Admiral Imports signs agreement with Abarbanel Kosher wines

Admiral Imports is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to become the exclusive U.S. Importer for Abarbanel Kosher wines effective March 1, 2010.

The Abarbanel Kosher line is comprised of five multi-award winning and perennially acclaimed wines led by their three Alsatian dry whites: Riesling for a suggested $17.99 and Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc both for a suggested $19.99; and two reds: an Alsatian Pinot Noir for a suggested $19.99 and a Beaujolais Villages for a suggested $12.99. Abarbanel has the world's only kosher Pinot Blanc and only Pinot Noir from Alsace. Currently, Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages is the only kosher Beaujolais imported and distributed in the U.S. Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages is produced at a centuries-old Chateau from vines more than 100 years old. Abarbanel was the first with kosher Beaujolais back in 1992 and first with kosher wines from Alsace in 1996. All Abarbanel brand wines are estate bottled and hand-harvested.

All of the Abarbanel wines carry the Abarbanel Family Crest, given to Don Isaac Abarbanel by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the 16th Century for his service to the Spanish Crown. The Abarbanel family is the world's oldest continuously existing Jewish family, tracing its heritage back to ancient Israel and King David.

In addition to becoming the exclusive importer for the Abarbanel line under the agreement, Admiral Imports also acquired the “Layla Vineyards” brand and will be the exclusive importer for this contemporary line of South American Kosher varietal wines. This line includes a sweet Bonarda for a suggested $9.99 and Malbec, Pinot Noir and a semi-sweet Cabernet Sauvignon for a suggested $11.99.

For years, kosher wine in the United States had been derived from the Concord grape, undrinkable except with the addition of large amounts of sugar. Immigrants accustomed only to dry, European wine had little choice. The Abarbanel family entered the Kosher wine business in 1992 with a mission to offer outstanding, world-class wines to the kosher consumer. Abarbanel has been providing kosher wines of the highest caliber in the USA ever since.

The Abarbanel family's rich history traces its heritage as far back as King David and eminence to the idyllic age of Spanish and Portuguese Jewry before the exile of 1492. After being forced to leave Portugal in 1483, Don Yitzchak (Isaac) Abarbanel fled to Spain where he became the Chief Minister for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Although the King and Queen pleaded with him to stay behind following the Spanish Inquisition, Don Isaac refused as his fellow Jews were forced into exile. Instead he spent the remainder of his life in various parts of Italy focused on his writing and in service to the kings of Naples and the Venetian government.

The Abarbanel Family settled in the USA in the early 20th Century. Howard Abarbanel began producing hand-crafted, artisanal, boutique kosher wines 18 years ago, quickly becoming one of the pre-eminent innovators and leaders of the new quality kosher wine revolution of the last 15 years. Abarbanel is known for highly acclaimed kosher wines and developed a loyal consumer following throughout the USA, particularly on the East Coast. “I am extremely pleased to enter into this new agreement with Admiral Imports giving Abarbanel wines better representation and enhanced distribution, which will bring a higher level of service to the Jewish community for our products,” said Howard Abarbanel.

“It is with great pleasure that we take on these reputable kosher wines which will complement our existing portfolio,” said Admiral Imports' President and owner, Michael Zeiger. Abarbanel and Layla Vineyards wines add to Admiral Imports' existing line of kosher wines which includes Tishbi from Israel and Terra Vega from Chile.

SOURCE Admiral Imports