Here are some highlights from the week in wine news:
Big deals keep on turnin’... Domaine William Fèvre, one of the most prestigious estates in Chablis, is now under new ownership. Domaines des Barons de Rothschild, the luxury wine conglomerate that also owns Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux and Viña Los Vascos in Chile, acquired Fèvre in a deal for an undisclosed sum. Domaine William Fèvre has a total of 72 hectares of vineyards that cover the spectrum of quality levels in Chablis (village level to Grand Cru), all of which are organically farmed. The acquisition of the Fèvre estate marks the first holdings in Burgundy for the Domaines des Barons de Rothschild portfolio, which is now requiring all of its vineyards to be certified organic.
There’s a regime change at UC Davis’ Viticulture and Enology Department. Dr. David Block, who has been the Department Chair for over 12 years, quietly stepped down from his post at the start of the year. Associate Professor Dr. Ben Monpetit has been named Interim Chair. Dr. Block will be on sabbatical for part of 2024, and will focus on teaching and research upon his return. Dr. Monpetit, a yeast microbiologist who has served as Vice Chair for the last two years, has publicly stated his desire to enhance the student experience at UCD by updating classroom tools and providing more research opportunities.
The team behind COTE Steakhouse has opened a new fried chicken concept with one of the largest Champagne lists in the US. COQODAQ opened its doors to the public on January 12, just down the street from the original COTE Steakhouse in the Flatiron District of New York City. Simon Kim, the owner of Gracious Hospitality Management, has expressed a desire to put a fine dining spin on Korean fried chicken, similar to the concept behind COTE. Victoria James, the Director of Beverage for all Gracious Hospitality Management restaurants, has assembled a 600 bottle wine list for COQODAQ, 400 of which are Champagne. The list includes Special Club Champagnes, niche grower-producer labels, and a special Gaston Chiquet cuvée made exclusively for COQODAQ.
Marchesi Antinori has started its own import company with a direct relationship to American wine buyers. Vinattieri 1385 formally opened for business on January 1 and will be fully operative by the end of the month. The new offshoot company will be responsible for directly importing Antinori wines to the United States. Vinattieri 1385 is a direct result of last year’s news that Marchesi Antinori had directly purchased Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, one of the most prestigious producers in Napa Valley. Between the current Antinori portfolio and the Stag’s Leap wines, Vinattieri 1385 is expected to handle 500,000 cases of wine and approximately $100 million in sales.
And finally, a wine news story specifically for TV lovers and awards season addicts. JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery will be pouring their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc as an official sponsor of the 75th Emmy Awards. JUSTIN has served as the official wine for Emmy events in the past, but this is the first year that the Paso Robles-based winery will have a notable presence at the Governors Gala Winners Circle. As the newly crowned Emmy winners get their statues engraved, Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman will pour JUSTIN wines while winners receive personalized, engraved bottles of JUSTIN ISOSCELES. The ceremony will be televised live from Los Angeles tonight (Monday, January 15) at 5 PM on FOX.
The Wine Press: Jan. 15, 2024