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The Special One: Inside Luxury Wine That Benni McCarthy's Mentor Just Released

Jose Mourinho launches his Special One wine. PHOTO: Mourinho IG
Benni McCarthy’s former mentor Jose Mourinho launches 'The Special One' wine, offering fans a unique taste of his Portuguese heritage.
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Former Manchester United and Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho has launched his alcoholic wine named 'The Special One', officially marking his entry into the luxury beverage market. 

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The 62-year-old tactician, who is currently managing Benfica in his native Portugal, has decided to bottle his legendary charisma, offering fans a taste of his heritage with a business venture that is as bold as his management style.

Mourinho has ventured into the world of business with his very own wine, sourcing the product from one of the most prestigious viticulture areas in Europe. The wine is named after his famous nickname, 'The Special One', a moniker he earned after famously declaring it to the media during his unveiling as Chelsea manager in 2004. That moment in London did not just introduce a new coach; it introduced a brand that has sustained its relevance for over two decades.

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At the time, his statement showcased his confidence, self-belief, and unique approach to leadership, instantly making him a larger-than-life figure in the Premier League. Now, Mourinho has taken the nickname a step further, cementing its legacy by naming his wine after it, a nod to the bold personality and self-assuredness that have defined his career across Europe's top leagues.

"The Special One Wine is available now," Mourinho said on Instagram.

The announcement was made on social media on Saturday, catching many football fans by surprise. However, the move fits perfectly with the profile of a man who has always appreciated the finer things in life and holds deep pride in his Portuguese roots.

 The launch is not merely a licensing agreement; the former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid boss has indicated that he is intimately involved in the process, ensuring the product meets his high standards.

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By entering the wine industry, Mourinho joins a select group of sporting icons who have successfully transitioned into lifestyle brands. However, true to form, Mourinho is adding an element of exclusivity to the launch. 

A Taste of the Douro Region

The logistics of the launch have been carefully planned to coincide with the upcoming holiday season. Mourinho revealed that he is going the extra mile for the initial batch of orders, adding a personal touch that underscores his gratitude to his fanbase.

"To thank the very first buyers, I will be hand-signing and numbering the first 1,000 bottles."

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The quality of the liquid inside the bottle is just as important to the Benfica manager as the branding on the outside. He has returned to his roots for the production, selecting a region known globally for its rich, complex, and high-quality output.

"From the beautiful Douro region of Portugal, I’ve personally selected this wine," he added.

This personal selection process suggests a wine that likely mirrors its creator: complex, full of character, and perhaps improving with age. With the festive season fast approaching, the marketing has been shrewdly positioned to target gift-buyers looking for something unique for football lovers.

"These signed bottles will ship before Christmas in selected areas, for you, or for the Special One in your life."

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The Benni McCarthy Connection

While the wine is a celebration of Mourinho's personal brand, the launch will undoubtedly resonate with those who have followed his journey from the beginning, including South African football legend Benni McCarthy. The bond between the two remains one of the most heartwarming stories in football.

McCarthy was the spearhead of Mourinho's attack at FC Porto, where they defied the odds to win the UEFA Champions League in 2004—the very victory that propelled Mourinho to Chelsea and "Special One" status.

McCarthy has frequently described Mourinho as a father figure who unlocked his potential.

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