E&J Gallo to Import Australia's Wirra Wirra
E. & J. Gallo Winery is now the exclusive importer of Wirra Wirra’s luxury portfolio of heritage Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Founded in 1894, the sustainable, family-owned Wirra Wirra estate is synonymous with McLaren Vale. Winemaker Emma Wood, formerly of Penfolds, today elevates the region with aromatic, expressive wines that beautifully balance the power of McLaren Vale with elegance, brightness, integrity and finesse.
“As a family-owned winery with history dating back to 1894, Wirra Wirra is delighted to partner in the U.S. with E. & J. Gallo Winery, another historic, family-owned wine company that we admire immensely,” says Matt Deller MW, CEO at Wirra Wirra. “Gallo are unparalleled brand builders in the U.S. market who are uniquely positioned to bring Wirra Wirra’s great McLaren Vale wines to American consumers. Since Wirra Wirra launched Church Block 50 years ago it has grown to be Australia’s favorite premium Cabernet Sauvignon blend, thanks to how it massively overdelivers value for money. We are excited to work with Gallo to see where they can take our generous, energetic, perfumed wines in the US.”
Wirra Wirra’s most popular bottling is Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz-Merlot, Australia’s leading Cabernet blend over $20. The winery’s portfolio features a strong range of other offerings, including the highly acclaimed Flagship wines The Holy Thirst and RSW.
“We are thrilled to partner with Wirra Wirra, one of the most well-known and well-respected names in Australian winemaking,” says Steve Carlotti, senior vp/general manager at E. & J. Gallo Winery. “Wirra Wirra consistently delivers elegant, classic wines at incredible value. We look forward to bringing this exciting new choice to American consumers.”
Distribution of Wirra Wirra will begin this fall in select markets with McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon. Customers and consumers can expect distribution to expand more widely in the future. Wirra Wirra’s iconic Church Block blend will be a primary focus, given its widespread success in Australia as well as its ability to appeal to consumers in the US market.