“The Laurenti Red being launched today is the second fully-grown Maltese premium wine by Camilleri Wines. A production of around 10,500 bottles is in line with Camilleri Wines’ commitment towards a steady and continued effort to achieve quality and prestige.” This was stated by Louie Camilleri, general manager of Camilleri Wines during the official launch of the much-anticipated Laurenti Red.
The Laurenti Red was officially launched during a social evening hosted by Camilleri Wines at Heat, a newly-opened bistro at the recently restored Valletta Waterfront at Pinto Wharf. The Laurenti range bears its name from the Laurenti ridge, limits of Siggiewi, home to some of Camilleri Wines’ most fertile and productive vineyards.
Laurenti Red, an exquisite Merlot Cabernet-Sauvignon, comes from the vineyards that are taken care of by the contracted vine growers under the supervision of Patrick Xerri, viticulturist of Camilleri Wines. This wine follows the lines of the successful and much sought after Laurenti Chardonnay launched last November, of which the new 2004 vintage is also being launched.
While answering questions by journalists attending the launch, Louie Camilleri said “although the Laurenti Chardonnay had to spend six months on its own, it has done a great job. The feedback from the public has been unprecedented, leading to a sell-out of this great vintage and we are now expecting the same positive reaction for the Laurenti Red. We are glad to have coupled this range and are seriously confident that this wine will not only reach the level of expectations but will also raise the benchmark for local reds while satisfying the current Laurenti drinkers.” Mr Camilleri added “we believe that gone are the times that local Maltese wines are considered to be just decent wines. Being our first premium products, we have achieved a lot and it is the market that is telling us so. Laurenti does have an oaky taste and that is what we were after. We wanted a mature taste for our premium range and the market has accepted this by consuming our products. Our efforts are finally reaping the deserved fruits.”
The launch was addressed by Claudio Camilleri, head, sales and marketing of Camilleri Wines, who outlined the company’s latest strategy that has placed its products at the forefront in the local wine industry. “Our Laurenti range is the successful result of a strategic direction adopted by the company in the past three years whereby we are now successfully supplying the wine market with less quantities but superior qualities of wines. A case in point is the production of the Laurenti whereby wines will only be produced when our produce offers an extremely high quality of grape.”
“Everything about the Laurenti wine, from the grapes that produce it to the glass it’s bottled in, combines to offer a very special and enjoyable wine experience. The hand-crafting of these wines was overseen by Patrick Xerri whose efforts ensured that we had the best mature grapes possible from the small family run vineyards. Careful attention has been paid to each part of the process to bring Laurenti to the quality levels it has achieved, and this is the result of a lot of hard work by all the stakeholders, especially the vine growers themselves,” added Mr Camilleri.
The launch of the Laurenti Merlot Cabernet-Sauvignon underlines Camilleri Wines’ focus on high quality local products that bring the family’s reputation as winemakers to the fore. Through this consolidation Camilleri Wines celebrates the family’s long standing tradition within this industry and its role reflects the company’s reputation amongst its customers, partners and the growers themselves. “Our grapes, our sellers, our consumers and most of all our people are the basis for the successful implementation of the above strategy,” concluded Louie Camilleri.
The Laurenti Merlot
Cabernet-Sauvignon
Laurenti Red is made from hand-picked Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes harvested from selected Maltese family vineyards, some 170 metres above sea level. This fine wine is aged in French oak barriques for over a year to produce the typical Laurenti experience.
The appearance is mature, with a medium to deep intensity and a dark chocolate core. It has a clean, medium to pronounced nose, with elements of cherries, red berries and forest fruits but one may also find hints of dried fruits. These elements are also reflected in the taste. The palate is of a medium to full-bodied structure with balanced acidity and light tannins, more evident towards finish. It has an ageing potential of four-five years under ideal storage conditions.