News Briefs for May 30, 2023

•Penelope Cooper Series Rio, Gentleman’s Cut, and newcomers from Hakushu and Brother’s Bond are among the offerings featured in Whisky Advocate’s latest weekly roundup. The website has all the details.

•Carolina Wine Brands USA has added Poderi Gianni Gagliardo, Tenuta Garetto, Villa M, Terra d’Aligi, Spinelli and Il Poggiolo to its Italian range of wines. Poderi Gianni Gagliardo, Tenuta Garetto, and Villa M are all based in Piedmont, while Terra d’Aligi and Spinelli are in Abruzzo and Il Poggiolo is known for Brunello di Montalcino. The newest additions complement the existing nationally imported and distributed Conti Brandolini d’Adda and Le Ragose estates in Carolina Wine Brands USA’s portfolio, which numbers 250,000 cases annually. Carolina Wine Brands USA was established in 2006 as a partnership with Rich Scelfo and the Larrain family of Chile, owners of Santa Carolina wines.

•Celaya Tequila, founded by brothers and former NFL players Matt and Ryan Kalil, has partnered with Southern Glazer’s to launch in California and Arizona. Celaya includes Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo varieties and is also available online, shipping to 34 states. Joel Selesnick, a former vice president of sales at Patrón Tequila, serves as chief commercial officer.

•Champagne Bruno Paillard is launching Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2013 in the U.S. Retailing at $135, the 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes are from Côte des Blancs, Oger, and Les Mesnil-sur-Oger, with 25% vinified in old barriques, followed by seven years’ aging in the cellar, and a further 12-18 months’ rest post-disgorgement. Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2013 is imported by Massanois Imports and Serendipity Wines and is debuting across 11 states.

•Select Aperitivo has opened a new distillery and visitor center in the Cannaregio district of Venice. The facility, Ca’ Select, includes a bar-mixology area focused on its signature Venetian Spritz, an events area, production area, and an interactive exhibition area curated by Studio Fludd. “Ca’ Select, created thanks to a significant investment, represents a fundamental step in our multi-year plan to consolidate the brand and aims to strengthen the link with the city of origin,” says Marco Ferrari, CEO of Gruppo Montenegro.

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