The Little Penguin Uncorks Cool Pink Wine for Summer

June 23, 2005 -- America's most fun-loving wine, the Little Penguin (www.thelittlepenguin.com), introduces a sophisticated new wine, nicknamed the "Pink Penguin." Neither red nor white, this eclectic wine pairs elegantly with summer menus. Like the classic French-style summer wines enjoyed by al fresco diners around the continent, the Pink Penguin is light and fresh. Not too dry and definitely not sweet, it's the perfect alternative to an everyday white wine.

Specially blended to complement summertime foods and outdoor lifestyles, a glass of the Pink Penguin is perfect for a summer dinner party or day at the beach with friends. A cross between a blush and a dry rose-- the Pink Penguin is pretty, pink, full-bodied, and features the fresh fruit flavors for which Shiraz grapes are known.

This great tasting wine will please the occasional wine drinker who prefers chilled white wines as well as the wine enthusiast who is looking for alternative wine styles. And its perfect pink hue is a great fashion accessory for the current feminine frocks -- from the barely-there bikinis to ethnic, bohemian prints so hot right now -- and you won't need rose-colored glasses.

Too Chic to Drink Pink? Think Again.
The Little Penguin is reinventing the blush table wine category and renaming it "Pink." The Pink Penguin is a new choice for wine drinkers looking for something fun and fresh. It takes the classic character of a French rose; and blends it with the appealing fruit flavors and quality winemaking of an Australian Shiraz for a completely new taste.

"I attend a lot of events every summer -- beach parties, picnics, fundraisers -- and drink wine frequently with friends," said Liz O'Connell, vice president of communications and Pink Maven of the Little Penguin. "The Pink Penguin is a standout -- very fresh, balanced, and clean. Fruity and not-too-dry, a glass of Pink Penguin is a perfect alternative to everyday white wines. There's no reason to blush when drinking pink. This cool, new, pink wine is certain to revitalize the blush and rose category."

Blended from Australian Shiraz
Like the Little Penguin Shiraz, the Pink Penguin has hints of chocolate and berry flavors that go well with summer foods or other casual occasions when a lighter wine is preferred. Meant to be drunk young and fresh, the Pink Penguin gets its color from the red grape skins that are removed after the first day of the fermentation process. It's fitting that the Little Penguin is one of the first wineries to introduce a White Shiraz, given that Australia first championed Shiraz wines, inspiring other wine producing countries to catch the Shiraz wave.

With its fresh fruit flavors and light, crisp taste, people will be ready to "think Pink" after drinking a glass of the Pink Penguin. It goes well with a wide range of foods that make summertime entertaining so memorable and fun -- from spicy barbecue that demands a full-bodied wine to more delicate foods that usually require a crisp, fresh white wine. The Pink Penguin pairs well with fresh fruit, cheese, and even chocolate-dipped strawberries.

the Little Penguin wines express the social and vibrant personality of the brand for consumers who need a great wine for social situations but are less concerned with the more traditional values commonly seen in other wine brands. Consumers can learn more about the Pink Penguin and get into the summer mood with Penguin Party tips, wine pairing suggestions, and humorous personality tests by visiting the Little Penguin website at www.thelittlepenguin.com

The Pink Penguin will be available in retail outlets throughout the United States where other the Little Penguin wines are sold, beginning in July. All the Little Penguin varietals -- Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and now the Pink Penguin -- retail for approximately $8. Released in July 2004, the Little Penguin wines have already received "Best Buys" and "Best Values" from leading wine publications such as the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

Aimed at a new generation of wine buyers, the quirky wine with the quirky name and label is easy to remember and easy to pronounce. Nothing fancy -- just plain fun and delicious.

About the Little Penguin
Released in the summer of 2004, the Little Penguin brand was off to a flying start within a few months of its release. A wine label that doesn't take itself seriously, the Little Penguin takes the intimidation out of wine, replacing words like "swirling," "nose," and "sniffing," with "fun," "playful," and "smooth." "Wine newbies" who don't yet know what they like can take the Little Penguin's personality test: www.thelittlepenguin.com/penguin_zone/personality

the Little Penguin brand is the latest project in a long history of innovation at Southcorp Wines. This light-hearted, witty Australian brand was developed to reach out to today's casual wine consumer. the Little Penguin wines are made in a fresh fruit-forward style and crafted for early enjoyment. The range features a Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and now, a White Shiraz. In the year since its launch, the Little Penguin has already sold one million cases for North America and is the 7th largest Australian wine brand in the USA (AC Nielsen wk ending 4/9/05.) Based on the rapid sales, the Little Penguin now ranks among the top five most successful premium wine brand launches in North American history.

Source: the Little Penguin