It’s been a busy couple of months for our friends at E. & J. Gallo Winery.
In recent weeks, the company reaffirmed its commitment to California terroir with the purchase of two storied vineyards, Rancho Real and Sierra Madre, comprising nearly 1,000 acres of prime grape-growing real estate in Santa Barbara County. Then, Gallo picked up the 2018 Vinitaly International Award, recognizing the company’s incredible work in the international world of wine.
Real Estate
Consumers know and love Gallo’s portfolio of California wines, and now there will be even more to love. With the acquisition of the Rancho Real Vineyard, located in the Santa Maria Valley appellation of Santa Barbara County, Gallo added 436 acres of rich growing land to their considerable footprint in California. Rancho Real is known for its wide array of grapes, including premium Burgundian and Rhône grape varietals like Chardonnay, Garnay, Grenache, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Viognier.
In a statement from the company, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo's Premium Wine Division, Roger Nabedian, said the purchase “significantly establishes Gallo in Santa Barbara County and continues our commitment to having vineyards in the premier winegrowing appellations of California." He added, "With the growth of premium wines in the U.S. and the demand for coastal-sourced grapes, additions like Rancho Real are key to Gallo's growth in the premium and luxury segments."
Treasures of the Sierra Madre
That growth continued just a few weeks later with the purchase of Sierra Madre, 542 acres located near the western edge of the Santa Maria Valley appellation. For 47 years the vineyard has produced quality grapes, including the highest-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay coming out of Santa Barbara. The property benefits from sandy-loam soils and a cool growing season ideal for tart varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are allowed to slowly ripen and develop intense structure and flavor throughout the season.
Nabedian also commented on this purchase through a statement from the company, saying "We are thrilled to add this impressive vineyard into our premium portfolio," adding that as with the Rancho Real deal, "this purchase supports Gallo's commitment to continue making and selling luxury wines, while growing the finest grapes in Santa Barbara County."
This expansion for Gallo, based in California's Central Valley, continues the company’s move to increase its presence throughout California's coastal regions. As of this writing, Gallo is already established in the area with the Edna Valley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County, Bridlewood Estate Winery in Santa Barbara County and Talbott Vineyards located in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County.
Gallo Goes Global
Consumers and oenophiles have long recognized Gallo’s great work, and now the company has been recognized with the 2018 Vinitaly International Award at this year’s prestigious Vinitaly wine competition and exposition in Verona, Italy. Known as the “largest wine show in the world,” Vinitaly brings together the world’s greatest wine professionals, and Gallo’s win on this international stage is a strong testament to the company’s ascendancy.
The award was established in 1996 by Veronafiere and is bestowed upon individuals and wineries who have made significant contributions to the spread of international wine culture. This year’s International win is the first for the company, which also previously took home the Premio Gran Vinitaly Award in 1998, 2001, and 2002.
Gina Gallo, herself a third-generation winemaker from the Gallo family, accepted the award on behalf of her family at the Vinitaly gala dinner on April 14th at the Galerie Mercatali in Verona. In a statement issued after receiving the award, Gallo said "I am humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of our family company. Our family origins began in Northern Italy, so it is perfect to accept such an important award for our industry here in Verona."
Images courtesy of www.gallo.com