News Briefs for December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020•The Wine Origins Alliance, a coalition of 32 wine and grape-growing organizations, has called on president-elect Joe Biden and his incoming administration to remove current U.S. tariffs on wine. The organization noted that the tariffs variously stem from disputes over aircraft subsidies, Europe’s digital services tax, and general trade tensions with China, none of which directly concern wine. “Extending or increasing tariffs on wine would only compound the catastrophic economic pain that winemakers and consumers are facing due to Covid-19, devastating wildfires, and the tariffs currently in effect,” the Alliance wrote. It also urged the incoming administration to better protect wine place names through stronger labeling laws. Founded in 2005, the Wine Origins Alliance represents nearly 90,000 wineries.
•Jefferson’s Bourbon has added a new single barrel release to its portfolio. The 50% abv offering marks the first time that Jefferson’s has marketed a single barrel whiskey, and it comes in at a higher proof than the company’s flagship releases. Jefferson’s Reserve Single Barrel is now available in select retailers across the U.S. for around $60 a 750-ml. Last year, Pernod Ricard acquired Jefferson’s, along with the rest of the Castle Brands portfolio, for $223 million.
•Cava producer Freixenet has added alcohol-removed white and rosé sparklers to its portfolio. Capitalizing on the trend toward low- and no-alcohol beverages, the new sparkling wines are produced in Spain’s Penedès DO and contain less than 0.05% alcohol. Both wines are rolling out nationwide from Freixenet Mionetto USA, retail priced at $12 a 750-ml. Freixenet Mionetto USA is the U.S. subsidiary of European sparkling wine giant Henkell Freixenet.
•Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits has appointed Kim Beto as senior vice president of wine for Nevada. Beto comes to the role with substantial industry experience, most recently serving as Joseph Phelps Vineyards’ vice president of sales. Prior to that, he spent 16 years as Southern Glazer’s vice president of key accounts in California. In his new role, he will report to John Landry, SGWS’s executive vice president and general manager for Nevada.
