News Briefs for September 11, 2020

•NFL great Charles Woodson has expanded his Intercept wine brand into national distribution through partner O’Neill Vintners & Distillers. The brand’s releases are now available to retailers across the U.S., in addition to DTC sales in 28 states. Since launching just over a year ago, Intercept has shipped over 18,000 cases while still in limited distribution. Intercept’s wines retail for around $20 and the lineup consists of a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, a Paso Robles red blend (45% Petite Sirah, 22% Syrah, 19% Zinfandel, 10% Petit Verdot, and 4% Mourvèdre), a Monterey County Pinot Noir, and a Monterey County Chardonnay. Earlier this week, Woodson was featured on Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk series on Instagram Live.

•Yesterday, Speyside single malt distillery Benriach has unveiled a new look for its core range of whiskies—including new names, one rejiggered recipe, and a brand new expression. Whisky Advocate takes a look at the Brown-Forman-owned malt’s new core range.

•Trade groups from the spirits and restaurant industries have joined forces on a new Hospitality Recovery Commission aimed at supporting on-trade establishments like restaurants, bars and distilleries as they face harsh economic impacts due to the Covid-19 crisis. The Hospitality Recovery Coalition includes DISCUS, the American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA), the Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA), the National Restaurant Association and TIPs. Priorities for the coalition include extending or making permanent revenue-boosting measures like cocktails to-go on the state level and supporting relief legislation like the Restaurants Act on the federal level.

•California’s Obsession Wines has launched a new line of fruit-infused wines. Available in peach, mango, and apple flavors, the new Obsession wines all clock in at 5% abv and just under 115 calories per serving. Each flavor is made with a real wine base, with grapes sourced from Lodi. Obsession’s new offerings are rolling out in select markets now, with nationwide distribution to follow in spring 2021. The range is handled by Quintessential Wines.

Tagged : BenRiach, Intecept, Obsession Wines

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