Chilean wine brand, Anakena, of the Accolade Wines portfolio, has announced a partnership with Davis Cup winner and ATP world number one doubles player, Jamie Murray OBE. This further endorses Anakena’s support of British Tennis and their existing sponsorship of the Lawn Tennis Association. Murray has signed a two-year partnership with Anakena, to become their brand ambassador.
Jamie Murray, Anakena Wines Ambassador, said: “I’m delighted to be aligned with Anakena wines, and to be supporting their partnership with British Tennis. The story behind the wine is fascinating and I am excited to work with the brand as it launches here in the UK.”
Murray worked with Anakena wines to produce a short brand video for about his career, where he talks candidly about his journey through the highs and lows, before reaching the top of his discipline. Murray’s story has many similarities to that of the Anakena Birdman legend, which speaks about the challenge imposed on the men of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Every year those with the ambition and courage to succeed would swim the long and dangerous journey from Rapa Nui to Moto Nui to collect a precious egg laid within its coastal cliffs. The first to return with the egg was bestowed with the honourable title of ‘Tangata Manu’, or Birdman.
Anakena has sponsored a column in the Evening Standard throughout Wimbledon, which will feature Murray’s commentary on the competition. The first of these columns featured a 75p off coupon for the Anakena Birdman range, on Monday 27th June, to be used in local stores. Murray will also be working with Anakena Wines across national in-store promotions over the next 12 months.
Amy White, Marketing Director, Accolade Wines, said: “Anakena is a high quality Chilean wine brand, with a strong international standing as a producer of world-class, distinctly Chilean wines. Having agreed to a long-term partnership with the LTA earlier this year, we are delighted to partner with a British tennis player who has a world-class reputation and global appeal. We look forward to welcoming Jamie to our stable of ambassadors and of course we’ll be backing him all the way on the court!”
Watch Jamie Murray discuss the moments that have proved pivotal in his rise to world number one at www.facebook.com/AnakenaWinesUK.
–ENDS–
For more information:
Tom Ainscough, Group Sponsorship Manager:
e tom.ainscough@accolade-wines.com t 00 44 7880 053767
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT ANAKENA
Viña Anakena was founded in the late 1990s by two friends in Alto Cachapoal, situated in the cool foothills of the Andes Mountains, south of the Chilean capital Santiago. Their goal was to craft elegant, innovative and distinctly New World wines that reflected their origin and Chile´s potential as a producer of world-class fine wines. Their goals were achieved with Viña Anakena’s wines widely acclaimed by consumers, wine writers and the trade.
The name “Anakena” comes from the Birdman legend and signifies Bird Cave. Every spring the Easter Island seabird (Manutara) would lay its precious egg in the coastal cliffs in a secret hideaway (Anakena). The Birdman legend tells the story of how the men from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) would show their worth by swimming the long distance from Rapa Nui to the islet of Moto Nui in search of this egg. The brave islander who found it and carried it back safely to Rapa Nui was given the title of “Tangata Manu” – the Birdman. The victor would be bestowed with honour and fortune for the whole year until the race was swam again. The Birdman Series of wines plays homage to the spirit of the Birdman.
TASTING NOTES
ANAKENA BIRDMAN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015
A crisp and refreshing wine, Anakena Birdman Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect expression of the Chilean terroir, displaying lemon and pink grapefruit aromas with tropical fruit on the palate.
ANAKENA BIRDMAN MERLOT 2015
A fruit driven wine bursting with raspberry aromas and blackberry flavours, Anakena Birdman Merlot has a smooth texture and pleasing finish.
ANAKENA BIRDMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015
A full-bodied wine with bramble and plum characters, Anakena Birdman Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich, full palate packed with juicy fruit and a lingering finish.
Twitter: @AnakenaWinesUK
Facebook: AnakenaWinesUK
ABOUT ACCOLADE WINES:
Headquartered in Australia, Accolade Wines is one of the world’s largest wine companies, delivering over 35 million cases (9 litre equivalent) to 143 countries annually. With a comprehensive portfolio of market leading brands, Accolade Wines is the largest wine company in the UK with 13% share of this market. Hardys continues to hold the number 1 brand position (by volume and value) in the UK. Echo Falls is now the second largest wine brand in the UK (by volume and value) and the number 1 USA wine brand in the UK. Kumala is the largest South African wine brand in the UK (by volume and value) and Jack Rabbit is now the largest wine brand in the UK On Trade channel with Hardys and Accolade’s Stowells wine brand retaining the 2nd and 3rd brand position in this channel.
Chief Executive Officer, Paul Schaafsma says “In reaching and retaining this position, we have always strived to provide highly attractive offers to our customers and consumers alike and from vineyard to glass, we put our heart and soul into delivering great quality wines at every price point”.
