Winemaker Bryan Parker On The On-Going Success Of Terlato Wines, Future Plans & More
Terlato Wines is the leading marketer of luxury wines in the U.S. with a global portfolio of more than 80 exceptional brands and more than 90 wines. Among its acclaimed brands are Alta Mora, Big Max, Boutari, Chapoutier Belleruche, Cecchi, Cusumano, Dueling Pistols, Giuliana Prosecco, Glass Mountain, Greystone Cellars, Hanna, Jack’s House Wines, La Mora, Loveblock, Marius, Maxville, Nederburg, Riondo, Seven Daughters, Shimizu-No-Mai, Tamari, The Federalist, Trenel and Two Oceans.
CRU is a Division within Terlato and synonymous with fine, rare, small production and “Terroir-Driven” wines. The initial focus of CRU is primarily on Burgundy wines from iconic Domaines producing limited amounts of wines of the highest-quality. However, it also includes super-high quality or iconic wines from other world wine regions and producers as well as strongly-acclaimed wines crafted in tiny quantities. Notably, its Loveblock Pinot Noir 2018 and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut NV — both from Terlato’s Premier Portfolio — found their way onto Winespectator’s “Top 100 Wines Of 2019” list.
Most recently released by Terlato is the Dueling Pistols brand which intertwines the nine characters you’ll see on the label, including the two main characters, Eli Guyot and Edward O’Rourke. The origination story — crafted by Round Table Companies — presents part-historical fiction, part-mystery and part-time-traveling immersion, while also providing further dimension to the underlying tension in each bottle. Dueling Pistols Wines are designed to pull the customer deep into the fabric of the story while enjoying the rich complexity of the wine. The distinct blends of these products were created with Generation X males uniquely in mind, a consumer segment keen to develop a deep understanding of products they associate with and consume in terms of brand experience and design.
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with winemaker Bryan Parker about Terlato’s on-going success and more. Additional info on Parker and Terlato can be found online at www.terlatowines.com.
Who or what was it that drew you into the wine industry?
Bryan Parker: I studied Chemistry as an Undergraduate and in Graduate School. After completing post-doctoral studies, I looked at using all my Chemistry knowledge in a different but related field. Being interested in fermentations in general — sauerkraut, kim chi, yogurt, pickles, bread, etc. — and having made homemade beer, I decided on winemaking.
To you, what sets the wines of Terlato apart from other wine portfolios?
Bryan Parker: From the perspective of someone looking at the entire Terlato Wines portfolio, not just the Terlato family owned brands, Terlato is special in that mostly all brands are led by family-owned producers that make wines that show a sense of place and are iconic to their regions.
What were some of the restaurants or bars that really embraced Terlato wines early on?
Bryan Parker: Most recently, the Terlato sales teams have done a stellar job securing placements at national accounts such as Outback Steakhouse, Carrabbas, Tupelo Honey, Ted’s Montana Grill, Maggiano’s, Hickory Tavern, Granite City Food and Brewery, Brixx Pizza, and Regal Cinemas.
Do you have a favorite or two from Terlato’s portfolio?
Bryan Parker: In terms of The Federalist, I like the original wine in the portfolio which is the Visionary Dry Creek Zinfandel. I am also a fan of Rutherford Hill Atlas Peak Merlot, the Chimney Rock Tomahawk Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Sanford Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard.
What is coming up for Terlato in 2020?
Bryan Parker: (laughs) A new vintage! We are always looking at making new wines from different areas for The Federalist but nothing concrete yet.
When not busy with work, where does your free time usually go?
Bryan Parker: Gardening, hiking and cooking.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Bryan Parker: The Napa Valley Chamber Music Series — Emmanuel Ax.
Finally, Bryan, any last words for the kids?
Bryan Parker: Chase your dreams!
TweetAbout the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
Related Posts
Flee- “HUNNIBUN” →
Web3 and Afro-Futurism Take Center Stage at Tribeca Film Festival →
Kayo Da Don Preps for ‘30 for 30’ Album Drop with “Upstate Drip” →
