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Today in wine news: Millennials and Gen Z have been trolled by the media for their spending habits for a long time. But the wine world is starting to wake up to the buying power of its youngest consumers. Here’s how wineries have tapped into the wants and needs of wine drinkers from the newest generations of wine drinkers.
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In other news, here are some additional highlights from the week:
Marchesi Antinori has fully acquired Col Solare, the Washington winery that Antinori previously co-owned with Ste. Michelle Estates. The Italian wine conglomerate is starting to truly stake its claim on American-made wines. In January, it was reported that Antinori had started their own importing business specifically created to give their American wine holdings more distribution. On June 20, Marchesi Antinori issued a press release indicating that they had bought the remaining shares of Col Solare from their partner in Washington, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Col Solare was co-founded by Marchesi Antinori and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in the Red Mountain AVA in Washington as a way to showcase the beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon fruit coming out of the Washington hills. The first vintage of Col Solare wine was released in 1995, and the two co-founding wine producers formally established the Col Solare label and estate vineyard in 2007. Marchesi Antinori also bought the remaining shares of Napa Valley favorite Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates last year. The sale of Col Solare is expected to be completed by the end of June. As of today, no sales numbers have been reported.
Speaking of experiences, Dom Pérignon has announced the hard launch of its two most recent Champagnes at an immersive event this summer. The famous Champagne estate will be releasing the 2015 vintage of their eponymous wine and the 2006 vintage of their ultra-premium Plénitude 2 wine at an exclusive event in the Hamptons from July 19-21. To celebrate the new releases, Dom Pérignon will be transporting special guests to an undisclosed 21-acre estate for a uniquely tactile experience that captures both the beauty of the seaside surroundings and the elegance of the wines. Argentine Chef Francis Mallmann, world renowned for his Seven Fires approach to grilling, will be serving a multi course dinner menu each night to pair with the two new cuvees. Matthew Quintana, head of Dom Pérignon in the United States, says in his press release, “Dom Pérignon has always sought unique experiences to pair with our distinctive Vintages… The Hamptons, with its serene beauty, myriad of textures and sophisticated palate, provides an ideal canvas for such an immersive experience. This setting resonates with Dom Pérignon's dedication to exceptional environments that enhance the enjoyment of our champagnes." Tickets are limited, and cost $4,000 per diner. Bookings are now available online.
And finally, KCBS Food and Wine editor Narsai David has passed away. Bay Area residents have been listening to Narsai David talk openly about food and wine on KCBS news radio since the 80s. Born in South Bend, Indiana to Assyrian-Iranian immigrant parents, David moved to Turlock, California as a child, and called the Bay Area home until his death. He opened Narsai’s Restaurant in Kensington in 1970, then quickly became a notable figure in food and wine media. During his time as a restaurateur, David cooked for both the British Royal Family and rock-and-roll royalty, namely, The Rolling Stones. His unassuming approach to the world of food, as well as his championing of the farm to table movement from the beginning of its popularity in the 1970s, made him a fan favorite for years. Narsai David is survived by his wife, Venus, his son, David, and a community of friends, co-workers, and foodies worldwide. He was 87.
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