Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
A s the largest and most comprehensive cocktail event in the world, it's no surprise that spirits brands small and large flock to New Orleans every July for Tales of the Cocktail. But between the rum-focused tasting rooms, top mixologist face-offs and seminars that cover topics ranging from ice to how to grow your own bar garden, you don't tend to see a ton of wine industry folks wandering about. But this year, one of the biggest names in the wine world was at Tales in full force, sponsoring events, pouring drinks and even hosting a Spirited Dinner: Trinchero Family Estates, which has recently branched out and into the spirited realm. Although some observers may be surprised to see TFE expand outside of the grape, where they've had tremendous success behind megabrands such as Sutter Home and Ménage à Trois, boldly forging ahead into the spirit category is very much in line with the TFE tradition of success through innovation. "The success this company has experienced is a testament to taste and quality, but is also a result of staying on top of trends and a continued commitment to growth and expansion," explains Roger Trinchero, Principal, Vice Chairman and CEO of the family-owned business. "We have to continue to innovate to stay relevant and to adapt to the changing tastes and wants of our consumers," With a solid backbone built by its wine portfolio, the spirits added to the Trinchero portfolio are set up for success. Here, Bob Torkelson, President and COO, and Roger Trinchero, Principal, Vice Chairman and CEO, overlook the vineyards. Trinchero Gets Taken As we know, Trinchero is all about innovation. But what's most unique is the way in which innovation seems to pass down from one generation to the next in this family. Founded in 2010, Taken Wine Company is the brainchild of Roger Trinchero's son, Carlo, who partnered with winemaker Josh Phelps (son of Chris Phelps) to launch this playful line that offers a nod to social media's relationship status options: taken, available or it's complicated. "There is determination by the third generation of the Trinchero family to remain family-owned and focused on quality, says Roger Trinchero. "This commitment to " growth and innovation paves the road for ipaves the road for the next generation . " The Taken 2010 Red Wine is a Napa blend, while the 2011 Complicated Red is a Central Coast Blend and Complicated White is 100% Sonoma Chard. The Taken lineup will continue in 2014 with the launch of Available wines. september 2013 / the tasting panel / 55 TP0913_034-62.indd 55 8/22/13 9:21 PM