MARQUEE SPOTLIGHT

Click here to view archive

Marquee Spotlight – Sweden & Systembolaget

How many things can you think of that come from Sweden?  When I first got contact from Marquee’s great partner in Sweden, Vinovativa AB, I was shocked how this Northern European nation is engaged in life back here in the United States.  Before we get into our Spotlight entity, let me pass along a few Swedish items that touch the US shores daily.

  1. IKEA – is a Swedish company that produces high-quality furniture for affordable prices (wow, very similar to a wine company I know…)
  2. Volvo - the stalwart in the twenty-first century station wagon and sedan is a proud company with Swedish roots (PS – they make a lot more than cars).
  3. Ericsson – that powers much of the mobile / wireless world finds its home in the Northern lights of Sweden. 
  4. Absolut – An iconic bottle and a delicious Swedish vodka that can be had for a relative bargain price all across the U.S. (Try some Absolut Peppar in your next Bloody Mary)
  5. ABBA – it might take you a few years back in the music genres but ABBA was born and bred in Sweden as well.
  6. H&M – Tell all of your best dressed friends that you now know their secret!  H&M (my wife’s favorite “fashionista” store), has its roots right at home in Sweden!


And now one that may have never touched American soil, but that has had a great effect on Marquee, Systembolaget.

 

Systembolaget is the name of the Swedish run monopoly that controls all alcohol, wine and spirits sales at retail inside the country of Sweden.   Systembolaget is exists in this unique space with some other large municipal operations like the country of Norway, the province of Ontario, Canada (LCBO), the state of Utah, and the state of Pennsylvania (PLCB) that have adopted this “state-run” liquor store option.

During 2009 Systembolaget has introduced its first wine from the Marquee Classic Series, the 2007 Marquee Classic GSM to outstanding results and sales!  Great reviews (most in Swedish so we have had to work with our partners in Sweden on some translation help – see below) and as usual a great wine for the price made by Keith Brien have allowed this to be the start of a great relationship for Marquee with Systembolaget. We hope this is the first of many of great value priced wines sold to the discerning customers of Sweden from Marquee Selections!

•    Sommelier LiseLottes – Swedish National TV – Five out of Five Suns – check out the live video here!
•    Tasteline.se – Five out of Six Dice!
•    Aftonbladet.se – Ulrika & Camilla – Five out of Five Plus’s!
•    Vinbanken.se – Top 10 Reds of the Month

Systembolaget is unique as a world leader in the total amount of wine and spirits it buys every year and has claim to being one of the top 10 largest buyers of wine and spirits in the world!  This powerhouse is not only big, but a nimble and progressive company that every quarter and year brings in new progressive wines to keep the selection for its customers vibrant and exciting.  Marquee salutes Systembolaget for its commitment to excellence in the world of wine and spirits!

Thanks to both Vinovativa AB and Systembolaget for allowing this great partnership to flourish!

Cheers!

~Christopher J. Cribb, CSW

Today’s Cribb Note – Watch out Malbec Producers…  Caligiore Organic Wines from Mendoza, Argentina was just awarded an amazing 91 Points – “Best Buy” from Wine & Spirits Magazine for the 2008 Reserve Malbec and 88 Points “Best Buy” for the equally fetching 2008 Staccato Malbec / Cabernet Blend, outstanding scores for wines that retail for $14.99 and $9.99 respectively. 

Keep up the great work Gustavo, you are truly making artisan, organic wines!

Christopher J. Cribb, CSW
GM - General Manager
Marquee Artisan Wines - www.marquee.com

Office - 913.663.9416
Fax – 913.663.9416 – Blog – marqueewines.blogspot.com