E. & J. Gallo Winery Acquires U.S. Distribution Rights for Brancaia

MODESTO, Calif., March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today that it had acquired the exclusive rights to distribute Italy's Brancaia wines in the United States effective April 1, 2012.

"This is a great addition to our Luxury portfolio of fine wines," said Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President of Gallo's Premium Wine Division.  He added, "The Brancaia portfolio consists of several noteworthy wines from diverse vineyards within Tuscany which we are excited to share with American consumers."

Brancaia was established in 1981, by Brigitte and Bruno Widmer.  Since 1998, Barbara Widmer, daughter of the founders, has been the winery's enologist.  Today, Brancaia is one of Tuscany's leading wineries and has received numerous national and international awards and accolades.

"We are very happy to partner with the Gallo Winery to sell Brancaia," said Martin Kronenberg, Brancaia's chief executive officer.  He added, "We are excited to tap into their marketing expertise and best-in-class network of distributors to expand our sales in the U.S."

The Brancaia portfolio includes Brancaia Tre, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Brancaia Chianti Classico; Brancaia Ilatraia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Petite Verdot; Brancaia Il Blu, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gallo, the world's largest family-owned winery, imports and markets wine from Argentina, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, South Africa, France and New Zealand.

About E. & J. Gallo Winery
Established in 1933 in Modesto, California, by Ernest and Julio Gallo, E. & J. Gallo Winery has become the world's largest winery and the foremost winery in the art of grape growing, winemaking, distribution and marketing of wines. With eight wineries strategically located in California's wine regions and access to grapes from vineyards in all of the premier grape-growing areas of the state, Gallo produces wines in every category, to suit every taste.  Gallo imports wines from eight of the major wine growing countries in the world.  Some of the brands in Gallo's wine portfolio include Gallo Family Vineyards, Barefoot Cellars, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Ranch, Bridlewood, Mirassou Vineyards, Frei Brothers, DaVinci, Martin Codax, Don Miguel Gascon, Ecco Domani, McWilliam's Hanwood Estate, and William Hill Estate.  Recently, the Winery has expanded its portfolio to include distilled spirits with the introduction of New Amsterdam Gin and Familia Camarena Tequila.

SOURCE E. & J. Gallo Winery