ST. HELENA, CA (March 22, 2016) — Wilson Daniels welcomes new addition Villa Russiz into its growing international portfolio as its first Italian partner from the Collio DOC, one of the most forward-thinking and innovative wine-producing areas in Italy.

Villa Russiz launches in the US market April 2016. The wines available through Wilson Daniels are: Venezia Giulia IGT “Les Enfants” and Collio DOCs Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Ribolla Gialla and Sauvignon Blanc. Available in very limited quantities are: Sauvignon de La Tour, Chardonnay “Gräfin de La Tour,” Merlot “Graf de La Tour” and Cabernet Sauvignon “Défi de La Tour.”

Wilson Daniels president Rocco Lombardo says: “Villa Russiz will bring an exciting dynamic to the portfolio with its rich history, unique business model and outstanding caliber of vineyards and wines — qualities we look forward to bringing to the US market through our broad and well-established distributor network.”

“I’m very glad and proud to start this new collaboration with Wilson Daniels,” says the estate’s winemaker, Giovanni Genio. “The team understood immediately the true essence of the Villa Russiz Foundation.”

The estate was founded in 1868, a wedding present from the bride’s father for French-born Count Théodor de La Tour and Viennese Elvine Ritter von Zahony. The estate encompasses the best of Collio’s hillside sites, which Théodor planted to premium French clones with authentic French rootstock. After being donated to the state, Villa Russiz is currently overseen by a board of directors responsible for the management of the agricultural holdings, including 99 acres of Collio DOC vineyards. Operating as a non-profit foundation, the estate’s revenue is invested in the children’s home located on the property, providing for those children from less fortunate backgrounds.

The highly regarded winemaking area of Collio lies in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the northeastern corner of Italy. The DOC is well known for its outstanding white wines from local grapes such as Friulano (previously known as Tocai) and Ribolla Gialla, as well as international grapes like Sauvignon Blanc. The appellation also produces very fine reds that can resemble those of the Loire Valley.

As Théodor and Elvine had no children of their own, the family is no longer involved with the winery; however, the name — de La Tour — remains prominent on the labels of the cru wines as does the importance of family values in the foundation’s activity today.

About Wilson Daniels
Founded in 1978, Wilson Daniels is a family-owned importer and marketer representing a portfolio of luxury wines and spirits. Based in Napa Valley, Wilson Daniels upholds the high standards set by founders Win Wilson and Jack Daniels — with a keen focus on long-term strategic partnerships with family-owned and operated properties that possess a profound respect for terroir.

For further information contact Jennifer Brown — office 707.967.1827 | cell 707.478.5152 | email jbrown@wilsondaniels.com. To learn more visit — www.wilsondaniels.com.

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