Castel Winery was founded in 2007. A brainstorming discussion on investment between Former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Pierre Castel led to the creation of the pioneering company. The third largest producer of wines in the world, the Castel brand is known to produce two brands of wines in Ethiopia – the Acacia and Rift Valley. Under Acacia – the Medium Sweet Rosé, Dry Red, Medium Sweet Red, Medium Sweet White are produced while under Rift Valley, international varieties such us Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced and Cuvée Préstige Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon ,premium wines aged in French oak barrel.
“The Acacia is the most enduring tree of the arid regions of Ethiopia and is also the most prevalent feature of the flora and fauna of Ziway”, according to the company. “It is a symbol of friendship and conviviality throughout the region”.
“The rift valley wines are the fruits of a vineyard in the midst of the rift valley volcanoes, while is also home to the picturesque Lake Ziway”, the company said. “The unique character and exceptional taste of the wines are a testament to the terroir” .The latest entry under the Rift Valley brand is Rift Valley Dry rosé.
Castel Winery, the late entry into the Ethiopian wine market is now ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management System certified.
ISO 22000: 2005 Food Safety Management System is an international standard intended to be used by organizations within the food chain. It contains traditional quality assurance preventive measures plus preventive food-safety measures. The purpose of ISO 22000 is to provide a practical approach to ensure the reduction and elimination of food safety risks as a means to protect consumers.
This provides customer confidence in the product. ISO 22000:2005 is becoming more and more important as customers demand safe food and food processors require that ingredients obtained from their suppliers to be safe.
Produced at a vineyard in Zeway (Batu), 163 KM outside of the capital and is situated at 1600 meter above sea level and has an average temperature of 25°C. This is to be the idol environment in the production of world-class wines.
To mark the entry to this exclusive membership of top class wine making, the company is set to launch the Swahili Blues Band for the month of June - July. With the mission of “Putting Ethiopia on the wine map”, the brand produces two types of wine – the Acacia and Rift Valley brands.
The company has also launched the new Acacia 2.5 liters bag in box wines.
Source: Press Release Sent to 2Merkato
