News Briefs for September 19, 2013

•Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle has rechristened its Domaine Ste. Michelle sparkling wine line as Michelle Sparkling Wines. The renamed range, which includes a Brut, Brut Rosé and Extra Dry (all retailing for around $14 a 750-ml.), is currently rolling out across the U.S. With female consumers accounting for most of Michelle’s sales, Chateau Ste. Michelle has refashioned the sparkling wine line with new packaging that it claims has “feminine flair.” Domaine Ste. Michelle sold roughly 250,000 cases in 2012.

•Terlato Wines has brought Michel Rolland on board to serve as winemaking consultant at its Napa-based Rutherford Hill Winery. Rolland, the Bordeaux-based oenologist, winemaker and vineyard owner, will work with Rutherford Hill’s winemaking team to bring its wines to “the next level of excellence.” Acquired by Terlato in 1996, Rutherford Hill produces several core varietals, including Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc (priced between $22-$40 a 750-ml.), and an array of limited production wines.

•Pernod Ricard’s Chivas Brothers has partnered with menswear designer Patrick Grant to release a new gift package for its Chivas 12-year-old Scotch whisky this month. Priced at $35.99 each, the Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen offering includes a bottle of Chivas 12 packaged in a limited edition tin designed by Grant. The tin, which draws inspiration from London’s famed Savile Row, depicts four different tailored menswear looks, each featuring its own signature accessory, such as a tie, cufflink, watch or pocket square. Pernod is also releasing special holiday gift-packs for Absolut, The Glenlivet, Jameson, Kahlúa, Beefeater, Martell and Perrier-Jouët.

•Petaluma, California-based sales and marketing group Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits has appointed Robert Slicker Jr. vice president of sales. In his new role, Slicker will be charged with leading Pacific’s U.S. sales efforts. Prior to joining the company, he most recently served as senior vice president of sales for Clever Imports, and also has held roles with Kobrand and E&J Gallo. Pacific Highway currently handles around 17 wine and spirits brands from Australia, South Africa, California, Italy and Argentina, including offerings such as Beachhouse, Caricature, LangeTwins Estate and the recently added Giesen Wines label.

Tagged : Chivas Brothers, Ste. Michelle, Terlato Wines

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