Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10329
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Summer Means Limoncello T he timing for reintroducing premium Villa Massa Limoncello (SRP $27) couldn’t be better. Hailing from lemon-blessed Sorrento, the liqueur previously was available in select markets where producer Stefano Massa had personal relationships. Limoncello has stayed under the radar in the U.S., mostly consumed as a digestif in Italian restaurants, but hardly fl ying off the retail shelves. But now, with the popularity of infused spirits and a renewed interest in natural ingredients, Limoncello is positioned to move off the checked tablecloth and into the cocktail lounge—and even the kitchen as a base ingredient for light dishes. Says Massa, “Limoncello is now the ambassador of the Italian lifestyle.” His organically produced spirit hopes to fi nd its sweet spot with new distribu- tion through W. J. Deutsch & Sons. —Lana Bortolot APPOINTMENTS Ted Simpkins has fi lled the newly created position of Corporate Executive Vice President for Young’s Market Company. Simpkins will report directly to Christopher Underwood, Young’s CEO, as will John Klein, who will continue in his capacity as Young’s President. Simpkins was formerly Executive VP, California, for Southern Wine and Spirits. “Ted is a true beverage alcohol professional with a long and illustrious list of accomplishments,” says Chris Underwood. “We are very excited that he has agreed to come to Young’s to share with us his experience, knowledge and industry acumen. We believe that Ted and John Klein bring to Young’s the most in-depth and competent executive management team in our industry.” Simpkins states, “I have been fortunate to have had a long and very fulfi lling career in this industry. While I will miss my many friends and colleagues at SWS, I am thrilled to be working with Young’s Market Company and the Underwood family, who I have long admired and respected.” Young’s Market Company is one of the nation’s largest dis- tributors and brokers of alcoholic beverages with operations in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska Hawaii, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. Ascentia Wine Estates announces the hir- ing of Nick Goldschmidt as Consulting Winemaker for Atlas Peak. Goldschmidt brings an unparalleled level of esteem and winemaking experience. He is a mountain man, spending his career working with fruit from high-elevation vineyards in Argentina, New Zealand and Spain. Nick Goldschmidt. Executive Offi cer. Nick Goldschmidt is one of the pioneering forces behind the Atlas Peak Mountain Cabernet Series. He believes that Napa Cabernet is a place of extremes, and that the four mountain appel- lations surrounding the Napa Valley are the pinnacle. Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. has appointed Drew Munro General Manager of the Bourbon U.S. Category Business Team (CBT) and wel- comes Jay Mathew as General Manager of the Classics U.S. CBT. They are responsible for a cross-functional team whose focus is the growth of the brands in the U.S. market. 12 / the tasting panel / may 2010 “Nick brings a unique winemaking experi- ence, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon with consistent endorsement of quality,” says Jim DeBonis, Ascentia Wine Estates Chief Drew Munro. Jay Mathew.