Press Release: North South Wines announces new Argentinian partnership

Dynamic, sustainably focused distributor, North South Wines announces new Argentinian partnership with Doña Paula and Santa Rita Estates Argentina.

Los Cardos Private Collection by Doña Paula and Malbado from Santa Rita Estates Argentina partnership is a response to the rising demand for Argentinian wines in the UK.

Los Cardos Private Collection by Doña Paula comprises a single vineyard. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from Luján De Cuyo, along with a Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay both sourced from the Uco Valley.

And the thistles (‘Los Cardos’) adorning each label are a nod to local folklore that heralds their existence in the vineyard as a sign of healthy land.

Renowned viticulturalist and winemaker Martin Kaiser, assisted by Andrea Tansini, will oversee the production of all these 100% vegan and sustainably produced wines. And Doña Paula achieved Bodegas de Argentina Sustainable Certification version 3.0 in April 2019, one of the few wineries in Argentina to do so.

More on our new Argentinian partnership

Kim Wilson, MD North South Wines comments:

“Being able to offer a single vineyard Malbec to our customers at this price point is a great opportunity in today’s market. So, we are anticipating a lot of interest around this brand.“

The Los Cardos range will retail at around £10 and is aimed at the mainstream multiples off-trade.

Malbado, made by Santa Rita Estates winemaker Oscar Salas in conjunction with the Argentinian winemaking team, is a standalone brand that showcases what the region of Luján De Cuyo can offer in terms of premium quality. Malbado, a take on the Spanish for ‘the evil or wicked one’, is a celebration of triumph over adversity. The vines are grown in arid, cold, and stony conditions – some of the most extreme found in the winemaking world. So, the result is an elegant, complex, and structured wine which will delight Malbec lovers. The wine has just launched in Asda with a retail price of £14.00.

Santa Rita Estates’s take on the partnership

Speaking about the Argentinian partnership with North South Wines, Andres Lavados, CEO Santa Rita Estates comments:

“The UK remains a hugely important market for us. Last year, the Argentine sector recorded a 23% growth in value and is one of the fastest growing markets of origin. And, with named brands outperforming own label and the premium tier of over £9 experiencing one of the largest areas of growth, the shared goals of category growth within sustainable business parameters makes this a perfectly aligned partnership.“

Kim Wilson, Managing Director, North South Wines, adds:
“Argentina is something we have been thinking about for a long time. But we wanted to get things right and work with a supplier that offered the whole package. Excellent quality, the ability to grow and an understanding of how to do business in the UK. And Argentina seems to be particularly popular with a younger, digitally savvy generation. So it was paramount for us to have a partner who is dynamic and understands the UK market. So, both companies share common values. Doña Paula’s ambitious sustainability program was key from the beginning to know they were right partner for us.”

The new Malbado and Doña Paula Los Cardos wines will be available through North South Wines.