06/30/2009
Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits
A Portfolio of Boutique Spirits- Smartly Assembled, Small-Batch Collection

Assembled in early 2009, Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits is a collection of boutique spirits, founded by Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE) in response to the rising demand of specialized spirits in the blossoming cocktail culture in the United States. The spirits line is an unprecedented collection of rare small-batch gems, each with a unique story and diverse place of origin. Each brand in the portfolio is viewed among the finest in their respective category, and all products can be used as a collection to create incomparable signature cocktails to support Classic & Vintage at events nationally. With over 14 brands represented, The Classic & Vintage product line includes imported spirits such as Armagnac, single-barrel Cognac, award-winning French gin, a graceful vineflower liqueur from Cognac, classic Sicilian amaro, a single-village mezcal, floral liqueur from Milano, the premier line of cocktail flavorings from Germany, elegant grappa from Friuli and a legendary Rhum Agricole from the island of Martinique. In addition, Classic & Vintage represents handcrafted domestic products such as Tuthilltown Spirits from New York’s Hudson Valley.

The behind-the-scenes philosophy of Classic & Vintage is “education first”. DSWE places a premium on having an educated sales force that understands the spirits world and the rapidly growing cocktail culture in the US. An exclusive education program supports distributor salespeople and helps to bridge the gap between the wholesaler and consumer. The education program consists of a series of “spirited workshops” which emphasize the process of distillation, the history of spirits and cocktails in the U.S., basics of mixology, cost analysis, designing cocktail menus, and a full understanding of the Classic & Vintage brands and their market counterparts.

The Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits collection employs the illustrious Tipping Bros., Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay, as brand ambassadors. Both Paul and Tad have extensive experience in the spirits & mixology industry for over 30 years combined. Classic & Vintage is also working with some of the nation’s leading mixology consultants including Damon Dyer, H. Joseph Ehrmann, Sean Kenyon, Danny Valdez and Duggan McDonnell (who began working with DSWE in the capacity of US Brand Ambassador for the HAVE Averna USA campaign). Classic & Vintage has brought on these talented experts to help educate the trade and the consumer about the portfolio, as well as to create unforgettable cocktails that will drive the spirits business and further promote the Classic & Vintage product line.

"I'm tremendously excited to see the launch of Classic & Vintage and expect we'll see big things from them in 2009. Their passion for exceptional quality, product knowledge, and commitment to the artisan producer, are unmatched, and the portfolio ROCKS! As a mixologist and spirits buyer, these are exactly the kinds of brands I look for when developing a unique cocktail program." said Mr. Carducci.

Currently, the Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits is a nationally available collection comprised of Armagnac Castarede, Averna, Cognac Grosperrin, Didier Meuzard, Dimmi Liquore di Milano, G’Vine,Rhum J.M,Sombra, Suprema Grappa,The Bitter Truth and Tuthilltown Spirits. Just like DSWE’s wine portfolio, the Classic & Vintage Spirits Collection represents only distillers that produce high-quality products each expressing the superb traditions of their origin. These products stand on their own for their unique and superior quality but also hold great appeal for their mixability profile. The portfolio will continue to grow strategically, expanding this year to include new additions such as Excellia Reposado Tequila and L’Esprit De June Vine Flower Liqueur.

FACT SHEET:
Classic & Vintage:
Assembled in early 2009, Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits is a collection of boutique spirits, founded by Domaine Select Wine Estates (DSWE). The spirits line is an unprecedented collection of rare small-batch gems, each with a unique story and diverse place of origin. Each brand in the portfolio is viewed among the finest in their respective category, and all products can be used as a collection to create incomparable signature cocktails.

Launched:
Early 2009

Owners:
Paolo and Allison Domeneghetti

Portfolio Overview:
Armagnac Castarede - Armagnac from France
Averna from Sicily – Amaro, Sambuca, Liqueur
Cognac Grosperrin from Chermignac, France - Cognac
Death's Door Spirits from Wisconsin - Vodka, Gin, White Whiskey
Didier Meuzard from Burgundy, France - Marc, Fine, Ratafia
Dimmi Liquore di Milano from Northern Italy - Liqueur
Gordon & MacPhail from Speyside, Scotland - Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
G’Vine from Chevanceaux, France - Gin
Macchu Pisco from Ica, Peru - Super and Ultra Premium Pisco
Ransom Spirits from Oregon - Old Tom Gin
Rhum J.M from Martinique, France - Rhum Agricole
Sombra from Oaxaca, Mexico - Single-Village Mezcal
Sttanahan'sColorado Whiskey
Suprema Grappa from Fruili, Italy - Grappa
The Bitter Truth from Munich, Germany - Premium Cocktail Bitters
Tuthilltown Spirits, Hudson Valley, New York - Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt , Other Whiskey, Rum and Vodka (made from apples)

Upcoming Releases:
Excellia Tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, L’Esprit De June, Vine Flower Liqueur from Cognac, France, Mae de Ouro Cachaca from Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Varnelli Liqueurs from Marche, Italy

Classic & Vintage Ambassadors:
Tad Carducci and Paul Tanguay of Tippling brothers serve as Brand Ambassadors to the Classic & Vintage portfolio. Damon Dyer, H. Joseph Ehrmann, Sean Kenyon, Duggan McDonnell and Danny Valdez also collaborate as mixology consultants nationally.

Classic & Vintage Portfolio Overview

NATIONAL AVAILABILITY
Castarède – Armagnac, France The House of Castarède is one of the oldest Armagnac trading houses. Founded in 1832, it has remained in the hands of the same family for 6 generations. Its prestige is based on its exceptional collection of vintage Armagnacs, with more than eighty authenticated vintages, the oldest dating from 1881. The Armagnac is crafted from the best grapes of the Bas Armagnac region and matured in cellars that are more than a hundred years old. Today, Florence Castarède is responsible for this family heritage, combining ancient family know-how acquired over 175 years with new initiatives. The varieties cultivated include Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard.

The Castarède portfolio in the US consists of:
Armagnac Selection 750ml (SRP $64)
Armagnac Réserve de la Famille - aged for over 20 years – 750ml (SRP $124)
Armagnac VSOP 750ml (SRP $74)
Vintage Armagnac – from 1893 - 1987 – 750ml (prices available upon request).

Averna - Sicily, Italy Averna Amaro is Italy’s favorite digestivo, Sicily’s oldest licensed spirit and is one of the top Amaro(s) in the world. This herbal liqueur is uniquely delicate, with a balanced bittersweet taste deriving from infusion of plant roots, dried fruits and spices closely held secret by the Averna family. Averna was concocted a Sicilian monastery by herbalist friar, Fra’ Girolamo, as a panacea for his fellow monks and followers. Salvatore Averna, devoted his time to the monastery as a young boy, and as a reward was given the secret recipe in 1868 to share with the world. The formula has been handed down over the years, intact and unadulterated within the Averna family for 5 generations.
Averna’s mastery of infusion techniques led to the launch of their new Liquore di Limoni and a Sambuca line consisting of Sambuca, Sambuca Licorice and Sambuca Citrus. Each of the new products are an expression of all the flavors and aromas of the land where it originated: Sicily.

The Averna portfolio in the US consists of:
Averna Amaro 750ml (SRP $30),
Averna Amaro 1L (SRP $45),
Averna Liquore di Limoni 750ml (SRP $25),
Averna Sambuca Stellato 750ml (SRP $24)
Averna Sambuca Citrus 750ml (SRP $24)
Averna Sambuca Licorice 750ml (SRP $24)

Grosperrin - Chermignac, France Jean Grosperrin founded Grosperrin, one of the last independent Cognac houses, in 1992. As a broker, Jean had developed an elaborate network of growers who opened their cellar doors for him and allowed him to buy some of their most precious stocks. The company philosophy is to maintain small-batch integrity, without blending, leaving all varietals in individual batches in their original barrels or glass demi-johns, producing a wide array of distinctive products from all of the appellations of Cognac. The result is an unparalleled selection of single vintage, single barrel, and single estate Cognacs, each with a unique personality and history. Today, the family-owned company is exclusively dedicated to the selection, aging, and distribution of rare, aged Cognac dating from 1991 all the way back to World War II, carrying all of the necessary guarantees of quality and authenticity. Classic & Vintage will import selected products from the expansive Grosperrin Portfolio. Prices vary.

Didier Meuzard - Burgandy, France
Didier Meuzard has been producing brandies, ratafia, eaux de vie, and liquors for decades from Burgundian fruit. What makes his work so special is that Didier is one of the few distillers who was given the right to tow his still through the vineyards. During the harvest season, Didier takes his stills to the renowned villages of Côtes de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Morey Saint Denis. From these prestigious winegrowing regions, wine producers bring him the grapes that have been pressed gently. The quality of the grapes is key to the end result.

The Didier Meuzard portfolio in the US consists of:
Fine de Bourgogne 750ml (SRP $94.99)
Marc de Bourgogne 750ml (SRP $74.99)
Ratafia 750ml (SRP $54.99)

Dimmi Liquore di Milano – Lombardia, Italy
Dimmi Liqoure di Milano was conceived and created by, Stefano Turrini. Dimmi Liquore di Milano is a fine Italian liqueur that is blended by the famed Sperone brothers in Milan who are well-known for applying ancient infusion techniques to create liqueurs with modern appeal. Dimmi Liqoure di Milano uses the finest northern Italian organic grains for distillation and then infuses the Sperone brothers’ prized “secret” infusion recipe. Dimmi Liquore di Milano then adds a unique blend of peach and apricot flower essences as a second infusion, resulting in a complex, sophisticated and exceptional flavor profile which is ideal for creating innovative cocktails.

Dimmi Liquore di Milano retails for $34 per 750ml bottle.

G’Vine – Chevanceaux, France
Created in 2001, G’Vine is a unique, ultra-premium gin from France, crafted by Jean Sébastien Robicquet and Bruno de Reilhac, the proprietors, lead oenologists and master distillers of EWG Spirits and Wine in the French region of Cognac. G’Vine is poised to captivate a fresh audience of gin connoisseurs through an elegant recreation of a cocktail favorite that bridges the gap between gin and flavored vodka. By marrying age-old distillation and infusion practices with the introduction of the rare green vine flower, G’Vine is establishing a chic new standard in the elegant super premium spirits category. G’Vine hit the market with two exceptional products – G’Vine Florasion is a modern-style gin generously infused with the vine flower as well as 9 different botanicals. The extended infusion of the vine flower produces a floral gin that brings intricacies to any cocktail it is used for. G’Vine Nouaison is also infused with the vineflower, but to a much lighter degree yielding a more London-dry style of gin ideal for Martinis and the like. The Nouaison reveals increased juniper and nutmeg components than its counterpart, and an elevated alcohol content of 43.9%, also making ideal for cocktails.

The G’Vine US Portfolio includes:
G’Vine Florasion 750ml (SRP $39)
G’Vine Nouaison 750ml (SRP $44)

Rhum J.M – Martinique, France
Rhum J.M is an exquisite Rhum Agricole grown and distilled on Martinique’s smallest sugar cane estate, which is located in the town of Macouba. The sugarcane is carefully cultivated on 28-degree slopes of rich volcanic soil at the foot of Mount Pelée. Due to its unique location with sea breezes, rainforest, an intense microclimate, and high cloud cover, Rhum J.M harvests their sugar cane late in the season. The unique terroir and production process of Rhum J.M impart an extraordinarily unique flavor profile to this fine Rhum Agricole, the only spirit outside of France with an A.O.C. classification.

The Rhum J.M portfolio consists of:
Rhum J.M White 1L (SRP $37)
Rhum J.M Gold 1L (SRP $42)
Rhum VSOP 750ml (SRP $59)
Rhum J.M 1997 750ml (SRP $119)

Sombra - Oaxaca, Mexico
Sombra is a micro batch, single village spirit made from organically farmed heritage Espadin agave from the high Sierra of Oaxaca, Mexico. Sombra is a partnership between Richard Betts (Master Sommelier, Little Nell Aspen, Betts & Scholl), Dennis Scholl (entrepreneur, contemporary art collector, Betts & Scholl) and Charles Bieler (Three Thieves/Rebel Wine Co, Bieler Pere et Fils). The inspired bottling is sourced from high elevation (8,000 feet) mountains outside of Oaxaca and is made precisely in the same fashion that it has been for over 200 years. Eschewing modern tequila production techniques, Sombra honors the region’s ancient methods, one that combines an earthen firepit to roast the agave piñas, a horse-drawn tahona (or circular stone used to crush the agave), and wild yeast fermentation to allow full agave expression to emerge.

Sombra Mezcal 750ml (SRP $49.99)

Suprema Grappa – Friuli, Italy
After years of research, the Fantinel family launched the Suprema Grappa line to embody the pinnacle of Friulian grappa and Italian style. Premium estate Picolit, Ramandolo Tocai and Refosco are distilled at the family’s facility in the heart of Friuli Grave. Only the best fruit, which endures only one pressing, is used to create these magnificent grappas. Designed by leading Italian firm Boscolo Design Partners, Suprema Grappa is packaged to reflect the family’s commitment to quality and design.

The Suprema Grappa US portfolio consists of:
Suprema Grappa Refosco 750ml (SRP $64)
Suprema Grappa Tocai 750ml (SRP $64)

The Bitter Truth - Munich, Germany
Cocktail bitters had been an essential ingredient in mixed drinks during the golden ages of cocktail culture, but were unfortunately destined to be buried in oblivion for decades. The Bitter Truth was founded in 2006 with the aim, to revive this product group and to supplement the scanty representatives of this segment with classic flavors. All the products that have been released by The Bitter Truth were designed to meet the highest requirements of the consumers, and to close gaps that made it impossible to recreate old cocktail recipes true to the original for a long time.

The Bitter Truth US Portfolio includes:
Bittermens Grapefruit Bitters
Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
Celery Bitters
Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters
Lemon Bitters
Old Time Aromatic Bitters
Orange Bitters


Tuthilltown Spirits – Hudson Valley, NY
Tuthilltown Spirits, the brainchild of Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee, is located at the Tuthilltown Gristmill, a National Historic site in Gardiner, NY. Heralding the revival of the microdistillery in New York, Tuthilltown specializes in small-batch spirits distilled from local Hudson Valley products. Working with local farmers, Tuthilltown has created such fine products as vodka from fresh apples, corn whiskey, single- and four-grain bourbon, as well as the first New York rye since the repeal of Prohibition. The distillery makes use of traditional pot distilling methods producing artisan spirits one batch at a time. Each bottle is hand-filled, hand-corked, hand-waxed, hand-labeled and hand-numbered to ensure the best expression of quality and personality. The Tuthilltown distillery also prides itself on its sustainable operations, employing various green practices, using the steam from the distillation process to heat the facility and a recently added reed bed water purification system for liquid waste.

The Tuthilltown portfolio consists of:
Hudson Four Grain Bourbon 375ml (SRP $49)
Hudson Baby Bourbon 375ml (SRP $49)
Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey 375ml (SRP $49)
New York Corn Whiskey 375ml (SRP $39)
New York Whiskey 375ml (SRP $49)
Single Malt Whiskey 375ml (SRP $49)
Hudson River Rum 375ml (SRP $49)
Heart of The Hudson Vodka 750ml (SRP $44)
Spirit of The Hudson Vodka 750ml (SRP $44)

SELECT MARKET AVAILABILITY
Death’s Door Spirits – Washington Island, Wisconsin
Death’s Door Spirits was founded in 2006 by distillers Brian Ellison and Nick Quiat as a way to preserve and promote small scale farming on Washington Island, WI. The result is an exciting trio of handcrafted spirits. Working with two varieties of hard red winter wheat grown exclusively on Washington Island, Death’s Door Vodka, Death’s Door Gin and Death’s Door White Whisky are produced in batches that are small in size, but big in taste. The vodka is a delightfully smooth sipping vodka that has a silky mouth feel and sweet grassy notes. The White Whisky has a wonderful nose paired with a surprisingly full body for an unaged product and the Gin is a beautiful expression of wild fresh juniper, spicy coriander and cooling fennel. All three have been garnering praise and recognition from spirits aficionados and slow food advocates alike. Available through Domaine Select Merchants in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and California.

The Death’s Door portfolio consists of:
Death’s Door Vodka 750ml (SRP $34)
Death’s Door Gin 750ml (SRP $34)
Death’s Door White Whisky 750ml (SRP $39)

Macchu Pisco & La Diablada - Ica, Peru
Macchu Pisco LLC is a family owned and operated business dedicated to producing super premium and luxury piscos. The brand counts on all its family members to produce superior piscos according to ancestral methods mixed with modern technology. The producer, Melanie de Torinidade-Asher, works in the heart of Ica, the cradle of Pisco, and has received international acclaim for her products. The company produces a single variety (Quebranta) pisco called Macchu Pisco as well as a high-end blended pisco. La Diablada, Macchu Pisco LLC’s fine, unadulterated blended pisco, is grown exclusively in the Peruvian desert and blended from the finest quality Quebranta, Moscatel and Italia grapes.

Macchu Pisco 750ml (SRP $24)
La Diablada Pisco 750ml (SRP $39)

Ransom Spirits - Oregon, USA
Ransom Spirits is a one man, artisinal distillery, dedicated to producing premium spirits. Founded in 1997 by Tad Seestedt, it is located on a forty acre farm outside of the small town of Sheridan, Oregon. All bottlings begin with superior, naturally farmed ingredients, and are distilled in a copper alambic pot still. Meticulous attention to fermentation is coupled with obsessive distillation technique in order to bring the highest quality possible to your glass. Ransom's Old Tom Gin is a historically accurate revival of the predominant gin in fashion during the mid 1800's and the golden age of American cocktails. The recipe was developed in collaboration with historian, author and mixologist extraordinaire David Wondrich. Old Tom is the gin for mixing classic cocktails dating from the days before prohibition. It's subtle maltiness is the result of using a base wort of malted barley, combined with an infusion of classic botanicals in high proof spirits. The final distillation is run through an alambic pot still in order to preserve the maximum amount of aromatics, flavor and body. Only the "heart of the hearts" (the very best portion of distillate) is used for this bottling.

Old Tom Gin

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey – Denver, Colorado
Stranahan’s is the first Colorado-born Whiskey using Colorado’s finest natural ingredients. The brand all started when volunteer firefighter Jess Graber responded to a neighbor's barn fire down the road. The barn he made effort to save belonged to George Stranahan, a long-time liquor connoisseur. When the fire settled, the two discovered a shared passion for the Colorado outdoors and a good pour of fine whiskey. And so Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey was born. They developed a recipe for a smooth, flavorful whiskey using the purity of their mountain surroundings to their advantage. The whiskey is made from western barley, which is grown in the Northern Rockies, and water sourced from crisp mountain streams. The barley goes through a roller mill (half husk cracked, for the sake of detail). Oskar Blues brewery, crafted Stranahan’s special four-barley fermented wash, which gives the recipe a distinctively sweet flavor. The spirit is double-distilled custom-made combination pot (scotch style) and column (bourbon style) still and aged in charred, American white oak barrels. Each batch is aged for a minimum of two years before bottling.

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is available through Domaine Select Merchants in New York, and retails for $59 per 750ml bottle.

Gordon & Macphail Scoth Whiskey - Moray, Scotland
Gordon & MacPhail can be said to have been the pioneers in malt whisky, for they were bottling and selling malts before the marketing of single malts was ever conceived. Gordon & MacPhail is the world's leading independent bottler of malt whiskey, offering more than 450 presentations of single malts, aged from five to sixty years old, and a stock holding of more than 700 whiskies. Gordon & MacPhail, founded by George Urquhart, has been operating for over 110 years and has remained independent and family-owned throughout its history. Today, Urquhart’s sons, daughter, grandsons, and all the employees at Gordon & MacPhail strive to offer the best possible service to their customers, priding themselves on the quality, breadth and depth of their products. The following products from Gordon & MacPhail are available through Domaine Select Merchants in New York and New Jersey.

For a full listing of availabilities please visit (www.classicandvintagespirits.com)
Gordon & MacPhail Benromach Traditional 750ml (SRP $39)
Gordon & MacPhail Benromach Organic 750ml (SRP $94)
Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 21 Year 750ml (SRP $144)
Gordon & MacPhail Glenrothes 30 Year 750ml (SRP $224)
Gordon & MacPhail Port Ellen 1982 750ml (SRP $349)
Gordon & MacPhail Rosebank 1991 750ml (SRP $139)
Gordon & MacPhail Smith`s Glenlivet 21 Year 750ml (SRP $164)
Gordon & MacPhail Speymalt Macallan 1988 750ml (SRP $149)

UPCOMING RELEASES TO THE NATIONAL MARKET
L’Esprit De June Vine Flower Liqueur - Cognac, France
L’Esprit De June is the first Vine Flower Liqueur made in the heart of the Cognac region of France. The ephemeral Vine Flowers from Ugni Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other grape varietals are handpicked in June, when the grape buds fleetingly become flowers. The vine flowers last only a few days and are quickly harvested and infused into a grape spirit base. Cultivated and crafted with meticulous French spirits making techniques the result is a complex and uniquely gourmand liqueur. The flavor profile is well balanced – harmoniously delicate, warm, vegetal, floral and fruity.

Excellia Tequila - Jalisco, Mexico
Excellia Tequila is a line of exceptional, handcrafted, super-premium Tequilas produced at the Camarena Distillery. Excellia is a 100% pure agave spirit line, made from Agave Tequilana Weber, blue variety, from the region of Los Altos of Jalisco. Excellia marries traditional, blue chip Mexican Tequila harvest and production methods. Aging occurs in French, Grand Cru Sauternes wine casks and Cognac barrels create a perfect Reposado. The result is a spirit of unparalleled quality – a brilliant marriage of Mexican authenticity and French sophistication.

Fazenda Mãe De Ouro- Minas Gerais, Brazil
Fazenda Mae De Ouro is a family farm and distillery founded with a dedication to four pillars: ecology, viability, responsibility and heritage. Located in the heart of the most celebrated cachaca producing state in Brazil, Mãe De Ouro lies near the sleepy town of São José da Barra where fewer than six thousand residents, live and work. The commitment to sustainability is apparent at every step of production: Each planting season the fields are covered with sugar cane leaves from the previous season to encourage natural decay and soil enrichment. Spent mash, naturally rich in potassium, is used as a natural fertilizer for the sugar cane fields, and the the still is fueled by clean burning pressed sugar cane biomass. Every bottle is an expression the land and the Brazliian heritage, crafted pride and love, and designed with a commitment to the world.

Varnelli-Marche, Italy
Varnelli is an artisan distillery that was founded in 1868 by Girolamo Varnelli who studied the medicinal plants of his homeland in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains and used them to develop many recipes for distillates and bitters, including Amaro Sibilla (which at the time was valued for its role as an antimalarial and antipyretic drug for its high content of Gentiana Lutea and China Calyssaia). His son Antonio Varnelli proceeded to develop a unique recipe for anisette and create Varnelli which quickly became the hallmark of the Varnelli Distillery and brought fame to the family name. Since its founding in 1868 by Girolamo Varnelli, the distillery has been constantly managed by the Varnelli family who has strictly followed the same secret recipes, using native herbs, plants, and flavors and traditional production practices. Today four women who comprise its fourth generation: Elda, Gigliola Simonetta, Mari Donatella and Orietta Maria head the company. From the grinding of the ingredients with a mortar and pestle to the fueling of the fire with logs, the entire production process is executed by hand as it has been for over a century. Without deviating from their familial legacy of dedication to craft and local ingredients, they have added innovative products and adopted savvy marketing strategies that have allowed this boutique distillery that produces a mere 5,000 bottles a year to earn worldwide acclaim.

The Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits Launch has been covered by publications such as: Beverage Media New York and Wine & Spirits Magazine
and the Beverage Media.

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