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On January 20th, 2022, Empire Distributors, Inc. customers and wine & spirits trade members were invited to our annual New Items Trade Tasting for our Atlanta market. The New Items Trade Tasting brought together many of Empire’s newest suppliers with retail & on-premise customers from across the metro Atlanta area. If you weren’t able to join us, read on to learn more about the suppliers and the items now available in the Atlanta, Georgia market.
About Company Distilling: Established in 2020, Company Distilling makes straight bourbon whiskey that’s fully matured in oak barrels and finished with maple wood to produce a sip like no other. Company is on a mission to make spirits made for sharing, “meticulously crafted for the best of friends.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Company Distilling Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Watch the video.
About Tequila Komos: Tequila Komos creates “luxury tequila, refined.” Each Komos expression uses a specially crafted Blanco as its base. Agave from the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco is roasted in traditional stone ovens, then marries with spring water after which the juice is then twice distilled in copper pot stills.
Products at Trade Tasting: Tequila Komos Anejo Cristalino, Extra Anejo and Reposado Rosa.
About Atlanta Hard Cider: Atlanta Hard Cider, known for their all-natural fresh-pressed apple ciders, has expanded its offerings to include spirits, including a signature vodka distilled from their cider.
Products at Trade Tasting: Eau De Vie Apple Brandy and Vodka.
Watch the video.
About Long Shadows Winery: Long Shadows Winery was created when Washington wine visionary Allen Shoup had a new vision: “to create a group of ultra-premium wines, each with an exceptional international winemaker, working together to elevate Washington wine to true world-class status.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Dance Chardonnay, Feather Cabernet Sauvignon, Pedestal Merlot, Pirouette Bordeaux Blend, Poet’s Leap Botrytis Riesling and Sequel Syrah.
About Lobos 1707: Backed by LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lobos 1707 is an independent spirits producer that marries heritage and innovation. Their tequilas and mezcal are finished in PX wine barrels, following a 400 year legacy of tradition.
Products at Trade Tasting: Lobos 1707 Tequila Extra Anejo, Joven, Mezcal and Reposado.
About Purity Vodka: Purity Vodka & Gin aims to create spirits “crafted for the Connoisseurs.” Purity spirits are 100% organic, gluten-free and handcrafted in small batches in Southern Sweden.
Products at Trade Tasting: Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Vodka, Mediterranean Citrus Spritz Vodka, Navy Strength Organic Gin and Old Tom Organic Gin.
About Mini: At Mini, each canned sparkling cocktail is ready-to-drink and made with premium ingredients and quality spirits “for an out-of-this-world experience.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Mini Cosmic Cooler vodka cocktail, Golden Hour bourbon cocktail, Liquid Sunshine tequila cocktail and Meteor Shower vodka cocktail.
Watch the video.
About Lieu Dit: Wines produced by Lieu Dit are focused solely on the varieties indigenous to the Loire Valley, now grown in Santa Barbara County, California. They believe “the quest for purity, elegance, and balance in every wine is paramount” for each vintage.
Products at Trade Tasting: Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Sauvingon Blanc.
About 818 Tequila: Created by Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila is hand-picked by jimadores, cooked in traditional brick ovens and aged in American oak barrels. On their California launch day in May 2021, 818 sold out online in less than four hours, with retailers across California reporting Blanco allotments selling out on the first day of sales.
Products at Trade Tasting: 818 Anejo, Blanco and Reposado.
About Esporão: Located in the Alto Douro wine region, Esporão is on a mission to “make the finest products that nature provides in a responsible and inspiring way.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Esporão Reserva Red, Monte Velho Red Blend, Bico Amarelo Vinho Verde and Quinta do Ameal Loureiro.
Watch the video.
About Vara Winery: Vara is an international family of Spanish and American wines celebrating the origin of the American wine experience. Wines are produced from Spanish grape varietals grown in Spain and various American vineyards, including in Vara’s home state of New Mexico.
Products at Trade Tasting: Vara Silverhead Brut Cava, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viña Cardinal, and Viura.
Watch the video.
About Tulip: In 2003, the Itzhaki family founding the Tulip Winery, “an expression of their great love of wine and huge love of people,” on the hillside in Kfar Tikva, Israel. Their slogan, “Wine That Matters,” embodies Tulip Winery’s mission to employ adult locals who struggle with developmental and emotional disabilities, giving them a meaningful way to support themselves by helping bring kosher wine to kosher consumers.
Products at Trade Tasting: Tulip Espero Red and Black Tulip.
About Cincoro: Cincoro was created by Michael Jordan and four other NBA team owners with a specific goal: “to create the new gold standard for the spirit.” The tequilas are uniquely made with Weber blue agave from both the highland and lowland regions that have been cooked and distilled separately then artfully blended together into a single exceptional tequila.
Products at Trade Tasting: Cincoro Anejo, Blanco and Reposado.
About Far Mountain Wines: Far Mountain wines seek to make wines “that bring that sense of wonder that truly great wine can achieve – a pure physical pleasure, and also a summation of place, experience, planning, and chance.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Far Mountain Sonoma Valley Myrna Chardonnay and Fission Cabernet Sauvignon.
About Wheeler’s Raid: Founded in 2016, Wheeler’s Raid focuses on “honoring the craft, traditions, and heritage of bourbon” at their distillery in Tennessee. They debuted their new round-shaped bottles in 2021.
Products at Trade Tasting: Wheeler’s Raid Original Blend Bourbon 01, French Oak Strength Bourbon 03 and Original Blend Rye 04.
Watch the video.
About Tequila Comisario: Comisario is an estate-grown, 100% blue agave tequila from the Highlands of Jalisco.
Products at Trade Tasting: Tequila Comisario Blanco, Reposado and Anejo.
Watch the video.
About Allegrini: The Allegrini family has been handing down winemaking traditions over six generations, playing a major role in the Valpolicella Classico area since the 16th century. Their winemaking philosophy is largely based on the concept of “cru” production: a single vineyard dedicated to the production of local varieties destined to become a single wine.
Product at Trade Tasting: Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
About Argiano: The Argiano estate was founded in 1580 and has served as a bastion of winemaking through the centuries, as well as home to noble families and popes. Since then, Aragiano has become the first Montalcino plastic-free company, eliminating all disposable plastics.
Product at Trade Tasting: Argiano Solengo
About Jermann: Jermann is a wine producer located in Fruili-Venezia Giulia in the north eastern corner of Italy, on the Austrian border. Founded in 1881, Jermann balances tradition and innovation, building on the winery’s capabilities with the latest technologies, while maintaining an enduring respect for the unique terroir of the Collio and Isonzo zones.
Product at Trade Tasting: Jermann Red Angel on the Moonlight Pinot Nero
About Poggio al Tesoro: Located in Bolgheri, the birthplace of the internationally-revered reds known as Super Tuscans, Poggio al Tesoro produces wines “with a distinctive personality, expressing power and complexity as well as elegance and depth.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Poggio al Tesoro Toscana Vermentino Solosole
About Renato Ratti: Located in Barolo in northwestern Italy, “Quality, research, passion, respect for our history and our land, with a window ever open” is the philosophy and the expression of Renato Ratti.
Product at Trade Tasting: Renato Ratti Langhe Nebbiolo doc Ochetti
About Tornator: Located in the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna, the Tornatores trace their Etna grape growing back to 1865. That heritage is showcased in wines, capturing “the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Tornatore Etna Bianco
About Burnt Church Distillery: Burnt Church Distillery crafts “authentic Lowcountry spirits” that honor the local history and give back to the community. “We’re here to make a meaningful contribution by crafting unique and flavorful spirits wrapped in history and shared experience.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Anita’s Choice Six Grain Bourbon, Bluffton Whiskey, Burnt Church Vodka (in Original, Cucumber and Pear flavors), Devil’s Elbow Gin (in Original, Cucumber/Black Pepper, Grapefruit/Orange and Cantaloupe Melon flavors), Palmer’s Stretch Rye Whiskey, Sin Eater Cinnamon Smoky Whiskey, and Sippin Saint Moonshine (in Bloody Mary, Iced Coffee, Chocolate/Raspberry, Chocolate Milk and Sweet Potato Pie flavors).
Watch the video.
About Amethyst: Amethyst is a non-alcoholic spirit that is masterfully distilled and blended with invigorating fruits and botanicals. “Inherently created in the spirit of inclusion,” Amethyst is on a mission to create a unique non-alcoholic spirit specifically crafted for those who choose not to drink.
Products at Trade Tasting: Blueberry Ginger Mint and Lemon Cucumber Serrano.
Watch the video.
About Browne Family Vineyards: A family-owned winery located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington, Browne Family Vineyards is “dedicated to building meaningful relationships with our customers and partners through innovative new wines, exciting collaborations, and customer nirvana.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Browne Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Tribute Red Blend.
About Gruet Winery: Debuting in 1989, Gruet uses the Méthode Champenoise they brought from their family’s vineyard in France to New Mexico to make their sparkling wine.
Products at Trade Tasting: Gruet Blanc de Noir, Brut, Brut Rose and Sauvage Rose.
About Blandy’s: Celebrating their 210th year, The Blandy family is unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade that still own and manage their own original wine company.
Products at Trade Tasting: Blandy’s 10yr Bual and 10yr Verdelho.
Watch the video.
About Graham’s Port: For almost two hundred years W & J Graham’s has been an independent family business renowned for producing the finest Port wines. This ensures that every aspect in the making of Graham’s Ports is controlled and cared for intimately.
Products at Trade Tasting: Graham’s 20 yr Aged Tawny and 6 Grapes Reserve.
Watch the video.
About Prats & Symington: Made in partnership with two great winemaking traditions, the Prats and Symington families apply Bordeaux winemaking methods to grapes which are traditionally destined for the production of great Vintage Ports.
Product at Trade Tasting: Prats & Symington Post Scriptum Red Blend
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About Quinta Da Fonte Souto: Quinta da Fonte Souto is in the Portalegre subregion of the Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. In Portuguese ‘Fonte’ means source of water or fountain, and ‘Souto’ is a chestnut grove. The combination of the two words in the estate’s name symbolizes the abundance of water from the estate’s natural springs and its beautiful chestnut groves.
Products at Trade Tasting: Quint da Fonte Souto Tinto Red and Branco White.
Watch the video.
About Quinta do Vesuvio: At Quinta do Vesuvio, the objective is to create outstanding Vintage Ports and Douro DOC wines using only the very best grapes on the property. The 19th-century winery is one of the last places on earth where all the grapes are still trodden by human feet, including their Vintage Ports.
Product at Trade Tasting: Quinta do Vesuvio Pombal do Vesuvio Douro
Watch the video.
About Santa Margherita: Grown, harvested, and produced in Italy, our wines are rooted in classic Italian ideals and reimagined for the fine wine lover of today. We invite you to discover the heart and soul of Santa Margherita, our people, passion, and commitment to producing authentic, sustainable, deliciously enjoyable wines for the life you live.
Product at Trade Tasting: Santa Margherita Rose
Watch the video.
About Cantina Mesa: The name Mesa, which in both Sardinian and in Spanish means table, sums up in just four letters the very soul of the Cantina Mesa winery: Nourishment, a meal among friends, maternal love, simplicity, and fragrant odors.
Product at Trade Tasting: Cantina Mesa Buio
About Lamole di Lamole: Selected from exclusive lines of grapes, shaped by their location’s unique microclimate, and crafted in the cellars of an ancient castle, the wines of Lamole di Lamole offer exceptional flavors that complement the finest traditional meals and which only get better with age.
Product at Trade Tasting: Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico
About Sassoregale: Handcrafted with centuries-old methods, Sassoregale wines are “civilized and sophisticated without ever losing that wild essence.” This unmistakably bold soul comes through in the style, flavor, and spirit of men who know and savor Sassoregale.
Product at Trade Tasting: Sassoregale Vermentino
About Torresella: From the timeless Venetian vineyards to carefree times in good company, Torresella “lives your story with you: authentic, fresh, and unforgettable” with wines that capture the true flavor, character, and personality of Italy.
Product at Trade Tasting: Torresella Prosecco Rosé
About Clay Shannon: Clay Shannon’s passion is simple: “grow the best fruit possible while preserving the land for future generations.” They define their wines as “gracious, refined and welcoming.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Clay Shannon Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
About Ovis: Ovis is Latin for sheep, and this special small lot collection of wine pays homage to those wooly caretakers that ensure our vineyards thrive while sustaining the natural ecosystem. Shannon Family of Wines calls them “extraordinary—the perfect reflection of nature in balance.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Ovis Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
About Caymus: Since its founding in 1972, Caymus has become renowned as a consistent leader in the production of Napa Valley Cabernet. Caymus is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and remains 100% family-owned by the Wagners.
Products at Trade Tasting: Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Suisun Grand Durif and The Walking Fool.
About Emmolo Wine Co.: Created by Jenny Wagner, Emmolo’s wines offer a fresh take on California varietals, with a style not typically expected from their production.
Product at Trade Tasting: Emmolo Sparkling #4
About Red Schooner: Red Schooner, known for their Mendoza “Voyage” Malbec, has released a new “Red Wine of the World” sourced from renowned regions of Australia under the direction of Charlie Wagner.
Product at Trade Tasting: Red Schooner Transit #1
About Sea Sun Vineyards: Sea Sun wines are layered wines produced by Charlie Wagner from the singular beauty and character of the California coast, made to have broad appeal.
Product at Trade Tasting: Sea Sun Pinot Noir
About 10,000 Hours: 10,000 Hours believes that there are no shortcuts to making memorable wine. Countless hours of focus, dedication and craftsmanship are combined with the finest Red Mountain, Washington grapes to produce their sophisticated and delicious red wines.
Product at Trade Tasting: 10,000 Hours Cabernet Sauvignon
About Aquilini Wines: Aquilini is led by the belief that they “have yet to make our best bottle of wine.” Their wines are nurtured by hand and designed exclusively with Red Mountain, Washington fruit.
Product at Trade Tasting: Aquilini Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
About Be Human: Be Human’s family of wines are sourced from the renowned Horse Heaven Hills and Columbia Valley AVA’s, creating what they call “wine for humanity—for our tapestry of voices and choices. With the recognition that what makes us different, makes us wonderful.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Be Human Cabernet
About Beautiful Drinks: Botanically-inspired, Beautiful Drinks’ ready-to-drink canned cocktails are created from “meticulously selected” distillates & extracts that help to showcase the flavor of each ingredient.
Products at Trade Tasting: Beautiful Drinks Co. Sparkling Cucumber & Lemon Vodka Collins, Sparkling Grapefruit & Rosemary Gin & Tonic and Sparkling Lime & Ginger Margarita.
About Chasing Rain: These elegant wines reflect the ideal climate of Red Mountain, Washington, where scant rainfall is controlled by our winemakers to blend red wines that are vibrant and delicious.
Product at Trade Tasting: Chasing Rain Merlot
About Roaming Dog: Roaming Dog Wines call themselves “the perfect companion” for weekend brunch, your next tailgater, or simply chilling after a long day. They are crafted exclusively with grapes from Washington’s panoramic Columbia Valley AVA, they’re easy going with just the right notes of fruit and oak.
Products at Trade Tasting: Roaming Dog Chardonnay and Riesling.
About Dixie Vodka: Dixie Vodka, established in 2014, is on a mission: “to create an all-American premium craft vodka that represented the best of Southern flavor, craftsmanship, and hospitality.” Their new ready-to-drink Dixie Vodka-based seltzers are lightly carbonated and available in four flavors.
Products at Trade Tasting: Dixie Vodka Cocktails in Georgia Peach, Greyhouse, Moscow Mule and Tony’s Tea flavors.
Watch the video.
About Elvis Tennessee Whiskey: Bottled in Elvis Presley’s home state of Tennessee, this new whiskey brand features a photo of Presley on their labels with the hope of becoming “a highly sought-after collector’s item.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Elvis Tiger Man Straight Tennessee Whiskey and The King Straight Rye Tennessee Whiskey.
Watch the video.
About High Goal: High Goal Luxury Gin is produced in Charleston, South Carolina and infused with mint and citrus botanicals sourced directly from across America’s Southeast, “to create a lighter, more refreshing and approachable flavor profile.”
Product at Trade Tasting: High Goal Gin
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About Virgil Kaine: Virgil Kaine is a small-batch whiskey company proudly crafted in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. They pride themselves in creating bourbons and whiskies with “ultra-smooth, well-balanced tastes that provide a sweet Southern finish.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon
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About Ca’ Montini: Sourced from grapes coming from an area called Valfredda, located in Ala di Trento, Ca’ Montini has set out to “create a premium Pinot Grigio that truly showcases the quality and winemaking history of Trentino.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Ca Montini Pinot Grigio
About Gemma Di Luna: Gemma di Luna aims to embody “the artistry and ingenuity of Italian winemaking” to create their sparkling wines and “turn everyday experiences into moments of luxury.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Gemma Di Luna Prosecco
About Emporium Appassimento: Emporium Appassimento is “a powerhouse red blend” from the extraordinary land of Salento in Puglia, a region rich in history and culture. The wine is crafted using the appassimento method, a style long prized by the noble courts and aristocratic circles of Europe.
Product at Trade Tasting: Emporium Appassimento Rosso
About VOGA: A fusion of form, function, and taste, VOGA Italia is “the epitome of Italian style.” VOGA prides itself in creating new innovations, like a cork with re-sealable cap closures, and in meticulously crafting their products “to capture the best of Italy in every sip.”
Product at Trade Tasting: VOGA Prosecco Rose
About Mucho Más: To make their wines, Mucho Más focuses “on finding the right quality and style characteristics for each grape and wine,” harvesting from farms and vineyards in the Iberian Peninsula.
Products at Trade Tasting: Mucho Más Tinto Red and Castilla White.
Watch the video.
About Prospero: Located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, Prospero takes its name from the protagonist character in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” Its production technique, often referred to as Charmat Method is based on a second fermentation of a white wine and is bottled only after it has completed the fermentation process, unlike other sparkling wines.
Product at Trade Tasting: Prospero Gran Selezione Brut
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About Southern Ocean: Southern Ocean captures the essence of the grape grown in the maritime climate of Marlborough, a well-known wine-producing region in New Zealand.
Product at Trade Tasting: Southern Ocean Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
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About Viña Albali: Viña Albali was inspired by the clear starry night skies in La Mancha in central Spain. Grapes are macerated at cool temperatures to allow for the gentle extraction of sweet tannins and complex compounds, which encourages the production of a wine with an expressive character to compliment the red berry flavours typical of Tempranillo.
Product at Trade Tasting: Viña Albali Gran Selección
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About Altos Las Hormigas: The vision of Altos Las Hormigas is to create “a melting pot of cultures, experience, and insight” in Argentina, with a goal of “creating authentic wines that speak of their origin.”
Products at Trade Tasting: Altos Las Hormigas Gualtallary Malbec and Reserva Malbec.
About Bodega Nivarius: Bodega Nivarius is a singular and unique winery in Rioja because it exclusively produces white wines from native varieties such as White Maturana. Nivarius is the Latin word for a natural well where snow was stored throughout the year.
Product at Trade Tasting: Bodega Nivarius White Rioja
About Bodegas CARE: CARE is a Spanish winery born as an exclusive, advanced and committed wine business. They believe in blending of “the tradition of one of the most deeply-rooted wine regions in Spain,” respect to the vines and making wine towards new lifestyles around the world.
Products at Trade Tasting: Bodegas CARE Solidarity Rose and Nativa Garnacha.
Watch the video.
About Cantina di Venosa: The Cantina di Venosa, one of the most renowned wineries in Southern Italy, is a world leader in the production of the famous Aglianico del Vulture wines. These wines represent a combination of a rich soil of volcanic origin and the fortunate climatic exposure of the gentle hills of Venosa, the city of the great Latin poet Horace.
Product at Trade Tasting: Cantina di Venosa Aglianico del Vulture Verbo
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About Castell d’Age: Castell d’Age is the creation of three generations of women in the Junyent family, located in the Catalonia region of Spain. The Bodega is certified organic and biodynamic at the strictest levels, a method that respects the relationship between humans and earth.
Products at Trade Tasting: Castell d’Age Penedès Fragments Blanc de Blancs and Penedès 100% Orange 0% SO₂.
About Domaine de Pignan: Frederic Charvin (fourth generation), lovingly maintains his family’s 15 hectare estate, which can trace its origins back to an estate producing wines in Châteauneuf du Pape since 1855.
Product at Trade Tasting: Domaine de Pignan Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition
About Domaine J.Laurens: Domaine J.Laurens is located in France’s wine region of Limoux, the true birthplace of sparkling wine. Today, the Domaine J.Laurens is proud to produce Blanquette de Limoux with a stamp of its “signature finesse and freshness.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Domaine J.Laurens Blanquette de Limoux Brut Le Moulin
About Fleuraison: Fleuraison (Flowering) sparkling wines are grown in the La Mancha region of Spain and vinified in France by the winemakers of Badet Clément & Co.
Products at Trade Tasting: Fleuraison Brut Blanc de Blanc and Brut Rose.
About Poggio del Moro: Poggio del Moro estate is located in the middle of Tuscany and uses natural fermentation produced by the yeasts from their own vineyards “for maximum expression of the ‘soul’” of the vines. Their wines are 100% organic and are made according to Italian agricultural traditions.
Products at Trade Tasting: Poggio del Moro Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva and Rosso Toscana.
About Lone Birch: Lone Birch is family owned & operated winery located in Washington State. Named after a family-plated 70-year-old Lone Birch Tree that resides amongst the vineyard, the family believes the tree to be a reminder “of our commitment to care for the environment.”
Product at Trade Tasting: Lone Birch Syrah
About Mile Marker: Found alongside every road they travel, denoting how far you’ve gone or have yet to go, those green Mile Marker signs help take you on your trip. Mile Marker Wine Co. takes you on a different journey, one that allows an affordable opportunity to taste wines from around the world, made to emulate the best characteristics of each region. Each Mile Marker number on the bottle corresponds to the location of the vineyards where the grapes were grown, giving that sense of place they love about wine.
Products at Trade Tasting: Mile Marker 71 Mile Post Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Reach out with any questions you may have to see just how responsive, knowledgeable and downright friendly an Empire Representative can be.
