegroup.com.

Randall Smeds, Wine Sales Representative, joined the ENYE Group in February, 2010 and will be responsible for accounts in the far Western/Northwestern Suburbs and Rockford. Previously, Randy spent over 9 years with Union Beverage Company. Ph. (847) 361-7217 or randall@enyegroup.com.

About the ENYE Group
The ENYE Group is a national importer and Illinois wholesaler specializing in boutique wines and spirits from Spain, founded in 2007 by Dustin Goldstein and Manuel Pulido. ENYE's catalog includes 69 high quality wines and spirits. ENYE primarily supports wines made in sustainable methods from small production, family-owned estates. Our focus is on wines that are varietally specific to Spain, their region and reflective of their terroir. ENYE is committed to bring wines to the market that are of an excellent quality and product presentation, at fair and competitive prices. Further information is available on the company's website, www.enyegroup.com.

Press contact:

The ENYE Group
W. Dustin Goldstein, Managing Partner
+1 312 876 1200
dustin@enyegroup.com

The ENYE Group reaches agreement with the Castell del Remei Winery to distribute their products in Illinois and 7 other states

2010-02-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

ENYE replaces Maverick Wine Company as the exclusive distributor for “Gotim Bru” in Illinois

CHICAGO, Illinois and CASTELL DEL REMEI (Lleida), SPAIN – February 18, 2010 – The ENYE Group announced today that it has reached agreement with the Castell del Remei winery to import and distribute wines from the Castell del Remei winery (DO Costers del Segre) in Illinois and seven US states: Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. ENYE retains the right to expand its distribution to other states as its own distribution network expands, in consultation with the winery.

Previously, one of the wines from the Castell del Remei portfolio, “Gotim Bru”, was widely distributed in Illinois through Maverick Wine Company, and imported into the US by European Cellars/Eric Solomon Selections through the 2005 vintage. The 2006 vintage of “Gotim Bru” will be available exclusively through ENYE and its distribution partners in those states previously mentioned from March 30, 2010 onwards.

The 2006 vintage of Gotim Bru is a blend of 40% Tempranillo, 30% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It is aged 10 months in American and French oak barrels, sourced exclusively from estate grown fruit. Furthermore, the winery practices sustainable farming. The wine was rated 90 points by Robert Parker’s “The Wine Advocate” in the February, 2008 edition, with a suggested retail price of $13.99.

In addition to Gotim Bru, ENYE will import and distribute two additional marquis products from the Castell del Remei winery, only previously available in a few markets:

Blanc Planell 2009: Young white wine blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Macabeo, SRP $13
“ODA” 2006: A blend of 55% Merlot, 25% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 12 months in American and French Oak Barrels, SRP $26.

Each of the above wines are expected to be reviewed by “The Wine Advocate” in their April, 2010 report on Spanish wine.

Sonia Pou, Export Manager for Castell del Remei, said “It is the winery’s first strategic priority to ensure we choose our importer partners carefully in the United States, one of our most important key markets. To that end, we are pleased to begin our partnership with the ENYE Group and look forward to maximizing the potential of our product range in the markets they will manage.”

Dustin Goldstein, Managing Partner at The ENYE Group said “We have always been impressed by the quality of Gotim Bru and the following this product has had in the market over the years. We are honored to be working with Castell del Remei, a family owned winery obsessed with quality, producing terroir-specific wines with attractive packaging at a fair price.”

Pre-orders are available from ENYE for the 2006 vintage for its customers in Illinois. Please contact us at (312) 876-1200 or via e-mail to place your order at orders@enyegroup.com.

About The ENYE Group
The ENYE Group is a national importer and Illinois distributor specializing in boutique wines and spirits from Spain, founded in 2007 by Dustin Goldstein and Manuel Pulido. ENYE’s catalog includes 65 high quality wines and spirits. We primarily support wines made in sustainable methods from small production estates. Our focus is on wines that are varietally specific to Spain, their region and reflective of their terroir. ENYE is committed to bringing wines to the market that are of an excellent quality, at fair and competitive prices. Further information is available on the company’s website, www.enyegroup.com.

About CASTELL DEL REMEI
Castell del Remei is a unique chateau style winery founded in 1780. In fact, it was the first Spanish winery to produce Cabernet and Semillon blanc wines, to bottle and label the wines and the first ageing its wines in Catalonia. The estate is located in the province of Lleida, in Western Catalonia, and consists of 120 hectares/296.52 acres dedicated to vines, with an average age of 20 years old. Castell del Remei currently exports to about 50 countries worldwide. The estate of Castell del Remei has several buildings that used to be inhabited by more that 50 families. Among them worth mentioning is the Castle, the church devoted to the virgin of Remei, the Restaurant open to the public, the cellars and other like the olive oil mill dated 1793, the flour mill, the old distillery, the barrel workshop etc. Further information is available on the winery’s website at www.castelldelremei.com

Press contact:
The ENYE Group
W. Dustin Goldstein, Managing Partner
+1 312 876 1200
dustin@enyegroup.com

Castell del Remei
Sonia Pou, Export Manager
+34 973 580200
spou@castelldelremei.com

ENYE is a proud sponsor of The Chicago Lighthouse's "Sweets for Sight" event

2010-01-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

The ENYE Group is a proud sponsor/sparkling wine purveyor to the "Sweets for Sight" fundraising event for The Chicago Lighthouse, which will be held on Thursday, February 11th from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at the Redhead Piano Bar, 16 West Ontario, Chicago. The Chicago Lighthouse is the leading charity in the city that helps the blind and visually impaired across many areas, including job placement.

The "Sweets for Sight" Valentine's Day event will be focused on supporting "Seeing is Believing", a Lighthouse program that provides no-cost low vision exams and corrective devices to all of the students in Chicago-area schools who require them. Event attendees receive ENYE cava, truffles, other libations, complimentary coat check and live entertainment including love song karaoke. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase cavas through our retail partner for the event, The Noble Grape.

Individual tickets: $45
Pre-event Group Rate tickets: 10 for $350

Purchase tickets online at http://www.chicagolighthouse.org/store/event-tickets

No one under 21 years of age will be admitted. Business casual attire required.

Sponsored by the The Chicago Lighthouse Young Philanthropists Board, The Redhead Piano Bar, The Enye Group, Sweet Miss Giving's and The Noble Grape.

ENYE announces its "Mega Holiday Tasting" in support of Chicago area wine merchants

2009-12-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 19th between 12-4pm, the general public will be able to sample quality ENYE wines at over 30 Chicago area wine retailers. We are pleased to be able to staff these tastings in partnership with Premiere Tastings, Inc., and to support our off-premise customers during the critical weekend before Christmas.

Tastings will take place at the following locations (subject to change):

Whole Foods Market: Gold Coast, Halsted, Lakeview, Kingsbury/Lincoln Park, South Loop, Deerfield, Evanston North, Hinsdale, Naperville, Northbrook, Palatine, River Forest, Wheaton.

Binny's Beverage Depot: Lincoln Park, Elmwood Park, Skokie, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Algonquin, McHenry, Glen Ellyn, Highland Park, Orland Park, Willowbrook, Plainfield, St. Charles, Downers Grove, South Loop.

Kenwood Liquors: Oak Lawn, Homer Glen (4-7pm).

Famous Liquors: Lombard.

Sunset Foods: Northbrook, Libertyville, Lake Forest.

Please come out and join us on the 19th at one of these fine locations near you!!

ENYE announces its Chateau Renni Cava line just in time for the holidays

2009-11-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce it has reached an exclusive agreement with the Vallformosa winery of Penedes to bring the "Chateau Renni" brand of quality cavas (Spanish sparkling wine) to the United States. There are three cavas in the Chateau Renni line: Chateau Renni Brut, Chateau Renni Semi Seco and Chateau Renni Brut Rose. The recommended retail price for the Brut and Semi Seco will be $9.99 and the Brut Rose is expected to retail for $10.99. Delivery to port/warehouse will be the week of November 23, just in time for the holiday season.

Dustin Goldstein, Managing Partner of The ENYE Group, said "we are committed to deliver value and quality to our retail and distributor partners and the Chateau Renni Cavas reinforce that commitment. Consumers in the US are discovering every day that there is no better value-quality play than Spanish wine. Furthermore, we are pleased to have partnered with Vallformosa, a family-owned winery obsessed with quality, and with a rich history steeped in winemaking traditions."

CHATEAU RENNI BRUT CAVA NV
Methode Champenoise, 16 months aging over lees in the bottle
50% Viura, 30% Xarello, 20% Parellada, 12.6g/l Residual Sugar
Straw color with greenish hues. On the nose, aromas of mature melon and banana as well as apricot, apple and toasted notes. Harmonious and appetizing in the mouth, with well balanced acidity and a rounded and elegant after-taste. Classic fruity long finish.

CHATEAU RENNI SEMI SECO CAVA NV
Methode Champenoise, 16 months aging over lees in the bottle
50% Viura, 30% Xarello, 20% Parellada, 34.8g/l Residual Sugar
Straw-yellow with hints of gold. Fine, persistent bubble and light crown. On the nose, fresh fruit aroma, full and round, with hints of vine flower, apple and mature peach. Very well balanced in the mouth, with a long, light sweet finish with melon and apple notes.

CHATEAU RENNI BRUT ROSE CAVA NV
Methode Champenoise, 12 months aging over lees in the bottle
70% Garnacha, 30% Monastrell, 11.3g/l Residual Sugar
Cherry red with ruby tones. Fine, persistent bubble and white crown. Elegant floral and fruity aromas of strawberry and raspberry with slight toasted notes from the lees. Round, sensual palate, very feminine. Fresh in the mouth, pleasant, lively, with a sensation of ripe red fruits lingering in a long finale.

For more information on how to purchase or pre-order the Chateau Renni line of cavas, please contact Manuel Pulido, ENYE Managing Partner, on 312-876-1200 or via e-mail at manuel@enyegroup.com.

9 Chicago Restaurants are participating in Rioja Restaurant Week with ENYE wines, Oct 18-25, 2009

2009-10-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce that nine of Chicago's top area restaurants will be participating in Rioja Restaurant Week with one of ENYE's Rioja lines: Diez-Caballero, Hacienda Lopez de Haro, Aspaldi or ZINIO. The event will take place from October 18 - October 25, 2009.

Each restaurant is participating in the campaign launched by Vibrant Rioja, the US marketing arm of the DOCa Rioja. As a condition of their participation, each restaurant will be offering special discounts on Rioja wines or meals paired with Rioja wine, bar pairings and prix-fixe specials. More information on each restaurants' promotion can be found on the promotional website at www.riojarestaurantweek.com.

We encourage you to patronize the following restaurants and experience some of the best service, food and wine available in Chicago:

ENO @ the Intercontinental
505 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
25 E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL

Eivissa
1531 N. Wells Street
Chicago, IL

SushiSamba Rio
505 N. Wells Street
Chicago, IL

Brown Trout Restaurant
4111 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL

TASTE Food and Wine
1506 West Jarvis Avenue
Chicago, IL

Zaidi's Steak, Sushi and Seafood Restaurant
1975 Springbrook Square Drive
Naperville, IL

DOLCE Chicago
4114 N. Kedzie
Chicago, IL

Sabor a Cafe
2435 W. Peterson Ave
Chicago, IL

The ENYE Group expands its national market presence

2009-07-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

ENYE is pleased to announce that it has reached agreements with distributors in key markets, expanding our national market presence. This is in addition to ENYE's home market of Illinois, which is self-serviced. Each distributor has agreed to carry a significant percentage of ENYE's boutique, all-Spanish portfolio. Products will be available in each of these markets no later than August, 2009, if not already available.

In the State of Michigan, ENYE has formed a partnership with Grand Rapids-based ADAMO Distribution. ADAMO is a distributor owned and operated by Proprietor Robert Rood, and will cover the entire state, including the major markets of Detroit and Grand Rapids. Like ENYE, ADAMO has chosen to focus primarily on Spanish wines for their amazing value and market potential. For more information, please contact ADAMO via their website, www.adamodistribution.com or via e-mail at robert@adamodistribution.com

In the State of Iowa, ENYE has partnered with Ruby Fine Wines, an Iowa City based distributor of boutique wines. Under the direction of Liz Goodman and her sales staff, they have expanded the penetration of key ENYE products in the state with retailers and restaurants alike. Liz can be contacted at 319-339-4566, or via e-mail at rubywines@mchsi.com.

In the States of Arizona, Nevada and Utah, ENYE has signed a Distribution Agreement with Globe Distributing, Inc. This includes the key markets of Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Globe is focused on providing a high-touch customer service while offering a unique portfolio of wines that offer unparalleled value to the consumer. The sales effort at Globe is led by Arthur Barlow, Director of Sales and Marketing. Arthur can be reached toll free at 888-544-5623 or via e-mail at arthur@globebusinesses.com.

Dustin Goldstein, Managing Partner of The ENYE Group, said "We are pleased to be able to share our initial success in Illinois with our partners in other markets. In this challenging economic environment, consumers have gravitated towards high quality Spanish wines as being best-in-class value. We believe demand will continue to rise in all markets for boutique, high-quality wines from Spain such as those offered by ENYE."

The ENYE Group is currently seeking distributors in other states for our unique brands. For information on how to partner with us, please contact Manuel Pulido, Managing Partner, on 312-876-1200 or via e-mail at manuel@enyegroup.com.

ENYE joins Illinois liquor retailers in opposing increase in state liquor taxes

2009-07-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

The ENYE Group wishes to join its major retail partners in opposing the proposed increase in the Illinois Liquor Tax (House Bill 255) which is currently awaiting signature by Governor Pat Quinn (D). The proposed increase would raise the current tax on wine 90% from $0.73 a gallon to $1.39 a gallon.

According to the group Americans for Tax Reform, "These tax hikes will almost certainly result in lower tax revenue for the state as consumption naturally declines. Just this week, Kentucky announced that after applying the state’s 6% sales tax to alcohol beverages earlier this year, total tax revenue dropped by over $1.7 million and was 55% below last year’s revenue at this time. Similarly, tax revenue from wine consumption in Kentucky dropped by more than $75,000. Furthermore, the last time the federal government raised the distilled spirits excise tax, it took 11 years to bring in more revenue."

We believe that the increase will drive consumers across state lines to purchase alcoholic beverages, will hurt small distributors and retailers, and will not produce any significant additional revenue for the state due to lowered consumption. ENYE strongly encourages Governor Quinn to veto HR Bill 255 and just say no to higher liquor taxes in Illinois.

ENYE enhances its boutique portfolio with a collection of unique Spanish spirits

2009-05-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce a new line of Spanish spirits, initially available in Illinois, in a move to broaden its base of high quality boutique Spanish wines. ENYE is currently seeking distributors for these products in all US states.

ENYE has partnered with Destilerias Manuel Acha, a family-owned distillery based in Amurrio (Alava), Spain, to bring these spirits to the US marketplace. Destilerias Manuel Acha has been in business since 1831, and is now operated by Gabriel Acha, the 7th generation family member now running the business. All ingredients used to make Acha's line of distilled spirits is natural, with no artificial flavorings or ingredients added.

Why bring these spirits to the US? In Spain, there is no such thing as a short and quick bite to eat. Dinners are long, social events capped off by the “sobremesa”, or after dinner conversation and a distilled spirit digestif. In more traditional Spanish restaurants, icy freezer-chilled bottles of Pacharán (a liqueur made of Anis Cream and Sloeberries) and Orujo (Spanish version of Grappa) are left on the table after dinner for guests to enjoy as they please. ENYE is pleased to be one of the only wholesalers in the country to bring these products to the United States, in our quest to find “The Essence of Spain”.

The ACHA spirits that are now an integral part of ENYE's all-Spanish portfolio include:

ATXA Black Label Pacharán (25% alc/vol) - 1L format
A typical after dinner digestif in Spain, served cold over ice. Macerated with sloeberries and anis cream.

Fonte do Miño Orujo de Aguardiente (40% alc/vol) - 750ml format
Spanish version of white grappa, made from distilled grain alcohol and grape pomace.

Fonte do Miño Orujo de Hierbas (30% alc/vol) - 750ml format
Orujo distilled with 15 different types of herbs, such as thyme, sage, basil, rosemary, etc.

Fonte do Miño Orujo de Cafe (30% alc/vol) - 750ml format
Orujo distilled with natural coffee beans.

WSK - Caramel flavored Whiskey (25% alc/vol) - 750ml format
One of Acha's biggest sellers in Spain. Complex aromas of sweet caramel and whiskey has significant potential both behind the bar and in the kitchen as a key ingredient in dessert.

For more information on any of these products or to inquire about exclusive distribution rights, please contact Manuel Pulido from the ENYE Group on (312) 876-1200 or via e-mail at manuel@enyegroup.com.

ENYE Event: Meet the Winemaker Series Dinner/Tasting with Raul Acha from VINTAE

2009-05-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

ENYE is pleased to host the Head Winemaker/Enologist of the Rioja-based VINTAE Group to Chicago, Raul Acha, accompanied by Nicole Johnson, Export Manager for the group. VINTAE is one of the hottest, most innovative wine groups in Spain and ENYE is pleased to be the exclusive distributor of their products in the United States. VINTAE owns and closely operates wineries located in Rioja, Toro, Ribera del Queiles and Valles de Sadacia.

We will host an excellent evening of food, wine pairings, stories and education for up to 50 guests on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00pm at the Private Dining Room at Fleming's Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 25 E. Ohio Street, Chicago.

Cost is $68 per person (excluding gratuity) that includes 9 courses each paired with one of VINTAE's excellent wines.

RSVP by phone (312) 876-1200 or by e-mail to: manuel@enyegroup.com.

Tickets can also be purchased online by clicking on the following link: http://www.localwineevents.com/Chicago-Wine/event-247526.html

ENYE to participate in major industry events in 2009

2009-03-23T00:33:00.001-07:00

Hello to all!

We are pleased to announce our 2009 Trade Show Schedule! This year we are going to go all out and have invested a significant amount in these events. Most are industry focused, however, the Windy City and Naperville Wine Festivals are open to the public.

April 25-28: Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association Annual Convention and Exposition, Orlando, Florida

May 7: The Great Match - Wine and Tapas - Chicago (www.greatmatch.org)

May 17-18: International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event at the National Restaurant Association Show - Chicago

June 19-21: Aspen Food and Wine Festival, Aspen, Colorado (in collaboration with ICEX/Wines From Spain)

September 18-19: Windy City Wine Festival, Chicago

September 26-27: Miami International Wine Fair, Miami, FL

September 26-27: Naperville Wine Festival, Naperville, IL

We look forward to your support of ENYE at these important trade events! More information can be found on our website at www.enyegroup.com!

Spanish Wine Imports Maintain Growth in U.S. in 2008

2009-03-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

Spanish Wine Imports Maintain Growth in U.S.
American Wine Consumers Cut Back on Price, Not on Quality in 2008

Last update: 9:30 a.m. EST Feb. 23, 2009
NEW YORK, NY, Feb 23, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Despite a challenging economic environment, U.S. imports of Spanish wines grew in 2008. According to The Gromberg Fredrikson Report released Dec. 19, 2008, the value of imported Spanish table wines was up five percent through October of 2008. The value of imported Spanish sparkling wines increased nine percent, while still wines exceeding 14 percent alcohol content were up four percent.
"Given the recent change in U.S. consumer spending habits, the continued popularity and growth of Spanish wines is a true testament to the region's commitment to producing quality, distinctive wines without losing sight of tradition and affordability," said Katrin Naelapaa, director of Wines from Spain. "From established winemakers to innovative up-and-coming producers, the Spanish wine community continues to expand and offer a broad range of vintages at price points to accommodate any budget."
The value of Spanish wines grew slightly faster than the volume of wine imported. Overall, for the 10 months ending October 2008, Spanish wine case imports increased by two percent over the same 10-month period in 2007. Case imports of Spanish table wines grew less than one percent, and case imports of sparkling wines and still wines exceeding 14 percent alcohol content grew six percent and five percent, respectively.
Among Europe's leading wine producing countries, Spain enjoyed the healthiest growth in U.S. imports by far. Case imports of French wines were down 11 percent, German and Italian case imports each declined six percent and Portuguese wine imports dropped just one percent. According to a study by the Credoc French research center found that by 2015, Spain is poised to surpass France as the largest global wine producer in the world.

About Wines from Spain
Wines from Spain is a promotional division of the Trade Commission of Spain based in New York. For more than 25 years, Wines from Spain has been committed to promoting the awareness of Spanish wines throughout the United States through education, informational materials, special events and promotions. For further information on specific wine regions and producers, please contact: Wines from Spain, Trade Commission of Spain, 405 Lexington Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10174-0331 or visit www.WinesfromSpainUSA.com.

The ENYE Group announces the 2nd Annual Grand Tasting Event

2009-01-05T19:17:00.001-08:00

ENYE Distribution Group has announced an exclusive wine tasting event for the industry and invited guests on Wednesday, February 18th at the Gruen Galleries Building, 226 West Superior Street, 3rd floor, in Chicago's River North Art District. Guests affiliated with retailers, restaurants or the hospitality industries may join us for an industry-only tasting from 1 - 4pm. The event will re-open for invited guests of the general public between 6:00 and 8:30pm. Industry guests are welcome at either tasting.

The entire ENYE portfolio, consisting of 35 wines from small producers in Spain, will be available for tasting. The wines represent a wide variety of both appellations and varietals, including DOCa Rioja, DO Ribera del Duero, DOQ Priorat, DO Rueda, VCPRD Valtiendas, VT Bajo Aragon and more. Additionally, wines recently sourced from our trip in late January will be available for exclusive tasting.

We also expect some representatives from our wineries in Spain to join us for this special event.

Client applications and industry orders will be taken on-site. Order forms will be made available for the general public to purchase wines from our retail partner.

Industry and invited guests may get more information on www.enyegroup.com or by emailing info@enyegroup.com.

The ENYE Group announces Castillo de Maetierra Holiday Gift Sets

2008-11-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce, in exclusive partnership with Bodegas Castillo de Maetierra (VT Valles de Sadacia) and the VINTAE Group, the availability of three-pack gift sets for the holiday season. These gift sets come in an attractive, sturdy box set and includes the following quality wines:

Castillo de Maetierra "Libalis" 2007 - 90% Muscat a Petits Grains, 5% Viura, 5% Malvasia (white wine)

Castillo de Maetierra "Melante" 2006 - 100% Muscat a Grano Menudo (dessert wine 500ml)

Reverse Six ("Seis al Reves") - 75% Tempranillo, 25% Merlot blend from VT Ribera del Queiles

Estimated retail will be approximately $49.99. For more information on how to obtain these gift sets for off-premise, please contact the ENYE Group on (312) 475-9477 or via e-mail at info@enyegroup.com.

International Wine Review awards 92 points to Mercedes Eguren

2008-11-19T23:54:00.000-08:00

The International Wine Review in its November online publication on Spanish Wine (www.i-winereview.com) awarded 92 points to the Mercedes Eguren Shiraz-Tempranillo 2005 vintage and 90 points to the 2006 vintage from VT Tierra de Castilla, both of which are available currently in the ENYE portfolio and at fine retailers and restaurants in and around Chicagoland.

Of the 2005 Shiraz-Tempranillo, the International Wine Review writes:
"What a stunner! The color is dark ruby with a ruby-garnet rim. Aromas of dark fruit with leather notes give way to a soft attack of layered sweet black fruit with chocolate and plum notes on the palate. Oak and fruit are nicely integrated, and the tannins are soft and ripe on the long finish. " 92 points.

... and the 2006:
"A 50% Shiraz, 50% Tempranillo blend that spends 6 months in American oak. Has a deep ruby core and purple rim with aromas of ripe plum and black cherry fruit with earth notes. This is a well-balanced and nicely integrated modern style wine that offers an expressive, soft, sweet attack of bright plum fruit with a nice long, firm tannic finish. " 90 points.

Further information on these wines can be obtained by contacting The ENYE Group on (312) 475-9477 or via e-mail at info@enyegroup.com.

ENYE Distribution Group at the Midwest Wine Expo

2008-09-21T16:40:00.001-07:00

ENYE Distribution Group is pleased to be participating in the Midwest Wine Expo, sponsored by Binny's Beverage Depot, on Sunday, October 5th at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. We will be featuring six wines from our acclaimed Spanish portfolio, including Libalis, AÑ Vino Espumoso Sparkling Verdejo, Torrederos Roble 2005, Bodegas Vagal "Cuvee Joana" 2006, Bodegas Vereda Real "Bobalia" Roble 2005 and DON Tempranillo-Cabernet Reserva 2000. Consumers attending the event have the opportunity to purchase all of our wines for 15% off from Binny's Beverage Depot.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. For more information or how to obtain tickets for the event, go to www.binnys.com.

The ENYE Group welcomes new wines from DO Utiel-Requena and VT Valles de Sadacia

2008-08-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

The ENYE Group continues its quest for the best wines and varietals from each region of Spain with the addition of four new wines from DO Utiel-Requena in Valencia and a brand new "VT", Valles de Sadacia, carved out of DOCa Rioja to specialize in white wines.

"LIBALIS" 2007 - BODEGAS CASTILLO DE MAETIERRA (Calahorra, La Rioja, Spain)
VT Valles de Sadacia
90% Muscat a Petits Grains, 5% Viura, 5% Malvasia

When we tasted this wine the first time, we were blown away by every aspect: the bottle presentation, its color, the bright but sweet Muscat nose, the complexity and unbelievable finish on the mouth. This is about the best white wine we have tried in a long time, and we had to take it on.

VT Valles de Sadacia, a new VT/DO located in the La Rioja region, was created in order to reintroduce varietals previously indigenous to the area but not recognized under the larger DOCa Rioja, such as Muscat a Petits Grains. Formed by four of the seven Riojan valleys, through which channel various rivers, the Valles de Sadacia make up a natural area of exceptional singularity, declared a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO in 2003.

The winery, Castillo de Maetierra, has 40ha. of estate owned Muscat a Petits Grains which opens the harvest year after year in Rioja due to its early ripening. The harvest is carried out by hand using small crates, ensuring that the grapes reach the winery in perfect condition. Another singular characteristic of these wines is that the combination of the three varieties makes it possible to prolong their shelf life into the third year from bottling.

BODEGAS VEREDA REAL (Requena, Valencia, Spain)
DO Utiel-Requena

"BOBALIA" ROBLE 2005 - 100% Bobal
"SELECTTO" CRIANZA 2004 - 60% Tempranillo, 15% Bobal, 15% Merlot, 10% Syrah
"ETTNOS" RESERVA 2003 - 65% Bobal, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot

We met Pedro Carcel for the first time at the Spanish Wine Cellar event in New York, in search for "anything but Tempranillo" and were mightily impressed by his wines. Several conversations ensued and we sealed the deal over a delicious lunch at "Meson Txistu" in Madrid. Pedro takes great pride in his wines and his winery, which have come stateside for the first time this year. We are pleased to carry the entire line from the small, family owned winery located in Requena, Valencia.

The predominant varietal in that particular area is Bobal. We were attracted to the varietal because of its complexity and the potential the grape shows, particularly when blended with other varietals. Pedro has managed to make a very respectable, pure Bobal wine in the form of "Bobalia". "Selectto" is a blend that changes every year depending on the quality of the harvest, in 2004 it so happens that Pedro put together quite a coupage of four varietals with fantastic results. And, our personal favorite, "Ettnos" is a marvelous food pairing wine, where Bobal, Cab and Merlot dance delicately together with French, Spanish and Eastern European oak to make one hell of a wine.

These wines will be available soon in select retail and restaurants throughout Chicagoland. For more information on distribution in other states, please contact us at info@enyegroup.com.

ENYE Distribution Group at the Windy City and Naperville Wine Festivals

2008-06-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

ENYE Distribution Group is pleased to announce its first-ever participation in the Windy City Wine Festival, to be held at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza, Chicago on September 5-6. We will feature 6 ENYE Group wines which can be purchased through the event sponsor, Binny's Beverage Depot, at a 10% discount on-site. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.windycitywinefestival.com.

Likewise, ENYE will also be present at the Naperville Wine Festival, also sponsored by Binny's, which will be held on September 12-13 at the Naper Settlement, Naperville, Illinois. For more information or to purchase tickets to this event, go to www.napervillewinefestival.com.

The ENYE Group announces its new line of Verdejo wines from D.O. Rueda

2008-05-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce its new line of Verdejo varietal premium wines from Bodegas Antaño. Verdejo is the primary varietal indigenous to the D.O. Rueda, located in the western part of the Valladolid province in Spain.

ABOUT BODEGAS ANTAÑO
The winery is located in the heart of the village of Rueda, the epicenter for the appellation of the same name. When we visited the winery in January, we were amazed by the facilities. Jose Luis Solaguren, the owner, is also a famous restauranteur in Spain and owns the famous "Jose Luis" tapas bars in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. We entered through a courtyard and down a corridor into the most amazing mini-museum to bullfighting we have ever seen! Also on site is a wonderful library and conference facility, as well as the production areas. The winery also keeps "nichos", or special underground cellars, for heads of state and celebrities throughout Spain. However, when we reached the end of the underground tunnels, something caught our attention ... they looked like Cava bottles but were filled with a Brut Nature Sparkling Wine made with 100% Verdejo! We could not believe it, but we quickly became believers after tasting this magic potion.

ALTA PLATA 2007 100% VERDEJO STILL WINE - ESTIMATED RETAIL $15.
Alta Plata is the winery's premium still white wine made entirely from the Verdejo Varietal. It has a medium intense golden yellow color with occasional green hues. On the nose it is big, with intense aromas of its Verdejo variety, hay and ripened tropical fruit. In the mouth, it is fresh, fruity, oily, big, consistent, round and balanced. It is easy to drink and makes a great summer wine.

AÑ SPARKLING VERDEJO - BRUT NATURE - ESTIMATED RETAIL $22.
We love when people say "sparkling what?" when we tell them about this wine. We are very excited to be carrying something this unique with outstanding quality through and through. The winery produced only 10,000 bottles of this gem.

It is pale yellow in color with light greenish nuances. Abundant and small-sized bubbles echo persistently on the finish and form a pure crown. Complex and fruity on the nose with lees and almond aromas. Outstanding balance and simple on the palate, round, lingering mouth, fresh, easy to drink and very persistent.

For more information on these wines, please contact us via e-mail at info@enyegroup.com or call our office on +1 312 475 9477. Out of state (ex-Illinois) distributors' inquiries are welcome.

ENYE Imports at the "La Rioja in New York" event

2008-04-29T18:50:00.001-07:00

The ENYE Imports Group will be participating in the "La Rioja in New York" event, with a tasting on Monday, May 5th from 2 - 7pm at the Astor Wine Center, 399 Lafayette Street, New York, NY. ENYE will be representing Bodegas Patrocinio (ZINIO line of wines) as their exclusive US importer.

For more information, please refer to the event website at www.lariojanewyork.com, or contact us at (312) 475-9477 or info@enyegroup.com.

The New York Times Loves Verdejo...

2008-03-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to be able to share this recent New York Times article with all of you on the Verdejo varietal from D.O. Rueda. Watch this space for our new and exciting verdejo wines coming just in time for the summer ordering season!

Emerging, in Spain, to Warm Applause
By ERIC ASIMOV
Published: March 5, 2008
The Spanish wine Rueda, filled with juicy citrus, floral and mineral flavors, is just the sort of white wine to have on hand in the refrigerator.

Click here to read the article.

Wine Advocate publishes ratings for Torrederos

2008-03-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has published ratings for wines from Bodegas Torrederos in their February, 2008 edition. We are pleased to note that the Bodegas Torrederos Crianza 2004 has been rated a 91 by the publication, while the younger Torrederos Barrica Roble 2005 scored 88 points in the review.

Torrederos Crianza 2004:
The 2004 Crianza is dark ruby-colored with aromas of pencil lead, earth, mushroom, vanilla, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, it has excellent depth, length, and balance. It will evolve for several years and drink well through 2020. 91 points.

Torrederos Barrica Roble 2005:
The 2005 Barrica Joven Roble is 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers a pleasing perfume of cedar, cinnamon, clove, plum, and blackberry. This is followed by a ripe, sweetly-fruited wine with some silky tannins and an approachable personality. The pure finish lasts for 30-seconds. Drink this tasty effort over the next 3-4 years. 88 points.

Both vintages are available to Illinois retailers and out-of-state distributors through the ENYE Group. For more information, please contact us at (312) 475-9477 or info@enyegroup.com.

The ENYE Group welcomes "EVOHÉ"

2008-03-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

The ENYE Group is pleased to announce the incorporation of EVOHÉ Garnacha "Viñas Viejas" 2006 to our portfolio. EVOHÉ is a 100% old vine grenache wine produced in a winery with concrete vats, nearly abandoned just a few years ago. The winery, Leceranas, is located in the VT Bajo Aragón, about 45 minutes southeast of Zaragoza, the provincial capital. This wine has an amazing price to quality ratio, having been rated by the Peñín guide at 90 points, and should retail between $12 - $14 a bottle. Pre-orders are currently being accepted for mid-April delivery.