Terlato Expands Portfolio with Celebrated Spanish Winery

02/10/07 William A. Terlato, President and Chief Executive Officer of Terlato Wines International, announced an exclusive, long-term evergreen marketing agreement with Bodegas Olvena, in which Terlato will participate in the equity it builds in the brand.

"We are thrilled to add Olvena with its remarkable collection of critically acclaimed wines from Spain's most exciting emerging region, to our luxury portfolio," said Terlato. "Our company has a history of anticipating and shaping luxury wine trends, and we were looking for a distinctive, terroir-driven wine and found Olvena is making just that in Somontano."

The Abbad family, creators and owners of Bodegas Olvena, were successful in numerous businesses from farming to cattle ranching before fulfilling a family dream of making wine. For years, they searched for the perfect location, finally deciding in 1999 to convert some of their own prized land in Somontano into vineyards. Their Somontano vineyards, located 80 kilometers from the French border, are set on steeply-terraced terrain in soil that is high in sandstone, clay and limestone content at altitudes between 500 and 600 meters above sea level which make these ideal vineyard soils. In 2001 they completed construction on their state-of-the-art bodega that allows for the most modern winemaking techniques.

Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Somontano burst onto the scene recently largely led by top-quality producers like Bodegas Olvena. Somontano means 'foothills of the mountains,' as Piedmont translates in Italian. Protected by mountains from cold northern weather, the region has become known for its unique ability to blend international and indigenous varietals to make top-quality wines.

The foundation to all great wine is the fruit, and all of Olvena's wines are estate bottled, produced from its 210 hectares of vineyards. Terlato Wines International will import the following Olvena wines: Crianza a Cabernet Sauvignon, Hache a blend of Syrah and Garnacha, Coupage a blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuatro 4, a blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as a Chardonnay.

All of the labels are modern in design and feature beautiful close-up shots of vine shoots. Recently, Olvena entered into a long-term consultancy agreement with famed winemaker Michel Rolland, who has extensive experience producing wines in over ten countries. His decision to work with Olvena reflects the family's commitment to quality and the uniqueness of the region.

"We are truly excited to have our wines represented by Terlato in the United States," said David Robinson, export director of Olvena. "We share a similar philosophy for family-ownership and quality-winemaking and look forward to a long partnership."