Pour it on | Manchester United, Manchester City and wine in China

By Jim Boyce | Manchester United continues its eight-day China tour by playing cross-town rivals Manchester City tonight at the Olympic stadium a.k.a. The Bird’s Nest in Beijing. The trip has featured its share of hiccups, from plane diversions to turf issues, along with precious moments, such as this chant.

So, what might hit the spot of a loyal fan who tells the opposing team in no uncertain terms that it might consider going elsewhere?

How about a bottle case or two of the official wine of Manchester United: Casillero del Diablo from Chilean heavyweight producer Concha y Toro. (See this rather serious commercial with Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Patrick Evra. Here’s another one. Heavy stuff.)

The brand is handled in China by Summergate and some Red Devils and their fans recently enjoyed a few glasses and foosball. From the Casillero del Diablo weibo page:

They’re not the only one with a wine sponsor. Rival Manchester City is also in on the game, with Australian brand Wolf Blass becoming its partner less than two months ago. From Treasury Wines, the massive company that includes Wolf Blass in its portfolio:

Leading Australian wine brand Wolf Blass, announced today a multi-year marketing partnership with Manchester City Football Club, making Wolf Blass the Official Wine Partner of Manchester City Football Club for Asia, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Mexico.

The partnership will see Wolf Blass further expand the brand’s sports sponsorship footprint in the region following recently signed agreements with the National Basketball Association in China, and professional baseball organizations in Japan and Korea.

Manchester United also played German club Borussia Dortmund during the tour, losing 4-1 in Shanghai. Not sure if that club has a team wine or not, but a nice spätlese might do.


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