SANTIAGO, Chile, Jan. 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the launch of Wines of Chile's Sustainability Code in early 2011, the first 14 wineries received this recognition after a rigorous assessment and inspection process. Wineries were certified on the first of three chapters of the code, which evaluates vineyard management processes and standards. The second and third chapters, which relate to the winery itself and social responsibility respectively, will be certified in 2012. This all-inclusive approach makes Wines of Chile's Sustainability Code the most ambitious and comprehensive among wine producing nations.
"We are committed to becoming the number one producer of premium, sustainable and diverse wines from the New World by 2020," said René Araneda, President of Wines of Chile. "To achieve this goal it is imperative to create innovation that boosts our competitiveness. The development and implementation of Wines of Chile's state-of-the-art Sustainability Code is a key pillar to achieve this objective."
This first certification reflects Chile's long-term commitment towards environmentally friendly practices in the vineyard, with the aim to sustainably protect and manage natural resources. The methodology is based on a constant improvement of processes and even higher standards to be met. All of these elements are greatly valued in markets that have gradually, but decisively, moved towards sustainably produced products.
With this recent recognition, Anakena, Arboleda, Caliterra, Casa Silva, Cremaschi Furlotti, Emiliana, Errázuriz, Montes, MontGras, Santa Cruz, Santa Ema, Santa Rita, Ventisquero and Vía Wines are now able to use the "Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile" seal on their labels, bottles and in promotional materials, allowing the wineries to effectively communicate their commitment towards sustainable practices.
"One of the great things about Chile is the natural sustainability in the vineyards," said Lori Tieszen, Executive Director, Wines of Chile USA. "The climate, topography and geographical location allow these sustainable practices to be implemented seamlessly while continuing to make quality wines."
The performance of the 14 certified wineries was outstanding. Despite the high standards the Code sets, the approval average was 83%, which confirms that these vineyards had long been using rigorous vineyard management practices. An additional 24 wineries have applied to be certified, at present, and this number will certainly continue to grow.
Juan Somavía, Managing Director of Wines of Chile, expressed that this Certification will help to better communicate to buyers and consumers around the world the commitment of Chile's wine industry towards a sustainable development that fully integrates sustainable practices, corporate social responsibility and economic viability.
Wines of Chile's Sustainability Code
The Wines of Chile Sustainability Code was developed specifically for the Chilean wine industry to set standards and provide a tool for measuring various sustainable practices throughout the entire winemaking value chain and comprises a set of initiatives and projects that aim to guide the industry toward sustainability, understood as the convergence of production processes that are environmentally friendly, socially equitable and economically viable. Thus, the Code addresses the wine sector's need for sustainable practices in three areas –Vineyard (Green Chapter), Winery (Red Chapter) and Community (Orange Chapter), and provides a checklist of control points to be evaluated and a manual with recommendations for each control point.
Currently, the certification covers only the green chapter and has a one-year validity. Chapters red and orange will be added to the certification in 2012 and the new certification will be valid for two years.
The certification process and the status can be seen at www.sustentavid.org
About Wines of Chile
Wines of Chile is an organization committed to promoting the quality and image of Chilean wine throughout the world. It has offices in Santiago, London, and New York, as well as representatives in Canada, Ireland, and Denmark. WOC also works closely with ProChile to develop and offer promotional and educational programs in Asia, Latin America and Europe. Wines of Chile's 92 member wineries belong to Vinos de Chile and represent 92% of Chile's bottled wine exports.
Amber Gallaty (agallaty@thethomascollective.com)
Stevie Cappelen (scappelen@thethomascollective.com)
212-229-2294
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