Anna de Codorniu "Blooms" this Spring as Sparkling Wines Grow 4% and Toast a "Second Season of Cava"

BALTIMORE, May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Anna de Codorniu, Spain's leading sparkling wine, has launched "Anna Blooms," a national brand education and retail program that boldly pairs Anna wines with flowers as the centerpiece of stylish entertaining.  Wine and floral experts around the country have lent their creative talents to bring Anna Blooms to life, including Diana Hamman (aka the Wine Goddess) and Mike Hines of Epoch Floral in Chicago; floral designer Kathryn Parrish of Parrish Designs in Miami; and wine educator Sandra Crittenden and Sue Habid of Lexis Florist in Houston.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7217451-anna-de-codorniu-anna-blooms-sparkling-wine-second-season-of-cava 

Anna Blooms follows the successful debut of the redesigned labels for Anna Brut and Brut Rose labels in early 2014 and builds on the surge in popularity of sparkling wines as a drink of choice for year-round entertaining, particularly among well-connected, sophisticated women who play a significant role in driving purchasing trends. Termed "the second season of Cava" by the team behind Anna de Codorniu, overall sparkling wine sales grew 4% in 2013 supported by year-round growth that has challenged the traditional holiday peak with more constant growth. 

"What are the two things that we bring to any party? Beautiful flowers and sparkling wines," suggests Diana Hamman, owner of The Wine Goddess boutique in Chicago. "Anna Blooms celebrates the simplest, most essential components of spring and summer entertaining; picture a bouquet of wildflowers paired with Anna de Codorniu as guests arrive, an inspired pairing which remind us that great entertaining can be both beautiful and easy."

The more informal the occasion the more consumers seem willing to experiment with sparkling wine.  According to Hamman, ""There is a second season of Cava that complements more traditional sparkling wine occasions. People have identified Anna de Codorniu as the ideal spring and summer sipper – it's light and exuberant, whether you're sitting on the back deck waiting for the main course to come off the grill or toasting with friends at a spring function."

In a recent presentation for press and bloggers in Chicago, Hamman cited the versatility of Anna de Codorniu, combined with outstanding quality and affordability as key to the success of sparkling wines: "If you had one wine to choose to pair with food – what is the one wine that goes the best?  Sparkling wine made in the traditional "Champagne method" keeps your palate fresh, prepped and ready for whatever is coming next.  And let's face it, it's hard to be in a bad mood with a glass of Anna in hand."  Hamman's comments were supported by an artful floral showcase for Anna de Codorniu developed by Mike Hines, Creative Director of Epoch in Chicago who added: "Wine and flowers together are a pure, beautiful gesture. Ultimately this is what entertaining is all about; simple, elegant preparation that everyone can enjoy."

Steeped in the life and legacy of Spain's premier sparkling wines, known as "Cava," Anna de Codorniu accounts for close to 20% of annual sparkling wine sales in her home country.  In 1984, Anna de Codorniu debuted as the first cava to incorporate Chardonnay, resulting in a beautiful, crisp profile that is a signature of the wine.

Anna de Codorniu Brut and Brut Rose retail for $14.99 and are exclusively distributed by Aveniu Brands based in Baltimore, Maryland.

About Aveniu Brands
Aveniu Brands is a fine wine and spirits importer, building wine brands such as Artesa, Septima, Anna de Codorniu Cava, Belmondo, Clos La Chance, Tenute Piccini, and Viña Zaco, as well as fine spirits such as Amarula Cream Liqueur, KAH Tequila, Zodiac Vodka, Ocean Vodka and Don Roberto Tequila.  The parent company of Aveniu Brands, Bodegas y Vinedos Codorniu Raventós, has been in the wine industry since 1551. (www.aveniubrands.com)

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7217451-anna-de-codorniu-anna-blooms-sparkling-wine-second-season-of-cava

SOURCE Aveniu Brands