LAKE BLUFF – Terlato Wines’ contract to import one of the top-selling premium wine brands, Santa Margherita, ends December 31. Going forward, the U.S. marketing arm of Santa Margherita Wine Group will manage the brand in the U.S., according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Crain’s said Terlato began importing Santa Margherita 36 years ago and built its wine business around the brand.
The wine is an Italian pinot grigio that retails for about $28. Shanken News Daily said the brand is the best-selling bottle priced over $25, with sales having grown from approximately 200,000 cases in 1994 to 700,000 cases last year. The trade publication reported Terlato last week announced that it has partnered with renowed Italian viticultural consultant Simonit & Sirch to introduce a Pinot Grigio and a Friulano, from the Friuli region, which will sell for $22 to $24.
In a separate article, Shanken News Daily reported in June that Terlato has partnered with Jack Nicklaus to create 2014 Chardonnay and a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, both from California. Sales of Jack’s House Wine will retail for about $16, and 10% of of each bottle sold will benefit Jack’s House Foundation, a nonprofit organization.