US: Terlato and Colavita introduce new global wine brand

(BizJournals) - Quick? What do you get when you add extra virgin olive oil to a luxury wine producer and marketer? A new globe wine brand called Colavita of course.

Lake Bluff, IL.-based Terlato Wines, a producer and marketer of wines, and Colavita, a producer of extra virgin olive oil, are jointly launching a collection of premium Italian wines under the Colavita brand that will be distributed globally. Under terms of the agreement, Terlato will produce and market the wines. The first wines to be introduced will include Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio, Pinot Noir and Valpolicella Ripasso.

This is believed to be the first time a major food brand and a wine company have joined forces to produce and market a collection of Italian wines worldwide.

The Colavita company traces its origins in Italy back four generations to Giovanni Colavita, who began the olive oil company that would grow into a leader in the category. Enrico Colavita and his partner John J. Profaci co-founded Colavita USA, and together they decided to launch a premium wine brand. They subsequently tapped Terlato to help realize their dream.

Noted Bill Terlato, CEO of Terlato Wines: "Colavita is one of the most well-known and successful Italian brands in the world. They have earned their leadership position and share our commitment to exceptional quality."