News Briefs for August 31, 2017

•Treasury Wine Estates is launching a new line of wines from its Wolf Blass franchise in the U.S. market. The new range, called “Blass,” includes a Reserve Chardonnay, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Red Blend, all retailing at $15 a 750-ml. The Blass lineup, sourced from premium vineyards in South Australia, is launching both on- and off-premise in major markets across the U.S. Blass is among a number of Australia-sourced new product launches within Treasury’s portfolio. Others include Penfolds Max’s ($25), which launched earlier this year, and Samuel Wynn ($14), which is slated to debut in early 2018.

•After a difficult growing season in northern Italy’s Prosecco DOC appellation and with the harvest only a week or two away, local winemakers have won approval for a move that could stave off financial pain. The Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regional governments have approved a proposal by the Prosecco DOC consortium to allow wineries to use Glera grapes (the main variety used in the sparkler) from vineyards that are not currently included in the appellation. Wine Spectator has the full story.

•Illinois-based A. Hardy USA has launched Hardy Legend 1863 Cognac in the U.S. The 40%-abv Cognac is a blend of spirits aged up to 12 years in toasted French oak barrels. Hardy Legend 1863 Cognac is now available in retail locations across the U.S. at around $60 a 750-ml. A. Hardy’s portfolio also includes Loch Lomond Scotch whiskies and Vizcaya rums among other spirits and wine offerings.

•Washington’s DeLille Cellars has named Tom Dugan as CEO, effective immediately, taking over for co-founder Greg Lill. Dugan was previously general manager and chief operating officer of the company. Lill, who co-founded DeLille in 1992 along with Jay Soloff and Chris Upchurch, will continue to remain actively involved with Washington winery.

Tagged : A. Hardy USA, DeLille Cellars, Prosecco DOC, Treasury Wine Estates, Wolf Blass

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