Southcorp announced the release of a new brand, the Little Penguin, in the North American market. The range will consist of four single-varietal wines (Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon), which will be available in both 750ml and 1.5L formats.

The wines over-deliver on quality for the price and will offer North Americans a great tasting wine in an attractive package that suits casual occasions. The name and image of the Little Penguin wines express the fun-loving personality of the brand for consumers who need a great wine for social situations, but are less concerned with the more traditional values commonly seen in other wine brands. Senior Vice President of Marketing Doug Rogers said: "We wanted a non-traditional brand and what better Australian character to grace the label than one of the country's least traditional animals, the penguin, which also happens to live around the southern coastline of Australia, the very same coastline that frames Australia's best wine growing regions".

Southcorp created the Little Penguin for North American consumers who look for good quality wines that offer excellent value at an attractive price to suit their lifestyles. "In the current wine market, we recognize the opportunity for a brand that appeals to consumers who look for new and different brands, both in wines and in other areas of their lives. the Little Penguin wines are easy-to-drink and have an eye-catching label, which we believe will appeal to those who are not necessarily interested in the legacy of a winery or a vineyard's terroir, but want to pick up something fun to enjoy at parties or get-togethers", said Rogers.

Southcorp has enjoyed a long tradition of world-class winemaking, priding itself on quality and consistency across brands and price points. This focus on quality is made possible by the unparalleled ownership of approximately 20,000 acres of premium vineyards and access to many of the best growers in Australia, and is evidenced by the global success of Penfolds, Rosemount Estate and Lindemans as well as the many prestigious boutique brands Southcorp owns and markets around the world. "As the leaders in the Australian wine industry, we have a long history of innovation. Like our other wines, the goal is for the Little Penguin to over-deliver on quality for the price", said John Ballard, Managing Director and CEO, Southcorp. "I am excited about the new consumers we can reach with the Little Penguin; it is an excellent addition to the Southcorp portfolio".

The Little Penguin wines are sourced from premium vineyards in South Eastern Australia. The Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are all made in a fruit-forward style. Lush fruit flavors dominate the senses and the wines have a clean finish. The Little Penguin Chardonnay shows bright fresh tropical fruits with hints of melon and pineapple. The Shiraz is a dense magenta color, with notes of chocolate and berries on the palate. The Merlot is bright red in color, with ripe strawberries and juicy blueberry flavors leading to a smooth finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark ruby color with a fresh red bell pepper nose with hints of juicy red cherries and soft background tannins.

the Little Penguin wines will be available from July in retail outlets across the United States, and will be priced at approximately US$7 for a 750 ml and US$13 for 1.5L.

Southcorp markets Australian wines in the Americas under the following labels: Penfolds, Rosemount Estate, Lindemans, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Seaview, Seppelt, Coldstream Hills, Devil's Lair and the Little Penguin.