LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, Wine Enthusiast Magazine honors outstanding achievement in the wine and spirits world as part of the prestigious publication's Wine Star Awards. Jorge Riccitelli, the esteemed chief winemaker for Bodega Norton, has been named "Winemaker of the Year."  Recognized as the force behind Bodega Norton which is highly renowned for its price to quality relationship, Riccitelli is the first Argentine to win this coveted award. Receiving this award in the 13^th annual production of the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards speaks volumes to the increase in popularity of wines from Argentina.

Since 1992 Riccitelli has been Bodega Norton´s Chief Winemaker. The elegant winemaking style of Riccitelli has been a trademark and a key success factor to accomplish Bodega Norton's international fame. Riccitelli has decades of experience producing premium wines and is an icon for the future winemaking generations from Argentina.  Bodega Norton wines are currently available in more than 60 countries around the globe and Riccitelli was paramount in improving the quality of wines across all price points.

"I am honored to be receiving such a prestigious award," says Riccitelli. "Teamwork and attention to detail are essential components to our success at Bodega Norton, which is why our meticulous vineyard management and winemaking processes yield such great wines with high fruit expressions. It is exciting to see our many years of commitment and dedication recognized as part of these esteemed awards."

Bodega Norton was founded by Edmund James Palmer Norton, an English engineer in 1895. Norton bought the estate and land in Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo, and planted vines creating a winery soon thereafter. Today, thanks to the top-notch technology and the passion of the people who work there, international accolades abound and uphold Bodega Norton's place as one of the leading and oldest wineries in Argentina. Wine Enthusiast nominated Bodega Norton as the "Best New World Winery of the Year" in the 2011 edition of its "Wine Star Awards" competition. The well-known quality of the wine is enjoyed by millions of consumers every day. For more information please visit www.norton.com.ar.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine was founded in 1988 bringing consumers vital information on the world of wine and hundreds of wine reviews in every issue. Since then, the magazine has grown to become the world's largest and most respected periodical devoted exclusively to wine and spirits. For more information please visit www.winemag.com.

TGIC Importers, Inc. began 26 years ago as a wine import company with only a single Chilean winery in its portfolio. Their mission is to establish themselves as a leading international producer, importer and marketer of the finest wines of the world with a rich and diverse portfolio. Today, TGIC is proud to represent 18 wineries from around the world as a national importer. Like all wines Chilean, TGIC's Alex Guarachi is spearheading what he describes as "the newest era in wine from the oldest vines in the world." Shown in their work, Wine Enthusiast announced TGIC Importers, Inc. and Alex Guarachi, their Importer of the Year in 2010. For more information please visit www.TGICImporters.com.

SOURCE TGIC Importers, Inc.